In an interview with Walter he provided the following memories. It was apparent to him that Moose Jaw’s soccer organization was in its very early stages. He coached 11 to 13 year olds after he moved here and although he appreciated the enthusiasm of his players he recognized that soccer skills were very limited. Soccer fields were frequently marked with gopher holes, and he also recalled bringing a shovel to practices and games in order to fill holes prior to engaging in soccer action.

Walter expressed appreciation to the dedication and commitment of Irvine Weekes and Bill Zaparinuk in promoting minor soccer. It was largely through their efforts and the natural lure of the sport that the number of registered players grew significantly each year.

In 1983 Walter presented a proposal to the High School Athletic Association to include soccer as a fall sport in the High School program. The proposal was rejected due to the possibility of it having a negative effect on the football program. The following year he presented a second proposal calling for a boys and or girls fall soccer program. The proposal was again rejected.

In 1986 Walter left Moose Jaw for educational purposes and when he returned he did not resume involvement in Minor Soccer. His efforts to have soccer implemented were picked up thirteen years later by Sandi Hutchinson who pursued and persevered in her dream to see the development of a Girls High School Soccer League in Moose Jaw.

Sandi experienced initial obstacles, setbacks and disappointments (from April 1997 through to June 1999). Sandi made arrangements with the City of M.J. for use of fields, lined up coaches and teacher liaisons for each school, and made arrangements for referees. She met with the Directors of Education for the Separate and Public School Systems, talked with Chairpersons of the School Boards, researched policies of the School Boards, the Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association and the Moose Jaw High School Athletic Directorate. Sandi made three separate presentations to the Moose Jaw High School Athletic Directorate requesting a trial of a fall High School Soccer League for Girls. The proposal was turned down, however Sandi persevered and finally in September 1999, the Moose Jaw Public School Board and the Moose Jaw Separate School Board agreed to a one year trial of a High School Soccer League for Girls. The League started in September 1999, with 5 teams: Central Cyclones, Peacock Tornadoes, Riverview Royals, Vanier Spirits and Caronport Cougars. The trial year was a huge success with just under 100 girls playing soccer in the initial season. A City Championship was formed and the former defunct Moose Jaw Senior Women’s Soccer League donated their trophy which was refurbished as the City Championship Trophy, which was called “The Irvine Weekes High School Girls Soccer Championship Trophy”.

The Moose Jaw Youth Soccer Association was incorporated as a non-profit organization in November of 1992. The organization continues to thrive thanks to the many volunteers over the years who have given so generously of their time to enrich the lives of their children, their neighbors, their community and their province.

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