Stellar showing for PAYSA in Saskatoon

Going up against the top soccer teams from Saskatchewan wasn’t an issue for squads from the Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association over the weekend.

The Under-13 girls’, Under-13 boys’ and Under-15 girls’ clubs all came away with gold medals from the Eastside Bridge City Summer Classic in Saskatoon, while the Under-11 boys’ team captured a silver medal.

“It was a pretty dominant showing from all of the teams this weekend,” PAYSA technical director Dragutin Ivkovic said.

“That tournament sees clubs come in from all over the province and it’s definitely the biggest numbers of players and teams that will see all summer long.”

Although no standings were kept in the Under-9 division, Ivkovic was very pleased by the results of the boys’ and girls’ teams in that age group.

“The scores were pretty lopsided in our favour, especially for the girls team,” Ivkovic said.

“That age group is a huge foundation for what we are working towards for the future. When we started a couple of years ago in Prince Albert, the competitive group was starting at the age of 10. Now we’re getting started at the age of the seven and you are seeing the results.”

While the Under-15 girls’ squad faced some tough opponents on their road to the title, the Under 13 programs had a much easier road to the title.

“Both teams were in control for most of their games,” Ivkovic said.

“I know that the boys’ team have really gotten better this year be playing in the Provincial Soccer League. That’s one of the highest level youth leagues in Canada and they’ve really done well.”

The next tournament for the PAYSA club sides will be the FC Regina Summerfest this weekend.

 

@lpunkari•sports@paherald.sk.ca