Yorkton futsal team staying positive following Saskatchewan Winter Games postponement
Mike Jakubiec continues to coach the U-15 girls' futsal team, even though they will not be playing at the Saskatchewan Winter Games next month.
"I think they've worked pretty hard to get into the games and it was going to be a good stepping stone to introduce them to the community, so it's kind of a disappointment that we don't get to participate this year,” Jakubiec said.
This was the first year futsal, a football-based variation of minifootball played on a hard court, smaller than a football pitch, was to be played at the provincial games.
Markus Reinkens who is the head development coach for Saskatchewan Soccer agrees with Jakubiec and adds that having futsal at the winter games would also help introduce the sport.
“I think having this as part of the winter games gave us a big opportunity to introduce it to a lot more people,” said Reinkens.
Players from the Parkland District team are disappointed, but understand the reasons behind the postponement.
"We were looking forward to playing in a different tournament,” said Hadiza Kasim, who plays as a center midfielder. “We usually don’t play against other teams.”
“(The game) is usually fast paced and everything,” said Kasim. “It is four-a-side, so there is less players on the field (that) makes it a bit more challenging but still really fun.”
Despite the postponement of the winter games, the team is trying to stay optimistic.
"Honestly, just the people we play (with and) the game,” said Paige Remezoff, who is a goalkeeper. “I have been hooked on soccer for a long time, I just love the sport.”
Suzy Switzer’s daughter is on the team and said news of the games postponement was hard for everyone.
"As a parent it’s so hard to watch because they have worked so hard and for it to be canceled a month and a half ahead of the games, it is pretty devastating for them,” said Switzer.
Although the games are cancelled, both parents and coaches feel the girls are still benefitting from practice.
"It's not just the physicality of it. It is the mental health of the girls,” said Switzer. They have such a strong bond as a team together and the fact they are able to come and do this, even if it is just practicing, they get to still come out and have fun together.”
The team will continue to practice in Yorkton as they prepare for provincials that are still scheduled to take place in early march.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.