Welcome to the Saskatchewan Soccer's Everyone's Game Quarterly Newsletter. Provided below is an overview of soccer events that took place from September-December 2025 in Saskatchewan, across the country, and around the world. | | Houmphanh, Hindmarsh, and Steinhauer compete for CANWFUTSAL at Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025 | | |
The FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025™ marked the first time that women’s futsal was showcased on the global stage. Canada entered the tournament ranked 74th largely due to their lack of international games.
Saskatchewan talent was once again prominently featured on the team lead by Assistant Coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton along with players Erica Hindmarsh, Jade Houmphanh, and Jadyn Steinhauer.
Canada opened the tournament on Saturday November 22nd falling 2-0 to Columbia. Canada took on Thailand in their second match November 25th falling 6-3. Canada concluded their tournament on November 28th falling 7-0 to Spain.
Although the team did not experience the success they had hoped they should be extremely proud of the way they paved the way for future Canadian futsal athletes to compete on the world stage.
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Nominations for the SSA Recognition Awards are now Open!
Is there someone in your soccer community who consistently goes above and beyond, whether on or off the field?
It't time to start thinking about those players, teams, coaches, referees, and volunteers who exemplify the values of our sport and community.
Click Here make your Nomination Today!
The deadline for award nominations is Thursday, January 15th, 2026.
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The Saskatchewan EXCEL Program is proud to announce that the following players have committed to University for the fall of 2026.
| | Zavier Thode - Trinity Western University | | Elly Mitchell - Acadia University | | Zachary Kim - Grant MacEwan University | | Navy Luoma - University of Calgary | | Taliah Evans - University of Manitoba | | | Technical Leadership and Management Diploma | | |
SSA recently delivered the Technical Leadership Diploma in collaboration with the Edwards School of Business, bringing together technical leaders from across our membership for a focused and impactful learning experience. Participants engaged in interactive sessions centered on leadership, communication, decision-making, and organizational culture, all tailored to the technical soccer environment.
Through practical discussions, real-world scenarios, and shared experiences, attendees strengthened their ability to lead with clarity and purpose. The program encouraged reflection, collaboration, and growth, leaving participants better equipped to support their organizations, guide coaches, and create a more positive and consistent experience for players. The diploma marked an important step forward in elevating leadership standards and strengthening the game across the province.
| | National Team Pathway Milestone | | |
This year marked a significant milestone for Saskatchewan soccer. Three female players were invited to the Canada U17 Girls National Team Camp while two male players were invited to the Canada U15 National Team Camp. These achievements are a powerful reflection of the collective efforts across the province—highlighting the strong collaboration between EXCEL managers and member clubs to create a clear, diverse, and forward-moving pathway for player development.
This success belongs to everyone involved: the players who continue to commit to their growth, the coaches and clubs who support them daily, and the EXCEL program that aligns the pathway. We hope this milestone inspires clubs to continue working together, challenges players to raise their standards even higher, and reinforces what is possible when we move forward with a shared vision for the future of the game in Saskatchewan.
| | Vancouver Whitecaps Connection | | |
Our collaboration with the Vancouver Whitecaps continues to grow, strengthening both player and coach development across Saskatchewan. Through this partnership, we are building a clear and diverse pathway for our players while also providing valuable education and support for our coaching community.
This year, Whitecaps Academy Director Mike Ayash and Head of Scouting Paul Thompson delivered both online and in-person coach education sessions, sharing high-level insight and practical learning with coaches across the province. In addition, the Whitecaps were on the ground in Saskatchewan during the November Showcase, identifying and scouting players for the Whitecaps Academy. This ongoing relationship reflects our shared commitment to collaboration, development, and creating meaningful opportunities for players and coaches to reach the next level.
Following the November Showcase Female EXCEL Athlete Elizabeth Hanson and Male EXCEL Athlete Duc Pham were invited to participate in the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy Centre Evaluation camp in Vancouver. Congratulations to both Elizabeth and Duc on this incredible accomplishment.
| | An essential provider to the participant experience and advancement of the game, referees deserve respect and a supportive, abuse-free, environment. We ask that you consider your approach to referees, with this in mind. You can make the difference in the future of the game by always treating referees well, thanking them for their contributions every game, and discouraging abusive referees where you witness them. | | |
Within the province, Saskatchewan's top referees had several appointments as the program ensured that there were quality officials for the Canada West University Season, The SSA November Showcase series, and the FSIN Adult Championships.
Across Canada, several SK officials were involved in Out of Province competitions with some highlights below:
| | Shukwia Tajik (AR1)(Left) and Nicole Rapin (4O)(Right) officiated in the Female Gold Medal Game | | Miguel Carrillo was the referee for the Male semifinal and the Fourth official for the Gold Medal Game | | |
Theo Diederichsen (Left) was appointed as AR1 for the U17B Gold medal game while Nicholas Calabria (Right) was the Referee for the U15G Bronze medal game.
