The current pandemic has caused the shutdown of a lot of things, including organized sports. This not only effects professional sports but more importantly local sports too. Now that some restrictions have been lifted and the relaunch of the economy is underway, minor sports organizations are attempting to salvage a season, even if it means just passing a ball around with a few teammates. President of Strathmore & District Minor Baseball Jeff Bodie said, “currently we’re permitted to start what’s called a Return to Train program under Baseball Alberta requirements. We’ve just finished registration so we’re in the process of getting our groups of kids together to start practicing hopefully later this week.” For now, teams will only be allowed to practice and must follow the guidelines for sanitation and physical distancing set by Baseball Alberta. Bodie commented saying he was pleasantly surprised that they got about 70 kids for their shortened summer season. The club usually offers a AA program as well as a community program but this year due to the restrictions there will be one program that will involve all levels of players. Depending on if the restrictions are lifted, the club will be able to play some games but only within the local area. Bodie says he looks forward to the opportunity to just get out and have fun playing or at least practicing the game they love.

The Strathmore Soccer Association (SCA) won’t be offering a tradition season this year either due to the restrictions but instead will offer a summer program called the Safe Return To Play. The program will allow a modified soccer program for the age groups of U6 up to adults. The Strathmore Soccer Association received the go-ahead from all the sanctioning bodies including Canada Soccer Association, Alberta Soccer Association, District Head Canal Link, and Alberta Health Services. The Club needed to get approval from all those organizations before they could move forward with anything. Coaching Director with SCA Ryan Parkins explained what this modified season will look like, “players will be playing within a cohort of a maximum of 50 other players. That means that we won’t have any games outside of or region so everything will be played in Strathmore and each group will play only with a group of up to 50 kids that they’re registered with.” He added that they will be looking at running a training day and a games day but all within those 50 player groups. Registration for the different groups is available on their website HERE under the registration forms tab. More information can also be found by contacting the organization.

With winter sports starting up in the fall, an update will be provided from the Strathmore Minor Ringette and Hockey associations in the future.