A new co-ed summer soccer league has kicked off in Whitehorse, consisting of six teams of 13 players each. 

They play three games Wednesday evenings, including two early games at 7:30 p.m. and a late game at 8:30 p.m., at Selkirk Elementary School in Riverdale. 

The matches consist of two 25-minute halves. 

There are six players and a goalkeeper on each side. 

The league doesn’t officially keep track of the scores. 

The Yukon Star dropped by Wednesday evening to check out the action and spoke with Travis Banks, one of the organizers.

“Five or six of us got together to try to create a new league,”  he explained.

Banks said a void existed in the soccer community. The new league is meant to fill that void.

“Growing up in town, there was always outdoor soccer happening. Right now, there’s the co-ed rec league, (which) is running really well and has a lot of teams, but it’s also hard to get into, so the group of us sat together and we wanted to create an environment that was maybe a step up from recreational that was a little more competitive, but still on the friendly side,” he said.

They originally started out with four teams, but expanded to six due to the demand.

“We have a lot of interest,” related Banks, who said organizers have a sub list of about 10 players looking to join the league. The age range is across the board. 

“We invited a few of the U17 girls Whitehorse United team players,” he said. “We put it out to the whole team. There’s about six or seven of them.” 

There are 40-plus players in the league. Looking around, in addition to the youngsters, one could see players from the over-35 men’s league, as well as a few from the Legends 50-plus soccer program, and everyone in-between. 

Banks said the first night of league play was going great.

“Vibes are good, everyone’s smiling, it’s exactly what we had hoped for, not too competitive.” 

Banks explained why they chose to play on the grass field at Selkirk Elementary.

“I knew this field was in decent condition. This one is a nice quiet location. “The field isn’t perfectly flat. There’s the odd pothole, so everyone’s kind of taking it a little easier.” 

They may eventually play on the turf field at F.H. Collins Secondary School.

Banks said the goal is “fitness, some laughs, not overly competitive” soccer. 

“We’re not even going to bother with refs for a while, so everyone has to make your own calls and be polite. We’re going to be fairly strict with aggressive players.” 

Banks said the schedule “creates a bit of a social, where people can hang out and watch the late game and cheer them on, and maybe sub if teams need subs.” 

There is the potential to start a new indoor league as well. 

Adewori Adejobi of the Over-35 men’s league came out to play.

“It’s amazing. We haven’t had this for a while. It’s definitely good to have this back and to be able to get out there and enjoy the summer and play soccer,” he said.

Asked to compare the two leagues he now plays in, Adejobi said, “This one is fun. Over-35 is fun as well. Indoors and outdoors can be a little different. They’re both good for different reasons.” 

One of the reasons Adejobi likes the new league is that it’s good for social interaction. 

“I love playing football, so that’s a big part of it.” 

As for how he played, Adejobi said, “First game of the season, I wouldn’t rate myself as a 10, for sure.” 

His team got “trashed, but first game of the season, getting to know everyone’s style of play, so I’m sure with time, we’ll get better. It’s good to have this. Hopefully we can have this every year.” 

One amusing quirk of the new league is the team names. “We’ve told the teams they have to come up with some animal alliteration for their team name,” related Banks. Sean Macdonald’s team members are calling themselves the “Slammin’ Salmon.”

Macdonald, another one of the organizers, said, “It’s great. We’re kind of itchin’ to have an outdoor league again, so it’s great that some familiar faces want to step up and get it organized. 

“I think there’s been a dearth since COVID struck, so it’s nice to be back. We were surprised by how many people signed up; it was amazing.” 

Macdonald said they hope to run the league until August.

“Have a barbecue or two, just sort of get the tradition going.” 

Macdonald, who usually plays in goal, said he’s used to playing on the turf at F.H. Collins, so playing on grass requires adjustments. 

“You have to be aware of where the ball’s headed, but, other than that, it’s nice.”  

There is the potential to add teams if the wait list keeps growing. 

Those interested in getting on the sub list can email whitehorsespcl@gmail.com