Welcome to the Spring Season!

The 2022 Spring Outdoor Season is quickly approaching! The fields are slowly drying up this year, and we are hopeful to see new grass growth over this next week.

We are looking at the first week of May to begin practices and games. This is still tentative based on the amount of sunshine the fields receive within the next week. A final confirmation will be emailed to all parents through the RAMP registration system by Saturday April 30^th.

Team Information

Your soccer player has been placed onto the _____________ team in the U___ division.

Your age groups regular practice days and times are: __________

We will be hosting an introduction day for your division on __________

This will give parents and players the opportunity to pick up their jerseys, meet the coach/co-coaches, and provide any medical information that would be critical for the team leaders to know about the player prior to the start of the season.

If you are unable to join, you will receive your jersey at the first scheduled practice.

Practice and Game Schedule

The practice and game schedule for the entire season is posted on our website: http://www.wlysa.com/content/2022-practice-and-game-schedule

All practices and games are held at Esler Soccer Complex: http://www.wlysa.com/content/esler-soccer-fields

Please be respectful to the Hodgson Road Community. All WLYSA members are asked that when traveling to Esler, we continue down the highway passed the first Hodgson Rd entrance to the second entrance. (A map is included on the webpage listed above). Thank you!

Soccer Gear

The gear required and recommended differs slightly between each of our age divisions. Please refer below for your age groups information.

U3, U4, U5, U6 divisions: These divisions are sponsored by Tim Hortons! This means that each player will receive a Tim Hortons jersey, pair of shorts, and socks. Parents are asked to provide shin guards and cleats for their players. A table will be set up at the top of the Lake Excavating Field on the introduction day for parents to pick up the size of shorts needed from one of our volunteer Directors.

For the U3 - U5 division, we understand that the kiddos outgrow cleats quickly. As they only practice once per week, the second-best footwear for these age groups are runners that allow them to grip on potentially wet grass. Minimizing slips and falls while protecting their feet while kicking the ball is important to remember when choosing their footwear.

U7 - U10 divisions: These divisions are all supplied jerseys through our sponsorship program. These jerseys may be kept by the players at the end of the season.

Parents are asked to provide: cleats, shin guards, socks, and shorts for their players.

U11 - U18 divisions: These divisions have a mix of long-term sponsored jerseys and WLYSA-owned jerseys. Jerseys must be returned at the end of the season!

If you have a WLYSA senior jersey from previous years, please return it to the clubhouse at your first game of the 2022 season.

Parents are asked to provide: cleats, shin guards, socks, and shorts for their players.

General Season Information

Weather: The Cariboo offers a variety of weather for its residents to enjoy. WLYSA practice and games occur in the rain or in the sunshine. It is up to the coaches to determine if the weather passing through is too much for their team to handle.

There are two exceptions where WLYSA must cancel practices: Lightning and extreme heat.

Lightning Policy:  

The Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association (WLYSA) follows the Canadian Soccer Lightning Safety - Severe Weather Policy, 30-30 rule:

• When you can count 30 seconds or less between lightning and thunder, head for safe shelter
• Remain sheltered for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder

Generally, when lightning is observed from the Esler Soccer Complex, practices and games are canceled. Please understand that we do not have enough allotted time in the season to make up for the loss of a game or practice due to weather conditions.

Dogs at Esler

If you must bring your dog to the complex during WLYSA activities, the dog must remain on a leash and always be handled by an adult. The adult handling the dog is also responsible for cleaning up after the dog.

Smoking and Alcohol during WLYSA Activities

WLYSA recognizes that the Esler Soccer Fields and Clubhouse are the primary location for all Youth Soccer activities. WLYSA acknowledges the importance of providing a safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment for all players, volunteers, and spectators. With this in mind, we would like to remind spectators that all alcohol consumption, and smoking (including tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and cannabis products) is prohibited during the hours of WLYSA operations at the Esler Soccer Complex, including the parking lot, fields, and clubhouse.

Thank you!

Thank you to all our volunteer coaches and sponsors (http://www.wlysa.com/content/2022-sponsors) for the 2022 season!

We look forward to seeing you on the fields soon!

Alexis Walch

WLYSA Admin