LAC LA BICHE - Even if the grass — brown though it might be — can still be seen on sports fields across the Lakeland, outdoor soccer-playing weather is still technically months away. But that doesn’t mean local players have to put their game on hold until spring — they simply move it indoors.
Glenda Bouvier, the president of Lac La Biche FC, said the indoor season kicked off around the end of October and will run until the end of February. According to Bouvier, more than 100 local soccer players ranging in age from the U5 to U19 levels have signed up for this season, with each team practicing at the Bold Centre one-two times per week.
“We have players that play both indoor and outdoor,” she said, adding that indoor numbers are almost double last year's outdoor numbers.
The indoor soccer season, Bouvier says, is longer than the eight-week outdoor season, so it provides additional time for players to train and develop their skills. The indoor league also allows some players to mix with similar aged players from across the Lakeland on combined community teams.
“Indoor league also provides opportunities to make friends across the Lakeland as the U13 to U19 players join with other communities as our numbers are too low to field our own teams,” she explained. “Players get to play and be coached by new people, which has fostered a sense of community across the Lakeland.”
Soccer clubs in St. Paul, Cold Lake, Lac La Biche and Bonnyville are all part of that combined Lakeland-area partnership when one community can't field a full team.
With indoor season in full swing, Bouvier said players in the U13-U19 levels play league games on weekends across the Lakeland region.
Playing the beautiful game indoors over the long winter months also offers the chance to host tournaments. The most recent was over the December 9 weekend at the Bold Center, hosted the Lakeland District Soccer Association. The weekend of activity drew U11 to U 15 boys teams and U13 and U17 girls' teams from across the Lakeland.
Lakeland Cup in Lac La Biche
From Feb. 23-25, Lac La Biche will play host to the Lakeland Cup, the league championship tournament of the indoor season for U13-U19 teams. Through the season, indoor tournaments are also held across the province, drawing teams from the Lakeland. The annual Polar Cup is a popular indoor event held in Edmonton each year, drawing dozens of young players from the Lakeland area to challenge teams from across the province.
It's a busy season, says Bouvier, continuing from a busy outdoor season. And like the outdoor season, the indoor events wouldn't be possible without community support from coaches, parents, players and administrators.
“Lac La Biche FC appreciates the commitment and dedication of the board and volunteer coaches, ensuring soccer remains vibrant in our community,” she stated. “Their ongoing support ensures our youth stay active and have opportunity to share the beautiful game.”
