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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
All of the participants in the second annual Mackenzie Youth Soccer Invitation left with a small prize and stronger soccer skills.

Lacey Migwi of Behchoko kicks the ball toward the net during a skill development practice at the Mackenzie Youth Soccer Invitation in Fort Simpson on Feb. 9. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The event, held in Fort Simpson from Feb. 8 to 10, wasn't about teams winning or losing or even entirely about soccer, said Shane Thompson, one of the organizers.

"It's just getting them out," he said. "It's an opportunity for these younger kids to play."

The event is designed for children ages five to 12. In the territory there aren't a lot of other sporting events for that age group to participate in, except track and field and the outdoor soccer championship in Hay River, Thompson said.

The weekend gives younger children a chance to play soccer in a fun tournament atmosphere and to meet new people, gain soccer skills, have fun and have the opportunity to travel, he said.

Approximately 140 aspiring soccer players from Fort Simpson, Behchoko and Fort Providence participated in the tournament.

The participants were divided into groups according to their community and their age division: U7, U9 and U11. Each team played at least six games.

Every participant also got a skills development session that focused on basic skills such as kicking, passing and moving with the ball. During the sessions Thompson also emphasized that practice is a part of the game.

It was Ryanna Bonnetrouge and Shannel Landry's second year at the event. The two 12-year-olds from Fort Providence said they wanted to come to play soccer.

"It's fun," said Landry. "You get to meet new friends and just come here to have fun."

Landry played offense for the team Deh Gah 2. As of Saturday afternoon the team had won all four of its games.

Bonnetrouge played defence and offense for Deh Gah 1, which was working on a 2-1 record of wins and losses.

"It's fun because we get to play soccer," Bonnetrouge said.

Briyanna Zoe, 9, and all of the other participants from Behchoko were at the event for the first time.

"When I first got here I was excited," she said.

Zoe said she learned to keep her eyes up while dribbling the ball. Her team had won two games by Saturday afternoon.

"I like my team because we're good at soccer," she said.

In addition to the younger players, the tournament also involved teenagers from the communities as coaches and referees. The event is an opportunity to get them engaged as well, said Thompson.

The weekend ended with a closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon where each participant was presented with a small prize in recognition of their hard work.

"Everyone wins," Thompson said.

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