All games are played on Thursday nights. We play year-round except for approx. eight weeks in the summer and four weeks in early spring. All players sign up as individuals and are placed on teams based on a variety of criteria. We strive to ensure all teams have equal levels of skills and experience as well as affording even playing time to all players based on the principle of equal play for equal pay. Recreational means no rough play, slide tackles, or play from behind. All games are officiated by trained officials and SWRSA prides itself on being a safe place for new officials to hone their skills.
SPRING OUTDOOR
Our inaugural season remains the one we have the most availability for players. Played at Little Mountain Field (250 30 St SE, Salmon Arm) the league consistently registers enough players for four teams and as many as six totalling 80-120 players. We aim to be on the pitch by the end of April (weather and field availability dependent) and finished before the July long weekend. This season is great for players that are new or returning to the game after a hiatus. It is long enough to build a solid foundation but leaves lots of the summer left to enjoy other activities. We strive to play a traditional 11 v 11 game with 2-3 subs each. Because all games are played at the same time this is a great season to get some friends together and go out for a night of exercise and community building.
FALL OUTDOOR
This season is 4 Thursdays in the month of September at Blackburn Park (480 5 Ave SW, Salmon Arm). It is our most casual season run as more of a drop-in league with no set teams. We typically register approx. 40 players and strive for as close to a traditional 11v 11 game as possible. This is a great session to warm up for the indoor season if you haven’t played since spring or wind down from your summer if you played through.
FALL/WINTER INDOOR
Note: In early December of 2023 the City of Salmon Arm closed the Memorial Indoor Arena due to safety concerns, specifically regarding snow load. The building is undergoing a full lifecycle review to determine whether the many user groups of the facility will be able to return to their regular programming. SWRSA is a consistent one of those user groups and has been working to advocate for a cooperative solution to the gap that has been created in our community by the loss of this facility.
Indoor games are played at the Salmon Arm Sports Complex (351 – 3 Street SW, Salmon Arm). We aim to start the fall session sometime around Thanksgiving and end mid-December. The winter session starts in January and aims to finish before March break. Each session includes 10 games and a mini tournament/wrap-up party. We play 7 players per side, kick-ins, with no offside and subbing on the fly. Some people describe indoor soccer as a very different game (in a good way) due to the smaller field and faster pace. We cap registrations at 72 players. We frequently have waitlists for these sessions so make sure to register early!
HISTORY
In October 2007, an amazing group of women had a vision to promote and create a league whwre women of all levels could play soccer in the Shuswap, a league where mothers and daughters, friends and coworkers could play together without division of age, skill, or experience. A Board of Directors was put together and planning started for the first season in the Spring of 2008.
This solid foundation has continued to support our Association throughout the years allowing us to run multiple sessions every year and supporting thousands of local women to play the beautiful game of soccer.
SWRSA is a registered non-profit organization, completely supported by a volunteer Board of Directors. Additionally, the league relies on player volunteers to assist with special duties and captaining teams. Currently, SWRSA runs 2 outdoor sessions and 2 indoor sessions every year, and our membership is growing. To learn more visit Our Seasons (link).
Keep in touch with SWRSA by signing up to our email list (link), following us on social media, or reaching out using the contact form below. We are always looking for players interested in joining the Board of Directors, captaining teams, or helping out with special projects.
