Another summer of nearly 1,000 local children and adults getting their kicks with the Prince Edward County Soccer Association has come to the end.

PECSA wound up its 2024 season with the annual Gary Parks Soccer Festival August 9-11. From the U4 First Kick Introduction to Soccer program, through the youth house league, all the way to the adult recreation league, PECSA registered 995 players this year, an increase of 100 participants over last year.

More players meant more programming. In addition to offering introductory programs, the local soccer group offered separate boys and girls leagues at the U10 and U12 age groups.

The influx also meant more community sponsors to outfit children in their brightly coloured and coordinated kits.

PECSA President David Wolcott said the organization is consistently blown away with the level of commitment from local businesses.

“At least 60 percent of our sponsors return year after year. Each and every time our registration increases and we reach out for additional sponsors, the response is overwhelming,” he said. “Without these sponsors, PECSA wouldn’t be able to offer the registration fee we do.”

Top teams, coaches and officials

On the pitch in the U14 division, The Picton Recreation Committee stayed undefeated through the double elimination tournament. It was the top squad in 2024. In the U17 ranks, Bob Wood Construction managed to get by PEC Storage Solutions.

The association recognized a pair of officials for their work maintaining a beautiful game that stayed that way during the fiercest of competition. Elliott van der Bij (Junior) and Declan Vincent (Senior) earned Ron Stakes Excellence in Refereeing awards for their careful calls this season.

With 71 squads suiting up, Mr. Wolcott extended heartiest thanks to those who volunteered to coach a team. “These incredible coaches dedicate their time to complete the necessary training and coach our teams in games and practices.”

This year, PECSA nominated 21 coaches for the Scott Wentworth Excellence in Coaching award. 

Justin Scanlon, Bryan Collins and Stacey Cole were co-recipients, while five other coaches received an honourable mention.

PECSA is applying for a Quality Soccer Provider license, a new standard requirement for all sanctioned clubs.

The organization is initiating a much-needed replacement of its old shed with a new, larger shed capable of storing equipment. It is also taking the exciting step of purchasing a fully autonomous line painter to reduce the volunteer burden for field opening. It will provide the flexibility needed to adapt fields at any time for any purpose.