The Nanaimo United 2021-22 soccer season continues while upcoming eight week programs will offer game and skill development options. (Nanaimo United FC)

By Dan Marshall

Kicking Off 2022

Nanaimo United Soccer signing up all ages for winter programs

Jan 9, 2022 | 11:11 AM

NANAIMO — Registration is underway for early 2022 soccer sessions with Nanaimo United.

A number of eight week programs are set to begin the week of Jan. 10 including Happy Cleats for kids three to six years old and Just for Kicks which is specialized for players with disabilities.

Community Engagement Lead Jade Richardson said Happy Cleats continues to grow.

“We have expanded it with multiple sessions on Mondays and Saturdays to give parents more options for what works with their families.”

Just for Kicks is being offered for ages five to 23. The program is run indoors to ensure it is the most accessible for all interested participants and to accommodate special needs.

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At the highest level the Nanaimo United men’s and women’s teams are back in full competition following a challenging 2020.

“We’ve been very fortunate this year to have run uninterrupted since training began back in the summer,” Richardson said. “We have three women’s teams and five men’s teams and they’ve been running full steam ahead.”

For the first ever the United women’s program has two teams in the Premier Division of the LIWSA and the men’s Division 1 and Division 2 squads are both enjoying strong campaigns sitting in second place in the standings.

The adult teams shutdown in November of 2020 because of COVID-19 and didn’t resume playing until the summer of 2021.

While the two month winter kids and youth programs are about to begin the highly popular 23 week fall winter season is coming out of a short break.

The young athletes have been a part of two sessions each week, one practice and one game.

Registration numbers for the current 2021-22 season were strong and had to be capped.

With the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 and a variety of weather factors Richardson said she’s pleased United is able to offer a full slate of opportunities for Nanaimo athletes.

“We have offerings for different ages and abilities. We’re excited to be back on the field in January.”

Registration and program information is available at the Nanaimo United website and through the club’s social media.

Results and upcoming games for the women’s programs can be found at liwsa.com and for the men at visl.org.

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