The North Dundas United Soccer Club (NDUSC) is getting ready to kick off its 2022 season. This will be the first full season since 2019, as the organization had to cancel activities in 2020, and run at a reduced player capacity in 2021, both due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re looking forward to a good full season that will let kids have fun, play soccer, and be safe in an outdoors setting,” said Jullian Whittam. The NDUSC is run entirely by volunteers, and offers programs for both youth and adults in the soccer fields in Chesterville and Mountain.
For adults, the NDUSC offers men’s teams, women’s teams, and teams for those aged over 35. These teams compete in the Ottawa Carleton Soccer League. A less structured co-ed pick-up league is also offered in Chesterville for adults who are just looking to get out, meet people, and get a little exercise in the form of a friendly game of soccer.
Youth programs are offered for children and teens between the ages of 2 and 15. Most age groups have one game and one practice per week, with a season starting at the end of May and running until August. There are end of year “fun days” and tournaments for all age groups. The Club is expecting close to 350 participants in this year’s season, with more programs offered this year for children and teens between the ages of 11 and 15. This year will also have a team specifically for children born in 2013, which will compete with other area teams as part of the Eastern Ontario District Soccer League. The NDUSC is certified by Ontario Soccer.
The organization’s children’s programming relies on parent volunteers, with instruction and support offered for new coaches and volunteers. “We are always looking for volunteers to help, on the field or behind the scenes,” said Julian. The organization’s new website, launched this year, also offers videos and guidebooks to help coaches. Even those with no interest in coaching, or no knowledge of soccer, are invited to volunteer and lend a hand anyway they can.
Registration remains open, but not for long, and it is a great way to keep kids active this summer. Julian added: “Soccer is a great activity for active and social children!” General questions about the NDUSC’s programming can be directed to [email protected]. More information, including registration information, can be found online at www.ndusc.ca.
