After more than 15 years serving as the office manager for the Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association (PAYSA), Mitzi Pytlak is retiring from her role.
Pytlak says she got involved with the organization because her children played soccer but has decided to relocate to Saskatoon where her children are now living as adults.
“All my kids grew up playing soccer and PA and refereed and they’ve moved on to Saskatoon, got their education in Saskatoon, stayed there. It’s kind of time for me and my husband to retire, and we’re moving to Saskatoon to be with the kids.”
During her time with PAYSA, the organization has seen several significant changes including the opening of the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse and the naming of Dragan Ivkovic as the technical director of the organization.
Pytlak says she has seen significant growth in the sport during her time with the organization.
“Over the years lots of changes building the facility (Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse). This facility took us years to build so that was a huge contribution to the city doing that. I guess the biggest difference I’d noticed is the amount of First Nations that have come in over the years and what a positive impact that has made on them. Since we’ve hired Dragan (Ivkovic) as our new technical director, he developed a really strong relationship with them so our membership really grew by bringing them in.”
Thomas McIntosh will be taking over for Pytlak and will serve as the Club Manager for PAYSA. McIntosh is no stranger to the soccer community in Prince Albert having spent time as a player, referee and volunteer with the organization.
Pytlak says McIntosh will be a perfect fit to take over from her.
“Thomas also grew up in the club. I’ve known him his whole life. His father was president for a while while I was on the board, so he knows the club, he knows the city, so it’ll be perfect. He’s the perfect fit and I’m very happy with that.”
McIntosh will work with Pytlak until her final day with the organization next month. He says it is a tall task to replace someone like Pytlak, but he is looking forward to the chance to work with PAYSA.
“Very big shoes (to fill). I’ve known her for a very long time. Luckily I’ve now got a short period of time to work with her in this transition. She’s someone who’s really easy to work with, who’s got a wealth of knowledge and someone who I believe will put me in the best spot to move forward and succeed in this role moving forward.”
“It’s really a dream opportunity. I’ve been involved with the club initially as an athlete even into refereeing for the club and then also more recently as a volunteer coach for the organization so to have this opportunity then to take this to the next level and to continue to have a really positive impact on the youth soccer community for me was a great opportunity.”
PAYSA technical director Dragan Ivkovic has worked closely with Pytlak throughout his entire tenure with the organization, which began in 2015.
Ivkovic says he is extremely thankful for everything Pytlak has done for him to help him since he first started in Prince Albert.
“I really would like to thank Mitzi for everything she did for me as a coworker and as a person. She has been an amazing help from the first moment I came here. I’ll be missing her big time.”
New turf being installed at Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse
The end of Pytlak’s term with PAYSA isn’t the only major change ongoing at the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse.
New turf is currently being installed and the facility should be ready to re-open later this month.
Ivkovic says the new turf will have a major impact on the way the game of soccer is played and will have a positive impact on the organization.
“This will definitely change the game. The training and everything will be a little bit slower because the old turf was basically like in a gym, there was no resistance on the ground. Now with this new turf, it will look amazing and I’m sure it will be a huge benefit for us for years to come.”
Registration for the 2024-25 indoor soccer season is open, but Ivkovic says PAYSA is filling up with registrants very quickly.
“It’s been extremely busy in the last couple days. I believe we’ll be closing some age groups on Friday. We are reaching our maximum numbers again. We are expecting another big group, both in Celtics and the recreational program.”
sports@paherald.sk.ca
