April 1 - Member Update
SSA Offices Closed for Easter Holiday
The SSA Offices will be closed, and staff will be off work on Friday, April 2nd and Monday, April 5th for the Easter weekend.
We hope you all have a safe and a wonderful weekend.
Return to Soccer
This week SSA organized and facilitated a meeting with the BRT, Sask Sport and other outdoor team sports. It was clear that the optimism we had a few weeks ago must be tempered somewhat based on the increased presence of variants of concern across the province and hot spots in some major communities.
However, BRT confirmed they are still optimistic about us having a more ‘normal’ outdoor season this year with the potential that bubbles/mini leagues may not be required. It is also anticipated that Rural communities, with no opportunity for competition in their local areas, will be able to travel within a reasonable distance as was allowed last fall. Tournaments and events that bring large gatherings of people together are likely not possible for a while.
SSA inquired about adult members being allowed to Return to Play and encouraged BRT to make the case to support the efforts of organized/sanctioned sport and also allow adults to resume play. Along with our sport colleagues we offered any assistance we can to support BRT and Sask Health to allow us to get back on the pitch.
PLEASE NOTE: None of the above is confirmed until the release of the updated guidelines. However, based on the discussions we have had we encourage members to prepare as if play will be possible soon. The most important thing that we can do as a sector is to follow all health guidelines in our personal and sporting lives. The government has demonstrated that they want sport to be possible and meetings such as the one this week help present organized sport as an important part of the overall health solution.
Prepare now. If you need any assistance on your Return to Play plan, please contact us. Our work continues next week with meetings with Canada Soccer and Sask Sport on the schedule. We anticipate additional meetings with BRT in the coming weeks. We will continue to keep you updated.
Reminder: ONLY organizations that have completed a Return to Soccer Plan and the Canada Soccer Assessment tool may return to the pitch. Additional How to Develop a Return to Soccer Plan Webinars have been scheduled to help organizations with this process:
Thursday, April 8 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Register Here
Thursday, April 15 at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Register Here
Next Member Discussion
The next Member Discussion will be on Tuesday, April 20th at 8:00 PM. We anticipate having more information on what our Outdoor season will look like by this date, and it will be an important meeting that Member Organizations won’t want to miss. Depending on the timing of the government’s release, this date will be changed if needed.
MAP Grant
MAP Grant Initial Approval Letters were emailed out yesterday. We understand Member Organizations are busy planning their return to the pitch this outdoor and therefore the MAP Grant Application Deadline has been extended to May 1st at 5:00 PM.
If you did not receive a letter, you are not listed as a primary contact for your organization - if this needs to be adjusted, please contact us.
MAP rewards those groups that take the time to prepare, properly apply and follow up on their commitments. Those groups that are thorough throughout the process achieve higher levels of funding. We are here to assist.
For forms, webinars, and support documentation, please visit our MAP Grant webpage.
Rafflebox Update
Now is the time to create some energy around the 50-50 Rafflebox Project! Rafflebox has received provincial gaming approval and SSA is in the process of getting our license approved.
The more Members we have participating the higher the jackpots and the more enthusiasm we will generate. Let’s get excited about raising funds to support your organizations soccer goals. Let’s aim high - groups like Nova Scotia Firefighters have jackpots over $200,000 weekly. For SSA Members 35% of sales will go to support soccer every week.
There is no risk. SSA and Rafflebox will manage the 50-50, and all you have to do is encourage sales which can go directly back to your organization.
Please fill out and return the agreement form located here to ea@sasksoccer.com for your organization to be added to the Rafflebox dropdown and ensure your organization is included in receiving funds.
2020 SSA Recognition Awards
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the SSA Recognition Awards last night! If you missed the celebration, you can catch up here. Thank you to SSA President Lisa Bagonluri and Vice President Kelly Rawlings for presenting, and to Darren Dupont and the team at IKS Media for your outstanding job hosting once again this year! To our special guests Chantal Boudreau, Thomas Hasal and Al Simpson - it was great to hear from you all, thank you for joining us!
“The Recognition Awards Celebration is an event we look forward to each year. It allows us the opportunity to look back on the year that has passed and reflect on our members’ accomplishments. 2020 was a year like no other, and each of these individuals overcame obstacles and excelled despite the circumstances. Their accomplishments truly deserve to be recognized,” says Saskatchewan Soccer Executive Director, Doug Pederson.
The below players, coaches, referees, and volunteers had an outstanding year in 2020. They were nominated by others in the soccer community to highlight how they help the sport of soccer thrive in Saskatchewan.
Congratulations to the following winners!
Female Youth Player of the Year
Jaycee Krushelniski, Saskatoon
Male Youth Player of the Year
Jaron Slopinski, Regina
Female Senior Player of the Year
Olivia Gables, Regina
Male Senior Player of the Year
Thomas Hasal, Saskatoon
Senior Futsal Player of the Year
Jay Tomchuk, Saskatoon
Soccer for Life Player of the Year
Mike Schabel, White City, SK
Competitive for Life Award
Mike Raymond, Regina
Multisport Athlete of the Year
Hunter Kutcher, Regina
Youth Coach of the Year
Hassan Mowgli, Saskatoon
Coaching Dedication
Kurt Anthony and Samantha Stom Anthony, Regina
Soccer for Life Coach of the Year
Randy Poelzer, Saskatoon
Youth Team of the Year
FC Regina U15G Bluestars, Regina
Referee of the Year
Shukwia Tajik, Saskatoon
Nicole Rapin, Saskatoon
Member Organization of the Year
Weyburn Soccer Association, Weyburn
Soccer for Life Team of the Year
VUSC U19 Fusion, Warman
Volunteer of the Year
Chad Striker, Swift Current
Life Membership
Hung Duong, Saskatoon
President's Award
Dale Perry, Swift Current
David Newsham Award
Leslie Blyth, Regina
Techne Launch Week 4 Leaderboard
The winner of the Week #4 Techne Leaderboard draw and a $50 Soccer Locker gift card was Olivier K. from Saskatoon Youth Soccer Inc.!
SSA Calendar of Events & Deadlines
Recordings of past webinars and COVID 19 member calls can be found on our YouTube Channel.April 17 - VWFC / SSA Coach Education Series Part 2 of 8
April 28 - Referee Laws of the Game Refresher 2020-2021
Every Friday - Canada Soccer Podcast
BE SAFE! BE THE SOLUTION!
As a reminder, please continue to take care of yourself, your families, and others.
| Wash your hands frequently (it is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread). |
| Practice other good hygiene habits: do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with your hands and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow). |
| Clean and disinfect frequently touched workspace surfaces. |
| Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and move in moderation). |
| Stay home if you are sick |
 | Our sport is underway during the pandemic. It's a challenging time, but support from our partners allows us to offer opportunities for kids to play. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada. |