Theo Diederichsen was also the Assistant Referee 1 (AR1) for the CCAA National Championship Men's Gold Medal Game.
| | Toyota National Championships - U17 | | Evan Geissler received 9 appointments. He was the Referee for the U17G Quarterfinal as well as the Fourth Official for the Bronze Medal game. | | Masters National Championships | | Ella Kupser (AR1)(Left) and Nicole Rapin (Referee)(Right) were assigned to the Women's Gold Medal Game. | | Vitalii Oliinichenko was appointed as the Referee for the Mens Bronze Medal Game | | Alex McGreavey was the AR1 for the Women's Bronze Medal Game. | | A special tribute to Daniel Boudreau who was appointed to several CPL matches as well as the CanChamp games, culminating with a great performance as an AR1 in the Semifinal Forge FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps. | | |
Shukwia Tajik(AR2) was appointed to the NSL Playoff game between Vancouver Rise and Ottawa Rapid, being rewarded for an amazing year with great match performances built on a foundation of consistent hard work.
We are very proud of the hard work and successes for all SK referees and look forward to an Amazing 2026!
| | 2026 Sask Cup Indoor and Sask Cup Futsal | | |
Registration for the 2026 Sask Cup Futsal Tournament in North Battleford February 27-March 1 and Sask Cup Indoor Tournament in Moose Jaw March 13-16 is now open.
Teams must register through their respective Member Organization to ensure they are placed in the correct division and have the necessary approval to participate in the event.
To register, please use the following link: Saskatchewan Soccer Association: Website by RAMP InterActive
For any questions or concerns regarding Sask. Cup please feel free to reach out to Ryan at r.gibney@sasksoccer.com or on my cell phone at (306)519-1618.
| | League1 Prairies is Coming | | |
League1 Prairies is projected to launch between mid-May and mid-July, bringing a new semi-professional league to the Prairies. This is an exciting step forward for the Saskatchewan soccer ecosystem, creating a stronger pathway for our players and raising the level of the game across the province.
Get ready for high-level competition, local talent, and an incredible matchday experience. Stay tuned and follow us on social media for the latest updates—League1 Prairies is coming, and you won’t want to miss it.
Our Mission
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CONNECT the Prairies through high-quality, competitive soccer.
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Develop players, coaches, and referees in a professional environment.
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Align with university programs to keep players active and competitive year-round, strengthening prairies soccer college/University teams.
League1 Prairies represents a unique collaboration between Saskatchewan and Manitoba clubs, created to overcome the challenges smaller provinces face in accessing consistent, high-level competition throughout the year.
The 2026 League1 Prairies season marks an important step toward the full implementation of League1 Prairies 2028. This initial phase will allow us to build capacity, generate interest, and work collaboratively toward a sustainable and effective model tailored to the Prairies.
League1 Prairies aims to:
- Align with the growing demand for more competitive opportunities during the university off-season for post-secondary players.
- Provide a high-standard competition that complements the university schedule.
- Offer continuity for clubs beyond youth development, creating a bridge to the senior competitive environment.
- Serve as a platform for late developers to continue their growth.
- Support referee, coach, and organizational development across both provinces.
At its core, League1 Prairies embodies the power of CONNECTION and unity, working together to elevate the game across our region.
| | Successful New to Canada Grant Applicants | | Congratulations to our successful New to Canada Grant applicants: Forza Soccer Academy and Ubuntu FC! | |
Forza Soccer Academy hosted two free community drop-in soccer events designed to reduce barriers to sport participation for newcomer youth and families in Saskatoon. These events aligned directly with the purpose of the grant by offering accessible, no-cost soccer opportunities and by strengthening connections between newcomer families and established community organizations.
The program was delivered in partnership with Dreambrokers a brand of Give Kids A Chance Charity, who support outreach to newcomer students and families. Their involvement ensured the events reached those who benefit most from low-barrier, community-based sport programming.
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Ubuntu FC was created three years ago with the mission of providing opportunities for youth, international students, newcomers to Canada, and Canadian players to play organized soccer. Many of our players would not otherwise have access to competitive soccer due to financial or systemic barriers, despite having the talent and passion for the game.
Ubuntu is more than a soccer club — it is a community. The word Ubuntu means 'I am because we are' and reflects our philosophy: building people and community through soccer. Our team brings together players from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering inclusivity, teamwork, and belonging.
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SSA Calendar of Events & Deadlines
To view and subscribe to our full Calendar of Events visit our website!
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