The Canadian Soccer Association recently released an annual document called The Canadian Club Championships. It is an 81-page review of club performances at national competitions since 1984. That year was the first of the current format, which has all provinces eligible to compete nationally.
Of all the clubs across this country, Hollandia ranks tied for fifth in terms of appearances at club nationals. Twenty-seven times a team from this club has represented our province on Canada’s biggest soccer stages, not an easy feat.
In comparison to the rest of the province and our city, Saskatoon United Soccer Club Eagles girls enjoyed their Saskatchewan soccer reign for years. SUSC came in second to Hollandia with 12 appearances. Rounding out Saskatoon performances are Eastside (eight), Aurora (seven) and Lakewood (six). ACFC of Regina led the out-of-town clubs with 11.
Three team names are heavily associated and represent Hollandia at the premier level of soccer. Gremio, Tigers and Impact are recognized nationwide on the youth soccer club scene.
The Gremio boys have a tradition when it comes to winning provincial championships and moving to nationals. They once came within a whisper of being national champion. Kurt Mario coached a team led by Kerr McLeod that won silver in 2004. That’s the highest finish by any team from Saskatchewan.
Brett Mario has been in charge of Tigers girls’ teams that went to nationals. And Mark Lord made the Impact girls a stalwart when it comes to representing Saskatchewan. They have been close to a podium finish on many occasions.
But after all this winning tradition and success, is the end in sight? Concerns are being raised as the club has the smallest pool of children of the five zones to draw players from. For the first time, Hollandia was not able to field a team at the U12 premier level this indoor season.
With youth players registered in the Saskatoon Youth Soccer Inc. on the slow decline the past 10 years, none will be more affected than Hollandia. No doubt Saskatoon is a flourishing city and growing rapidly. But as city limits stretch in every direction, there is no sign of residential increase for this zone.
The Lawson Heights and River Heights area was once the beating heart of soccer in our city. But with the recent transition of youth soccer to the SaskTel Sports Centre, combined with lack of housing development in the area, it has all changed. The future looks bleak for this one-time powerhouse. If nothing changes, the question of survival comes into play.
So who can help? What can be done? All eyes are on SYSI. This organization holds the power. Hollandia has been an integral part of soccer growth in our city and a huge contributor to both facilities. With all those involved who are working toward the betterment of soccer in community, SYSI will find a way.