The Weyburn Soccer Association announced that they will be starting up an All-Abilities program, the first of its kind in Saskatchewan.

Through proper leadership, coaching development and following Canada Soccer’s LTPD for their players, the WSA has been able to find huge success in their current programs. However, the WSA executive members felt there was more work to be done when it came to offering the opportunity to play soccer to all members of the community. Therefore in June the WSA executive unanimously voted in favour of the All Abilities Program.

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The program was officially announced by Weyburn Soccer’s Tyler Hillstead at the end-of-summer celebration held by Inclusion Weyburn last week, as he talked about how children of all abilities will get the opportunity to play soccer in Weyburn.

The primary objective of the program is to provide opportunities for children, youth and adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities to play soccer, form friendships and participate in a team sport.

“Our program is fully inclusive, designed and adapted for children with any disability or level of behavior. Whether they use a wheelchair, walker or wear orthotics, or live with an intellectual, communication or development disability, we provide support, with one-on-one as needed, and welcome all on the field,” said Hillstead.

There will be two age categories that those interested can play in. There will be a Junior level for 5-12 year olds and a Senior level for those 13 years old and up.

Hillstead will be taking the lead on this program for Weyburn Soccer and he can be contacted by email at vicepresident@weyburnsoccer.com for any other inquiries.