Saskatchewan Soccer Association Explained

Location:Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Parent Organization:Canadian Soccer Association
Leader Title:President
Leader Name:Lisa Bagonluri
Leader Title2:Executive Director
Leader Name2:Rahim Mohamed
Website:https://www.sasksoccer.com/

Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) is the governing body for soccer (Association Football) in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The association was formed in 1905.

History of Soccer in Saskatchewan

When European colonists came to Saskatchewan in the late 1800s, soccer was incorporated to the area by them. The first game was played in Prince Albert on June 28, 1889. The Saskatchewan Soccer Association was formed in Grenfell, Saskatchewan on Good Friday in 1906. A number of exhibition matches against teams from Britain, combined with inner-city matches and the annual match between those of English and those of Scottish heritage in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, helped keep soccer in the provincial spotlight.

Ain increase in participation began during the 1950s and then in the 1960s with the inclusion of Saskatchewan teams in the newly formed Western Canadian Soccer League. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Saskatchewan soccer experienced continual expansion. This boom was prevalent in several communities such as Moose Jaw, Prince Albert and Yorkton.

Development of women's soccer in Saskatchewan began in the 1980's through the 90's. There was also an increase in female involvement off the playing field as more women became involved in coaching, officiating and administering the game.

The Regional Training Centre was opened in Saskatoon in 1986 and it has been utilized for a number of teams, including the Western Canada Games team in 1987, the Canada Summer Games team in 1989, the Women's All-Stars and the University of Saskatchewan teams.

During the 1990s soccer became an all year-round sport as multimillion-dollar facilities were built throughout Saskatchewan. Soccer centers could be found in Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton and Lloydminster. More indoor soccer facilities were built in Warman and Moose Jaw in the first decade of the 21st century, and registrations increased to over 42,000 players participating in the sport of soccer in 2013.

The SSA operates the Saskatchewan Premier Soccer League: the highest level of amateur soccer competition in the province. Furthermore, it operates, in partnership with Lakeland College and the Meridian Youth Soccer Association (Lloydminster), The Rivers West Centre of Excellence.

The SSA is a member organization of the national sport governing body, the Canadian Soccer Association.

Regular members

The following organizations are members of the Saskatchewan Soccer Association [1]

Associate members

David Newsham Award Winners

The Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) also recognizes participants (coaches, athletes, referees, volunteers, etc.) in sport of soccer on an annual basis. The premier award for dedication to the sport of soccer in the province of Saskatchewan is the David Newsham Award. David Newsham was an athlete and leader in the Saskatchewan soccer community and was instrumental in the development of soccer in the province of Saskatchewan.

The David Newsham Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional volunteer service to the sport of soccer as well as an outstanding effort as well as dedication in their role as a coach, administrator or official. Award Winners by Year: [2]

!Year!Winner
1985Henk Ruys
1986Doug Knott
1987Cedric Gillott
1988Raymond Jones
1989Hank Koopman
1990Bill Kerr
1991Not Awarded
1992Ross Wilson
1993Klaas Post
1994Paul Caves
1995David Herbert
1996Ken Billows
1997Andy Sharpe
1998Ed Horn
1999David Jenkins
2000Tom Wieclawski
2001Al Day
2002Bob Maltman
2003Dale Perry
2004Percy Hoff
2005Bob Rohachuk
2006Jim Nicholson
2007Esther Dupperon
2008Bruce Cowan
2009John Leyshon
2010Rob Newman
2011Brett Mario
2012Huw Morris
2013David Jenkins
2014Jeannette Kuc
2015Don Findlay
2016Mark Lord
2017Rob Kroeker
2018Gord Quinlan
2019Hung Tan Duong
2020Leslie Blyth
2021Leonard Lewko

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Saskatchewan Soccer Association : Website by RAMP InterActive.
  2. Web site: Saskatchewan Soccer Association : Website by RAMP InterActive.