There are a lot of soccer clubs in Eastern Ontario, all with different programming available. Some offer more development, others offer super competitive soccer at a regional or provincial level. We are proud of what South Dundas Soccer can offer for programming in our area, and our ability to do so in an affordable way.
The majority of our programming is development. Starting from an early age, learning the fundamentals of the game, and building on that foundation.
Our U5, U7, and U9 leagues give ample opportunity for growth in a fun and creative way that instills a love of the beautiful game.
The SDSA’s older levels (U11 and up) offer playing opportunities locally, with competitive teams drawn from our development leagues.
At all levels, building on the fundamentals and the principles of fair play is essential, and part of our guiding ethos.
South Dundas Soccer’s advantages:
Unlike many clubs in the region, there are no paid staff. Zero. None. Nada. Every person involved with the sport is a volunteer. That keeps our costs lower, which is passed on to families. From 2012-21 our registration fee was $40/player per season. In 2022, due to inflationary costs, we increased our fee to $45/player per season. SDSA programming is affordable for everyone, and through generous sponsorship from the local business community, we make every effort to keep it that way. The SDSA is not part of the Ontario Soccer governing body, but follows many of the best practices and guidance of OS and the Canadian Soccer Association. All fees collected by the SDSA stay in the community.
Inclusion is key. We firmly believe that everyone has the right to play this game, regardless of their ability. We welcome everyone, because this sport is for everyone. People with disabilities/abilities are part of our large soccer family.
Diversity is a big part of what our program stands for, regardless of gender, race, or location. Our organization eliminated asking for gender on development league registrations in 2021. We are a safe space for the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Safe spaces means vetted coaches and volunteers too. Our adult volunteers must have Vulnerable Sector Checks from the police on file with the organization.
Timing is everything. One benefit of our development soccer programs is it’s scheduled for Saturday mornings (8am to 1pm, depending on level). This means you are not running around throughout the week to games and training. Saturday morning soccer means you have the rest of the weekend free for other activities. Competitive level soccer happens on weeknights if teams are running that season.
Shop local – As much as possible, we support local. Many of our supplies are purchased from businesses in the community, even if may cost an extra dollar or two for an item. Local businesses sponsor our organization, so we return that good deed with our own. In 2022, 50 per cent of what the SDSA spent to operate its Summer, Fall, and Indoor Winter programs were spent within South Dundas. Ninety per cent of what the SDSA spend was within 55 km of South Dundas. Supporting local is important for the SDSA.
Soccer isn’t just for kids. In 2019, the SDSA began its adult programs and will continue those in 2023 and beyond. Our “Old’n’Slow Soccer” is meant for people who love the game and want to stay active in it, regardless of their age.
Supporting others – Each year we have dozens of secondary student volunteers who earn their required community service hours with the SDSA. Many are players in the program and have been part of the South Dundas Soccer community since they were very young. Students who go above and beyond the minimum required 40 hours of community service hours needed for high school graduation have the opportunity to earn a bursary. The Jeffrey Buchanan Memorial Bursary was founded in 2014 and is given to those with the highest volunteer hours in our program. Since its inception, 18 students have received a total of $4,500 in bursaries because of their giving back to the soccer program.
Keeping with supporting others, the SDSA donates equipment to our local schools in South Dundas, lines soccer fields for the schools, and often supplies trained referees for school soccer tournaments.
Soccer, unlike some sports, has no residency restrictions or territories. You can choose to play where you like. South Dundas Soccer has players from all around Eastern Ontario including from: Prescott, Maitland, Long Sault, Cornwall, Chesterville, South Mountain, Metcalfe, Kemptville, and Winchester – just to name a few places.
South Dundas Soccer has a lot to offer. Please consider registering your soccer players with the SDSA today.
Phil
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Phillip Blancher, President
South Dundas Soccer