Return to pitch ‘a blast’ while it lasted
Maple Leaf Cavan FC youth teams began indoor winter league play this week, only to learn Friday that contests won’t be allowed starting Monday
Maple Leaf Cavan FC youth players hit the soccer pitch this week for the first time in almost a year.
The U12 boys and girls were the first to play in the club’s indoor winter league on turf Monday at the old Millbrook Arena.
It was their first action since the 2020 season was cancelled on March 9 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Club officials also opened registration last Friday for a ’21 outdoor season.
The 10-week indoor program was originally scheduled to begin Jan. 4 but a provincial lockdown postponed it for almost two months.
“The kids had a blast,” said MLCFC administrator Angela Penello.
“It was their first soccer in almost a year, hard to believe. It was brilliant,” Penello said.
“The kids were a little nervous because it has been almost a year, but once they got out on the pitch they started giving it. There were a few little aches and muscle pulls but overall they fit right back in playing the game they love.”
On Friday afternoon, the Ontario government announced Peterborough city and county will be placed in the red control zone effective Monday, which means teams will no longer be able to play games or scrimmages and will be restricted to training practices until further notice.
There were 160 players registered in U12, U14 and U18 divisions and skills and drills sessions for U11 players on Saturday mornings.
The games are played following strict COVID-19 protocols created by Ontario Soccer and approved by Peterborough Public Health.
No spectators are permitted and club officials screen all players and collect contact-tracing information at the entrance.
Since the club opened up registration for a nine-week outdoor house league season starting in May, it already has 700 players signed up.
There will be 29 divisions of 40 players for age groups ranging from U4 to U12 with games played at Maple Leaf Park in Cavan and Crestwood Secondary School. The cost is $125.
Spots were filling up so fast, Penello said, anyone interested in playing shouldn’t delay registering. There are 300 open spots.
“That’s a sure sign that the players have missed the game as much as we have,” Penello said.
It’s not looking as promising for the rep teams, as travel between different health units may not be permitted in time for the season, Penello said.
The club will offer a program for rep players but is holding off on registration until it confirms exactly what it will look like.
“It doesn’t look like competitive soccer as it’s traditionally played is going to be played this summer,” Penello said.
Current rules only allow for leagues of 50 or fewer players.
“We will have to modify the league in which we play for these teams,” she said.
To register for house league, visit mlcfcsoccer.com.