Soon after a new women's soccer league was announced, more than 55 women signed up to play. Organizers had only been expecting 25, just enough to break even.
The Sea to Sky league once had four teams — one in Squamish, two in Whistler and one in Pemberton — but as fewer players came out, they decided to move the league to Squamish to try to save it. Before, players would have to travel each week. Now, it's held in the same location every Thursday evening at Brennan Park.
"I thought it was neat, all ages from 20 to 50 all playing together," player Monika Rogers said. "There seems to be a high demand. Soccer especially is very popular with the girls. For the age after school until over 30, there seems to be a bit of a gap. Either you play high level in the city or there is nothing in town."
While many, Rogers said, think of the classic sports in Squamish as climbing and biking, soccer can give people a chance to be on a team.
"Many of us are moms, and it's great just to get out, get away and also be with other women, not just your moms' group or at work. It's a nice opportunity to meet other women. That's why we introduced a little bit of a social aspect afterward. We have a beer sponsor now," Rogers said.
A fee to sign up covers the field time, referees and insurance. As a non-profit, the league also supports a girl playing soccer each year.
Since they now have more than enough players to make up teams, it can be drop-in.
Women from out of town are welcome to join.
To sign up and find more information, go to seatoskywomenssoccer.com.
