M’CHIGEENG—The Noojmowin Teg Health Centre Healthy Living Children and Youth Program hosted a successful multi-community soccer tournament over the weekend, the culmination of a six-week long training and practice program.
Nelson Wood, Healthy Living Children coordinator, explained that Noojmowin Teg hosted the soccer program to all of the First Nation communities on Manitoulin, with the exception of Sheguiandah First Nation, which opted for a different activity. Mr. Wood noted that the community program managers in each of the communities acted as soccer coaches during the program.
“We’re like travelling gym teachers,” Mr. Wood joked.
In the lead-up to the Saturday tournament, the communities had training and practices for six weeks as well as one game each week in a different community. Saturday saw two divisions, ages 6-10 and 11-14, make up four teams.
The finals saw well-matched teams in all divisions with a shootout breaking a tie in every championship game.
In the 11-14 age group, M’Chigeeng won over “the Island” (a mixed team comprised of almost every other community). In the 6-10 age category, Wiikwemkoong won over a joint Shehsgwaning/Zhiibaahaasing team in a “very close game,” Mr. Wood said.
“The soccer program was very well received by the community,” he added, noting that over 140 players and family members came out to the event.
