FIFA Women's World Cup

04 FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 June 6 – July 5 C arlo Bruneau isn't a bit surprised at how fast tickets have been snapped up for FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 matches in Winnipeg. Bruneau, executive director of the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association (WYSA), says soc- cer has been the most popular sport in Win- nipeg for quite a while. In a typical year, more than 12,000 students are registered with the Winnipeg association, but Bruneau estimates there are at least 20,000 soccer players be- tween the ages of nine and 18 across the province. He hopes the World Cup will draw even more kids to the sport. "I'm biased, but I think soccer is the best sport in the world. We're fortunate to be able to have the Women's World Cup in our back- yard — it's the largest female sporting event in the world," Bruneau says. "To see it up close will be inspirational. Soc- cer is already the most popular sport in Can- ada and the world, but I hope this gets people more excited and wanting to be involved." About half of Manitoba's youth players are female, and Bruneau says the associa- tion is proud to have so many girls and young women participating. The day Winnipeg's participation in the Women's World Cup was announced was a great day for soccer in Manitoba, and Winni- peg's renowned defensive midfielder Desiree Scott has local youth imagining what it would be like to play on a world stage. "We've done camps with Desiree Scott to raise money for KidSport, and even though Team Canada won't be playing in Winnipeg, she's still an inspiration for all of us," he says. "That girl is all heart. She's a role model for all of us in Manitoba. She's an example of how perseverance, dedication, and hard work can get you to the top of the game." In addition to its leagues and tournaments, the WYSA runs a popular Mobile Mini Soccer Program to give more kids the opportunity to play. "We visit different schools and areas in Winnipeg's core and put on one-hour games and soccer clinics for the kids for five weeks during the summer. Kids also get a jersey and a snack," Bruneau says. "The turnout has been phenomenal this year." While the program is designed for kids ages four to eight, children as old as 10 have been able to take part. "If there's interest, we want as many kids playing and participating as possible. We won't turn kids away," Bruneau says. "We try to make soccer as accessible as possible. It's so much bigger than just playing a sport. There are so many life lessons." Along with teamwork, kids learn that every- one is skilled at something, and that they have to find their own niche. These are lessons that will serve them well in life as much as sport. "Soccer is all about learning and becom- ing active. If you're active at a young age, you're more likely to remain active throughout your life," Bruneau says. "There are so many health benefits to playing soccer. You can run quite a distance in 90 minutes. When we have healthier people in society, we will have a more productive society. People who are active function at different rates of efficiency and effectiveness." One of the legacies of the Women's World Cup will be improved playing fields, with new artificial turf added at Shaughnessy Park, Memorial Field and the Winnipeg Soccer Complex "It's very nice to have a fresh field, and it's great for our community. There's been a sense of jubilation," Bruneau says. "We're thrilled — it's been a long time coming. I can't wait for the kick-off." PassinG the torCh WorLd CuP athLetes insPire younG PLayers. by hollI monCrIeFF For the Free preSS young FC northWeSt plAyerS eSCort teAmS At A 2014 FrIendly gAme betWeen CAnAdA And the u.S. photo by douglAS portz the next Generation Watching the world's best athletes on the field is a thrill on its own, but some kids will get especially close to the action. The FIFA Youth Programme gives young play- ers a chance to participate in FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 as members of the Player Escort Team, Ball Crew or as a Flag Bearer in all six official host cities — Vancou- ver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montréal, and Moncton. Player Escorts (ages 6-10) walk hand-in-hand with the players on to the pitch, and stand with them during their national anthems. Ball Crew members (ages 15-17) ensure one ball is kept in play for as long as possible during the match. Children selected to be a FIFA Fair Play Flag Bearer or a National Team Flag Bearer walk the players onto the field alongside the FIFA Flag Bearers. The soccer clubs representing the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 on-field Youth Programme in Winnipeg are: • Bonivital Soccer Club • FC NorthWest Soccer Club • Hanover Soccer Club • St. Charles Soccer Association • St. John's High School • Winnipeg Phoenix FC • Winnipeg South End United Soccer Club WinniPeG Fan Zone All soccer fans are invited to the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 kick-off celebration at the Winnipeg Stadium's Fan Zone today from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. The free event features live broadcasts of the open- ing matches from Edmonton, along with a DJ, mini soccer pitch, face painters, photo booth and a special appearance by the tour- nament's official Mascot Shuéme. Cheer on Winnipeg soccer star Desiree Scott and her teammates during a big- screen broadcast of the opening match be- tween Canada and China at 5 p.m., followed by the New Zealand v. Netherlands match at 8 p.m. The fan zone is located in the Investors Group Field plaza at the corner of University Crescent and Chancellor Matheson Road. Canada's first game will also be broad- cast on CTV and TSN. See www.soccer. tsn.ca and www.fwwc2015.ca for com- plete match and broadcast schedules.

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