April 30 - Member Update
SSA Offices closed May 5th
Please note, both SSA offices will be closed on Wednesday, May 5 for staff training. Staff will be unavailable by either phone or email.
Return to Soccer
Both the SSA Return to Soccer Plan and the FAQ have been updated with the below information.
Welcome back Adult participants! On Wednesday the government released that the age distinction will be removed for group training and conditioning for team sports both indoors and out. This means individuals 19+ can follow the same format as 18 and under have been using for training and conditioning in groups. Competition remains prohibited for all ages in team sports, and all member organizations must continue to abide by the contactless training restrictions (see pages 5 and 6 of the Return to Soccer Plan).
While we know this change may not have a great impact on our adult organizations, this is still good news! Youth and adults now have the same restrictions, and we are hopeful that this continues to be the state going forward. We are also grateful that those just over 18 can rejoin their teams for training.
Member Organization may now choose to train adult referees and coaches within the current restrictions, however SSA will not be hosting any on field clinics at this time.
Also, this week, we received the following clarifications from BRT:
Maximum of 10 Gathering Limit: The BRT confirmed that the outdoor gathering limit of 10 applies to outdoor sport. Therefore, Member Organizations cannot go over 10 total in one training group, with a maximum of 8 of the 10 being players (ex. you can have 8 players and 2 coaches).
We want to remind Member Organizations that as outdoor training is starting, it is important to continually check our weekly communications for Return to Soccer updates. The government guidelines and the SSA’s Return to Soccer Plans are dynamic, and as we receive more information the weekly communication along with the monthly member discussions will be our main mechanisms to communicate those changes to membership.
Reference Material:
Government of Saskatchewan ReleaseRe-Open Saskatchewan Plan - updated April 28
Coaching Resources for Social Distancing
See below Return to Play Sample Sessions that are mindful of physical distancing from our friends at Manitoba Soccer. These resources can also be found under Technical Resources on our COVID Resources page.
Next Member Discussion
The next Member Discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11th at 8:00 PM. The meeting may be moved or delayed depending on the timing of government announcements related to sport.
Canada Soccer Advanced Coaching Certification Announcements
We are pleased to announce the following coaches who have recently received the Canada Soccer C & B Licence awards.
Canada Soccer National B-Licence Part 1
| Predrag Maksimovic - Saskatoon |
| LakewoodTimothy Mangan - Saskatoon |
| LakewoodAustin Boryski - Saskatoon |
| HollandiaDave Nutt - Saskatoon, Eastside / Canada Soccer |
| Chad Striker - Swift Current, SCSA |
| Sara Paul - Regina, FC Regina |
| Tyler Hillstead - Weyburn, WSA |
Canada Soccer National C-Licence
| Muhammed Patel - Saskatoon, Lakewood |
| Morgan Regan - Saskatoon, SUSC |
| Darren Gardiner - Saskatoon, Astra |
| Jacqueline Reynaud - Saskatoon, Astra |
Return to Play Stimulus Funding - 2021 Outdoor Registration
Up to $150,000 will be distributed to eligible Member Organizations that offer programming in the Outdoor 2021 season.
The funding will be applied as a credit to the organization’s 2021 outdoor registrations.
Updated Registration Submission:
June 8-14: SSA will confirm MO eligibility, Stimulus Funding credit, and update the total registration owing. * For those groups that offer fall outdoor or Indoor only details to follow.
June 21: submit registration payment. This is a firm deadline so plan accordingly.
September 30: submit final 2021 Outdoor Registrar Report and fees, for all registrations received up to September 30. 
Registration Fees and Reports: http://sasksoccer.com/content/participant-registration
2021 Toyota National Championships Confirmation of Interest
Canada Soccer has requested that all provinces gauge the level of interest in the 2021 Toyota National Championships by May 15th. SSA is seeking confirmation as to whether your Member Organization will have interest for a team to attend through a short survey. We recognize that an expression of interest at this time will be subject to any restrictions placed upon teams by local authorities and members will not face penalties should your team have to withdraw due to COVID-19-related reasons.
