by Isobel Harry
GORE BAY—Constable Steve Redmond “believes in physical activity” and that’s why locals will see him jogging up and down Poplar Road and along Highway 540 near his Gore Bay OPP detachment at lunchtime when weather permits. It’s also a big part of why he’s been a committed volunteer with Island Soccer for the last 10 years.
Steve grew up in Kanata, a suburb of Ottawa, and joined the OPP in 1995. In 1999, he and his family were transferred to Manitoulin. The police officer is now based in the Courthouse in downtown Gore Bay, in his position as transportation coordinator, arranging and overseeing the movement of offenders who have been detained in various centres pending their court appearances.
Soon after arrival on Manitoulin, Steve Redmond encountered Wanda and Ian Whittington and Cathy Jeffery, the founders of Island Soccer; Wanda is the president and Cathy the secretary of the organization. Fifteen years ago, the trio had seen a need for a Manitoulin club to participate in competitive soccer in Sudbury and, five years in, Steve joined their volunteer efforts.
“I never really played soccer, but I decided to volunteer when my son wanted to play,” says the constable. “The Island Soccer club is made up of kids from every community on Manitoulin who are blended by age and skill level. It fluctuates between 240 and 160 members; it’s at about 200 for this season.”
There are four categories of players, based on age: under 7 (as young as four), under 9, under 11 and under 14. Recruitment takes place in March when the fee is $25 to join; after April 19 the fee is $70. “The fee covers each child’s great-quality socks, shorts and shirt. We print sponsor names on the shirts and that’s why the fee’s higher in April after we’ve made the bulk order. Each participant also receives a gift at the end of the season,” Steve Redmond explains. Transportation to Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) in M’Chigeeng for the Saturday morning (9 am to 12:30 pm) games is arranged by each child’s family; often parents are coaches and carpool their kids and others.
Registration takes place in different towns, overseen by more volunteers: Patsy Nodecker in Gore Bay, Leslie Green and Aaron Rose in Little Current, Michelle Day in Manitowaning and Steve Redmond in Mindemoya and M’Chigeeng. There’s also a downloadable registration form on Facebook. “There are about 30 volunteers involved,” adds Steve, “including 16 coaches.”
At MSS, there are two soccer pitches outside the school, with the four age/skill levels alternating for an hour and forty minutes each.
“We need a total of four referees on Saturdays, and they’re made up of MSS students and teachers who donate their time,” adds Steve.
“Island Soccer is well-organized to give kids and parents a great experience. Our location–MSS—is central, the price to join is reasonable, and we have liability insurance,” explains Steve Redmond. “There are so many reasons to volunteer your time and this is a worthy cause. The kids learn and polish new skills, they form friendships going into high school and there are no arguments and fights.”
“As a volunteer my reward comes when I see all those smiling faces on the field at MSS. We’re helping kids find a passion for healthy activity through the game of soccer and we enjoy it as much as they do. We never cancel—unless there is thunder and lightning!”
