Michelle Duffy encourages kids in the St. Paul area to come out and try futsal, a variant of indoor soccer the St. Paul Soccer Association (SPSA) started earlier this month.
Duffy, the new president of the SPSA since April, said the sport is cheaper than hockey, adding it costs $60 right now to register anyone under the age of 10, and $85 to register anyone age 12 or over.
Duffy was nominated as the new president of the SPSA after the last AGM, replacing Richard Smyl. “I absolutely love it, it’s fantastic,” said Duffy of the role, adding, “We love our old president as well. He is still involved in the association.” Smyl is currently the tournament director for the SPSA.
Duffy has been involved with soccer as a sport for a total of seven years, split between Fort McMurray and St. Paul. “I was involved since my son was two when we were in Fort McMurray, and now he’s nine.” Duffy also explained that her husband came from England originally, and that he was involved with soccer since he was born.
“In terms of plans, we have been trying to get other communities involved … they are working hard to start futsol in their communities,” said Duffy, when asked about her plans as the new president of the association.
Another thing the association is hoping to accomplish is to have its indoor soccer facilities fully functional in order for the whole area to be used during tournaments, according to Duffy. “We (also) hope to bring in provincials sometime this year, and continue to build the sport.”
Duffy said the SPSA is seeing a lot of support for the game of futsal.
“Our younger age groups are full, and if these kids continue, our older age groups will increase,” said Duffy, adding, “The parents are very happy, and we have a week of practice already, and the parents are thrilled with it. These are the comments I’m getting.”