By: Charlee Mitschke
The Langenburg United Soccer Organization finished their soccer season with a bang at the end of June. With continuing success, the program had approximately 160 athletes. “We were excited with those numbers. It was great to see everyone active after two years of an altered soccer program,” told Club President Joelene Kotzer-Mitschke.
Langenburg United organized their teams according to the Saskatchewan Soccer Association standards, trying their best to keep the coach-to-athlete ratio manageable. This year, the organization had a Soccer Tot program, four U5 teams, two U7 teams, two U9 teams, one U11 team, one U13 team, one U15 team and one U17 team.
Kotzer-Mitschke has sat on the Langenburg United Soccer board since its inception 14 years ago. “Some of our other founding members like Andrew Barker, who played semi-pro soccer have been there since the start as well,” she noted. The contributions of all of the club’s volunteers, past and present, have nurtured and grown the program.
As the club ages, soccer alumni return to support the program. The Langenburg United Soccer Organization was thrilled to see older athletes return to coach, referee, lines and volunteer their time. Kotzer-Mitschke explained, “That has been a long-time goal of the organization. It’s rewarding to see strength in our soccer family. The community is better for it”.
Specifically, the club appreciates their coaches. “It’s through their efforts we can offer this opportunity to the youth. Some coaches are new to soccer and learning as they go, while others have played in upper-level and elite settings. The beauty of it is that knowledge and skill are freely passed on to one another. There is a genuine interest in making one another better,” beamed Kotzer-Mitschke.
Kotzer-Mitschke pointed out success is measured in many different ways. Every athlete approaches the soccer season with different goals, and Langenburg United Soccer Organization coaches bring out the best in each player. Kotzer-Mitschke noted it was “rewarding to see lots of movement, agility, skill and smiles”.
The passion for soccer in the community extends far beyond practice and game times. Often after the organized sport finished, games of pick-up began. Kotzer-Mitschke commented, “A combination of coaches, parents, and athletes in the program would stay after to play a casual game of soccer. It was so fun to watch! The pitches were developed for this purpose! There was interest directed to our club for an adult league… we will see how that goes! For now, casual pick-up games will be planned— no experience is necessary. It’s such a great way to have some fun, stay in shape and meet new people”.
At the close of this season, Langenburg’s U11, U13, and U17 teams visited Swan River. They received positive feedback from coaches regarding their program and skill level. This pushed the envelope further to go beyond recreational soccer. “Some teams had significant success throughout the season. There is certainly an opportunity to take their game to a higher level,” explained Kotzer-Mitschke.
The organization is exploring academy-level soccer for the older age groups. “This is a major step forward and one I think we are ready to attack. We have worked very hard to get to this point,” pointed out Kotzer-Mitschke. The program is at the point where they have high-level players, beautiful soccer pitches, experienced coaches and community support.
“We are passionate about what we are doing and love the game. I can understand why it is the world’s most popular sport,” said Kotzer-Mitschke. The organization is driven to provide an active program, keeping kids moving while developing skills and having fun. Langenburg United Soccer Organization thanks the community, the Family & Friends foundation, Churchbridge Credit Union, Mosiac, Sask Lotteries, the town of Langenburg, the RM of Langenburg, Saskatchewan Soccer Association and local businesses for their ongoing support.