Minor Soccer began in Moose Jaw in 1975 largely through the work and vision of Irvine Weekes and Heinz Olbrich. It started out as a fun activity where the two men and their five sons along with Bill Zaparinuk, Andy Sokol, Karl Gugel and their sons played soccer. Much of the inspiration and initiative for the continuing soccer games was provided by Irvine Weekes. It did not take long before other young boys came and asked to join the activity.

Of the early Moose Jaw soccer pioneers four of them had gained soccer experience from their native lands. Bill Zaparinuk gained an enthusiasm for the game by watching and learning from these experienced soccer men.

Frequently there were only enough players for two teams however it was not long before girls expressed interest and were also allowed to participate. This was only a challenge when one of the teams would be asked to remove their shirts to identify the teams as there certainly were no uniforms available.

As soccer became more established in Saskatoon and Regina it began growing in smaller centers such as Moose Jaw, Weyburn, and Pense etc. Peter Senko, President of the Regina Soccer Association promoted soccer growth by presenting soccer skills clinics in various smaller centers. He also encouraged others to present coaching and refereeing clinics. At these clinics soccer balls were presented to participants to encourage soccer development.

In Moose Jaw Irvine Weekes continued to organize soccer games with the children. In order to encourage more youngsters to play, there was a need for appropriate soccer fields. Irvine approached Mr. Gates, the Recreation Director at City Hall, for the recreation department’s involvement. Mr. Gates indicated that he would need a list of names of players who were playing soccer in order to determine whether this were indeed a worthwhile venture. After Irvine supplied names the first field was developed at Bells Park in eastern Moose Jaw.

Soccer was slowly becoming a recognized sport in Moose Jaw. Mayor Herb Taylor along with counselor Peter Norys actively supported the development of soccer. Soccer games were arranged between smaller urban communities and it was not unusual for communities to exchange players when either team had a shortage of players. Teams were often identified by wearing colored ribbons. The early registration fee for children wanting to play was $10.00 for the season. Due to limited number of coaches and referees Irvine Weekes frequently moved from group to group teaching soccer skills as well as the rules of soccer.

The YM-YWCA got involved in soccer by introducing indoor soccer to their program. The gym floor was given appropriate floor markings to accommodate this program. It was during this early stage in soccer history in Moose Jaw that a Mr. Mault was transferred to the Moose Jaw Air Base from Winnipeg. He had coached both hockey and soccer, and he had recognized that the programs tended to complement each other. He promoted the concept that the conditioning of each sport complemented the conditioning required by the other.

Irvine Weekes soon introduced the Banquet and Trophy night at the end of each soccer season. The first banquets were held in the hall of St Johns Anglican Church. Commercial sponsors like Coca Cola and Kentucky Fried Chicken supplied a very reasonable meal so that all participants and their parents could attend. Irvine ensured that each participant in the soccer program received a small trophy. Irvine generally solicited businesses to donate the trophies as well as the engraving. Rick Spanjer of Trophy World was a supporter of soccer and donated generously.

In 1979 Walter Bergen moved to Moose Jaw and soon became involved in the minor soccer program. He had been instrumental in developing a Minor Soccer Program in Warman, SK as well as coaching at the minor level. He had coached a number of highly competitive teams to Provincial championships and led these teams to interprovincial competitions throughout Western Canada.

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