Carman Minor Soccer is sounding the alarm as it looks to fill key volunteer roles needed to run the upcoming season, warning that without a functioning board, there will be no local program this year.
The community-based club typically serves about 400 children from Carman and surrounding areas each year, operating U4 to U17 programs through May and June. But with several executive positions vacant, organizers say the 2026 season is now in jeopardy.
“If we don’t have a board, we will not have a season,” said president Chelsea Kozak.
Four positions remain unfilled: vice-president, treasurer, fundraising co-ordinator and referee co-ordinator. Under the club’s constitution, those roles must be filled in order for the organization to operate.
Kozak has been on the board for six years and had planned to step aside this year after her children were no longer involved in the program. She was prepared to move into the past-president role, but with the vice-president position now vacant, the constitution requires her to remain as president for another year.
“We need more opinions and we need more people involved,” Kozak said. “You don’t have to have children in the program to help. This is about keeping soccer in our community.”
The club typically aims to open registration by March 1, a process that requires significant preparation in advance. Kozak said a decision on whether the season can proceed must be made by Feb. 1.
“If we don’t have the board positions filled by then, we won’t be able to move forward,” she said.
If the board cannot be completed, local players would be forced to travel to neighbouring centres such as Morden or Portage la Prairie to continue playing.
The club meets monthly from January through April, with additional meetings at the end of the season. Organizers say the workload is busiest leading up to the start of play, as schedules, registrations, referees and equipment are finalized.
An annual general meeting has been scheduled for Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Kinsmen Room at the Carman Dufferin Arena. The meeting is open to the public, and the club is encouraging anyone with an interest in community sport to attend.
In addition to board members, Carman Minor Soccer is also seeking coaches and team managers for the upcoming season.
Currently filled positions include secretary, regional co-ordinator, U10–U17 representative, U4–U8 co-ordinator and the president’s role held by Kozak. Board terms are typically two years, though the club is willing to consider one-year commitments to help get this season underway.
“The program is important for the kids and the community,” Kozak said. “It’s a great board to be part of, and it’s rewarding to see the time and effort translate on the field for the kids.”
She added that the club has worked hard to keep soccer affordable while covering operating costs.
“Soccer keeps kids active and builds relationships within the community,” Kozak said. “We’d be devastated to see it take a year off.”
Anyone interested in volunteering who is unable to attend the meeting can contact Kozak at carmanminorsoccer@gmail.com.
