A well-known local soccer club will be officially shutting down.
The announcement ends the North Bay Youth Soccer Club which has been in operation for nearly half a century.
“After serving the youth soccer community in North Bay and area since the early 1970s, our board has reached the difficult decision to end our program," stated Sue Knight, president of the North Bay Youth Soccer Club in a release.
"We wish to take this opportunity to thank the countless volunteers who made it possible for us to run successful youth soccer leagues for boys and girls for so many years. This includes our board members, coaches, officials, and those who have assisted with special events such as fundraising and our annual Jamboree.”
The organization boasts that many North Bay Youth Soccer Club players went on to play soccer at higher levels including professional and at the university/college level.
The Club adds that over the years many young people who participated in leagues run by the North Bay Youth Soccer Club have gone on to become highly successful leaders and community builders.
"There is no doubt that some of the values instilled in them by their youth soccer coaches played a significant role in their development and achievements as adults," said Paul Coach, North Bay Youth Soccer Club head coach.
The North Bay Youth Soccer Club has raised money for multiple organizations and facilities over the years highlighted by $500,000 towards the Steve Omischl Sports Complex.
"The board has decided to continue with this spirit of philanthropy and will be making donations later this year to several community organizations in North Bay, many of which have a focus on youth and youth sports," the release stated.
Nipissing District Soccer Club taking over
The good news for young soccer players in the area is that the North Bay Youth Soccer Club is not the only local soccer club in operation.
See related: Nipissing District Soccer Club taking youth soccer registrations
The Nipissing District Soccer Club has gained momentum in the local soccer circles by offering soccer programming during the challenging Covid summer of 2020 as the organization navigated through safety protocols to offer soccer when the North Bay Youth Soccer Club - like many other sports clubs that summer - opted to shut down.
"The North Bay Youth Soccer Club would like to send our best wishes to the Nipissing District Soccer Club as they continue to provide opportunities for young people in North Bay to play soccer, the game that we all love," the North Bay Youth Soccer Club release concluded.
