By Troy Gillard

Back to the beautiful game

Red Deer soccer returns starting next week

Jun 11, 2020 | 3:20 PM

City soccer organizers are excited to capitalize on the fact their sport is one of the few that can hit the ground running under the next phase of the province’s return from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stage 2 of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy that commences Friday allows for the resumption of team sports as long as no more than 50 people are involved at a time.

Stephen Kelly, president of the Red Deer City Soccer Association, said Thursday they’ll be on the pitch starting next week after getting approval from provincial and national soccer associations. He says The City of Red Deer has also given the green light to begin using Edgar Athletic Park.

“It’s enclosed there, we can control traffic and be systematic,” Kelly explained. “Other facilities will likely open up in July.”

Kelly says they typically have about 3,000 registered players, but expects there could be even more this year.

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“We’re hoping for a lot given other sports remain cancelled,” he admits.

Kelly says the Renegades competitive program will reboot first with grassroots house leagues to follow in the coming weeks.

“Our U5 and U6 Timbits will be last to start, probably with more camp-style events,” he noted. “We’re definitely going to have a season for everyone, which is great.”

Kelly says having contingency plans ready ahead of time has given them a leg up on hitting the ground running now that they’re able to do so.

“We’re optimistic for a great year.”