This form should be submitted by Member Organization approved contacts only.
To learn more and submit the survey, please click here.
Deadline to submit a response is Thursday, May 13.
Everyone’s Game - Have you Joined the Movement?
SSA’s new Everyone’s Game Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Strategy, launched at the SSA Annual General Meeting today, ensures that individuals from diverse cultures, abilities, genders, and gender identities are able to participate in soccer as players, coaches, board members, volunteers, officials, etc.
With your support in encouraging and enabling a fully inclusive membership, we will be a much stronger organization with an enhanced ability to compete with other sports organizations for members and to make soccer accessible to everyone.
We know there will be both opportunities and challenges associated with implementing this strategy, that’s why we have prepared materials to help you. The first step is Joining the Movement!
We are calling on you the Member Organizations to make the commitment to support Everyone’s Game. Complete the form to be a part of the community.
We are all stronger when we embrace diversity!
Each week visit Everyone’s Game Resource Centre on our weekly communication to find informational and inspirational articles, member interviews, and developmental opportunities.
Inspirational Articles: Inclusion Must Be Intentional
True inclusion involves authentic and empowered participation and a true sense of belonging for all participants.
Monthly Member Interview: Carlos Correa
Carlos Correa sits down with Eden Senger to discuss why inclusion and diversity is so vital to the success of soccer. Carlos moved to Canada from Uruguay many years ago. He obtained his Bachelor's in Visual Arts and works for the YWCA as a part of the Settlement team with newcomers in Canada. Carlos is an active coach and player in Prince Albert.
It is time to Register Your Referees!
We would like our match officials to be fully ready to return to games once restrictions are lessened. SSA has provided a reduction of referee registration fee of 50% to encourage registration and position your Member Organization to be able to offer games when safe to do so. Please encourage all returning referees to head over to your Member Organization’s RAMP portal and register if they have not done so already. Referees have a very important role in the game and your Member Organization’s future programming is contingent on the number of registered referees you have available.
Rafflebox Update
Now is the time to create some energy around the 50-50 Rafflebox Project!
We expect to receive our gaming license early next week. Once this is received we can formally begin selling tickets. There will be a further update at that time to explain the rules of the Raffle and update Members on how the Raffle will function.
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 organization’s soccer goals. For SSA Members 35% of sales will go back to support soccer.
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. Currently we have 12 of 52 Member Organizations who have enrolled in the Rafflebox project. Our goal is to have every Member Organization join in as this is a unique opportunity to raise funds to potentially cover the cost of participant fees for 2021.
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.
Techne Launch Week 8 Leaderboard
The winner of the Week #8 Techne Leaderboard draw and a $50 Xtratime Sports Soccer Locker gift card is Aubrey S. from Valley Soccer Association!
Even More Prizes!
To acknowledge the dedication and hard work of all participants on the Techne Futbol App over the past few months, we are excited to announce EVEN MORE PRIZE GIVEAWAYS!
In addition to the weekly and monthly giveaways, there will be 4 prizes given away at the beginning of June to mark the end of the 3 month free period for SSA Members.
In partnership with NXGN, the final prizes will be as follows:
| One Player selected from the Top 15 Total Time Trained since March 1 - Prize: 3 Month Mentorship |
| One Player selected from a list of any participant that has exceeded 10 hours of Total Time Trained since March 1 - Prize: 3 Month Mentorship |
| One Player who has a ‘Training Streak’ of more than 10 (need to log 10 mins for 10+ consecutive days to be eligible) - Prize: 3 Month Mentorship |
| One Team/Club prize from the Top 7 of Total Time Trained from any participating MO - Club/Team Workshop |
Keep up the GREAT work everyone and stayed tuned for the upcoming giveaways!
Check out the NXGN Website to learn about what they offer at WWW.THENXGN.COM
SSA Calendar of Events & Deadlines
Recordings of past webinars and COVID 19 member calls can be found on our YouTube Channel.April 27 - Member Discussion
April 28 - Referee Laws of the Game Refresher 2020-2021
May 1 - MAP Grant Application Deadline
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. |
