The Canada Games Centre was taken over by youth soccer players this weekend for the Northwestel Futsal Indoor Championships hosted by the Yukon Soccer Association.

The seating around the field was packed all day as family and friends watched the games. The field was divided into three so the soccer action was constant. There were 45 teams competing from U7 to U17. Over 400 kids from Whitehorse and the communities played in the tournament.

Sunday was the championship day with the medals being awarded to the top teams. Chris Evans coached the U9 boys’ team that won the gold but said it was less about winning and more about the development the team has had throughout the season.

“It was a fun team all the way through the whole season and definitely all the kids improved,” said Evans. “Probably the biggest improvement was how they all worked together which is what we like to see and everyone had fun.”

Evans said the teamwork really showed in their final game of the season.

“Even up until to the last game it was really nice to see them cheering each other on and just supporting one another,” said Evans. “In addition to all the skills that were developed, just to see them gel was the most fun things.”

When Evans’ team won the gold medal they had one of the better championship celebrations seen in Whitehorse. The team ran together high fived and got into one big team huddle.

The celebration was topped by the U11 champions who won their game in a shootout. Once the shooter had put the ball in to secure the win he ran to his teammates and jumped into their arms for a hug. They continued to jump up and down fist pumping and yelling. It was pure joy.

Yukon Soccer Association president Danny MacDonald says during the season he doesn’t get to watch all the teams play consistently however, he was really impressed with the level of soccer played over the weekend.

“It’s been great actually,” said MacDonald. “A bunch of the kids out there, you’re looking at them like bunches of grapes running around. But you can see them, they have developed their skill sets and they are looking to be strategic.”

MacDonald said the tournament was well received by the players and the parents and he hopes that the weekend helped the kids develop a passion for soccer and for sport.

“You want them to have a positive experience with the sport,” said MacDonald.

“That’s not just our sport that is for all sports. We want kids who aren’t playing soccer, we want them playing something else. We want them to have a positive relationship with sports and it’s our role to give them that opportunity.”

The weekend was a learning experience for the players and also the officials, who were young players themselves.

The tournament marked the final event of the indoor season. The players, coaches and organizational staff will get a brief breather before the outdoor season gets going.