Altona Youth Soccer is on the rise, and the organization is in need of a dedicated facility to accommodate its expanding program.
Currently utilizing playing fields at two local schools, supporters assert that the community’s burgeoning interest in soccer warrants a space of its own.
Karl Enns, chair of the organization’s board, reflects on the program’s substantial growth since its inception by Rodrigo Bravo and Jackie Harms in 2018.
“They started with three teams and 50 players. Today, we have around 115 players across eight teams, including two U10 teams, three U12 teams, one U14 team, and two U17 teams.
“Most years, we’ve grown by about 10 per cent, but since last year, we’ve seen a 20 per cent jump. This surge is largely due to the introduction of the U17 level. We started the U16 program last year and expanded it to U17, allowing us to field full 11 vs. 11 teams, as opposed to the seven vs. seven formats in the younger groups.”
The Altona program is part of the Pembina Valley Youth Soccer league, which includes teams from Morden, Winkler, Carman, Rosenort, and Morris. Collectively these communities have approximately 40 teams and 500 players. The soccer season spans May and June, kicking off as soon as the fields are playable.
“We’re seeing similar growth in all the other groups as well,” Enns notes.
He attributes soccer’s rising popularity in part to its growing visibility on the global stage.
“With women’s soccer performing well in the Olympics and the World Cup, and the men’s team making it to the Gold Cup for the first time in years, it’s really gaining attention. It’s more present in school programs and communities because it’s in the news.”
Immigration also plays a significant role in the sport’s growth.
“Newcomers bring a passion for soccer with them,” Enns explains. “It’s a global sport, played in every country, culture, and climate. New immigrants may not have a historical connection with baseball or hockey, but they do with soccer, which is a major driver of our growth.”
At $100 per season, Altona Youth Soccer remains an affordable option for families.
“We’re committed to keeping it accessible,” says Enns. “Some families can’t pay, but local sponsors and businesses step in to cover the costs. We’ve been very fortunate with community support.”
Organizations like the Curtis Klassen Memorial Fund have been instrumental in providing jerseys and equipment. However, the dream of having their own field persists.
“We have a fantastic partnership with the Altona Rec Office and Borderland School Division, sharing facilities at no cost,” Enns says. “But with our growth, we’re reaching the limits of available space.”
Most activities currently take place at Parkside School, which has a makeshift soccer field. The U17 team uses the high school field. It’s working for now, but further growth will strain these facilities.
The idea of a dedicated soccer complex was first presented to Altona town council a few years ago by Bravo and Harms, but the pandemic stalled progress. Last year, the organization renewed its pitch to the council, receiving positive feedback.
“It’s now part of the conversation as Altona embarks on a five-year recreation visioning study,” Enns shares. A soccer field complex is being considered in the long-term plans for Altona and Rhineland. “We’d be excited to help design it. We want soccer to be on par with baseball and hockey in our community.”
The envisioned project includes green space for two to four soccer pitches, with proper landscaping for drainage and specific grass types.
“Our dream is for a space with two full-size pitches and two junior or half pitches. A few acres would be good, but 20 acres would be ideal.”
Such a facility, Ens adds, would benefit local kids and boost the economy.
“We could host training events, refereeing, and coaching clinics. Altona already hosts big sporting events in baseball and hockey. A soccer complex would benefit many other sports, like rugby and cricket. It’s always great to offer alternatives.”
