Will excitement surrounding women's professional soccer translate into more women playing the beautiful game?
Kyle Naylor, board member of Huronia Soccer Club (HSC), said he'd like to expand the club and attract more women into the adult, co-ed house league.
"We had six women last year and we've doubled that this year and we still have lots of room for more women," says Naylor, who has been playing with and organizing the league for the past 25 years.
"The league and set up makes it a very welcome environment for all players of the game. There is a wide age and skill range," he adds.
The HSC is a friendly league which fields four teams currently. Teams play Tuesday nights with a referee and host casual play (no referee) Thursday nights. People over the age 16, of all abilities are welcome to play. The motto is "have fun, be nice."
The club attracts people of all ages and spans generations. Naylor is 53 and his son Ben plays on the team.
“We have a full range of skill, gender and abilities.We balance the teams out. If we have some lopsided teams, we even them out," says Naylor.
Paula Castillo, 21, just started her third year with the team.
“I really like this club. It’s very inviting for all levels. There is a mix of competitive and non-competitive, beginner and experienced alike and you get to meet new people and make a lot of friends. It’s just really good to get out and play some soccer."
Growing up in North Simcoe, she played soccer in Tiny and Tay, but felt restricted by a lack of soccer organizations.
“I feel like now there is more opportunities to play. When I was growing up there wasn’t this kind of club. But now that I’m an adult, I can join this one,” she says.
“I love the running around, challenging each other, attackers against defence," says the striker.
Referee Joe Silveira has been working HSC games for four years and confirms that it's a friendly league.
"This group is really calm. They are all here to have fun," he says.
Silveira added that it is an important league to have in the region.
“The other clubs we have that are closest is Orillia or Barrie, which is 20 minutes south or 45 minutes east. It’s nice to have league games in your home town. And for kids growing up, they have something to look forward to. They can play with their moms and dads."
The league has been around for about 40 years, according to vice president Mark Daigle.
This is the first year the league is playing in Wyevale at two fields, both with lights on the 5th Concession across from Wyevale Central Public School.
HSC was playing in Midland on the town's new fields off King Street behind Chuck's Roadhouse, a HSC team sponsor, but there are no lights and the North Simcoe Soccer Club use those fields.
"We are excited to play under the lights," says Daigle, noting the decision to move to Wyevale also frees up the Midland fields for the children's league.
The season started May 28 and it extends until the end of July with a tournament in August. However, the casual play continues long after.
“We carry on until the snow flies. It all depends on the weather and the interest. At some point, you hang up your cleats to recover,” Naylor jokes.
Newcomers can sign up through the website huroniasoccer.com.
Cost for the HSC house league program is $200 per season. Cost for the casual Thursdays is $90 for the season. Cost for both Tuesday and Thursday night is $225 per season. All players must be registered and have paid before they play. Jerseys and socks are provided.
