Soccer mania takes over at Little Pine

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When you're in Little Pine, you're in soccer country.

It's one of the few reserves in Saskatchewan where soccer is not only a family affair, it's also a year-round passion for the whole community. It's also the only team sport that is played both indoors and out, winter, summer, spring and fall.

Part of the reason for the current high level of participation on the reserve, explained soccer coach Rusty Nightraveler, is the Old Boys Team, a group of seasoned soccer players who played together more than 20 years ago and keep busy these days by coaching and passing along the love of soccer to a younger generation of players. They're experienced, dedicated coaches who are working hard to help create a new powerhouse of talented young Aboriginal players in the 13- to 17-year-old age group.

And this new generation of hard-working athletes are currently making a big splash in the regional competitions of the Meridian Youth Soccer Association.

"And that's not all. Our chief and council have also decided to build two new regulation-size soccer fields as part of Little Pine's bid to host the 2000 Indian Summer Games," added Nightraveler.

One of the secrets to Little Pine's success story, which includes a number of regional championships, is the year-round training schedule for the youth. There's also a high level of community involvement including everything from fund-raising to active participation in coaching, driving and supervision on long trips.

"One of the reasons parents like to put their kids in soccer is the high level of participation. It keeps them busy and that keeps them out of trouble. Our 13-and-under team has never lost a game yet this season. They get very excited when we go out to play. We really encourage our kids to dig in hard, stay fit and stay away from cigarettes and smoking. A high level of success in soccer is good for their self esteem and they learn to become good team players, watch each other's backs," said soccer parent Corrine Nicotine.

Another big advantage for the teams is the small cost of outfitting a player. They wear the same gear all year around, except for the change in shoes, cleats for outdoors, softer smooth bottom for indoor.

The rules for indoor and outdoor soccer are a little bit different and that keeps the players on their toes. Indoor playing is faster on a smaller field with a smaller net. There is no offside rule indoors and the kids can use the walls to redirect the ball. Outdoor teams have 11 players, including the goal keeper, while indoor teams put six players on the floor at a time, explained coach Jerry Bear.

"We are very lucky here at Little Pine to have such a great soccer powerhouse in place. It makes everyone a winner, makes us all very proud," he added.