Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Greater Napanee Soccer Club (GNSC) is now accepting registration for all ages with the season set to kick off May 31.
Sign up will be done online this year, through the Town of Greater Napanee’s website at https://app.bookking.ca/greaternapaneepub/courses/index.asp.
After having to cancel the season last year due to COVID-19 safety protocols, the club’s organizers are eager to return to the pitch, albeit with some modifications.
“This year we really had to be creative because we had to follow the guidelines, the rules and regulations of Ontario Soccer and the Health Unit,” said Billy Camperlino, president of GNSC. “The U12 for example that usually plays nine a side and the older U18 most likely won’t be a full field of 11 players a side. Just like any other group we’ll have to do with smaller teams just to make sure there’s more space for the kids to run and just to follow the guidelines and rules and regulations of Ontario Soccer.”
Teams will be smaller in number this year and leagues will be limited to a 50-player bubble. That could mean multiple leagues per age group, depending on the numbers.
Players won’t have to wear a mask when on the field, but coaches and players on the sideline will be required to wear one. There will be a limit of 50 spectators per game.
The club also won’t be able to rent school fields such as NDSS or The Prince Charles.
“It’s a challenge but it goes back to us being creative. That’s why U4 and U6 will be on Saturdays this year,” said Camperlino.
More teams mean there will be an increased need for volunteer coaches.
Registration will run until April 23. For more information, such as which day of the week each age group will play, visit the Greater Napanee Soccer Club’s Facebook page.