A big change is coming to youth soccer in Didsbury, Alberta this season. For the first time, the Didsbury Minor Soccer Association (DMSA) will offer separate leagues for boys and girls in all divisions from U7 and up. The move marks a shift away from the co-ed teams that have long been the norm in the small town of about 5,000 people.
The new format is not guaranteed, however. DMSA says the separate leagues will only go ahead if enough players and coaches sign up. If registration numbers fall short, the association may combine age groups within a gender or revert back to mixed teams. That conditional approach reflects the reality of running volunteer-driven sports in rural Alberta, where numbers can be unpredictable.
The change comes as Didsbury’s parent soccer body, the Big Country Soccer Association (BCSA), pushes to grow the girls’ game across its 13 communities. In January, BCSA launched the IGNITEHer Girls Program, a district-wide effort to build welcoming and supportive environments for female players. The idea is to keep girls in soccer longer by offering development that fits their needs, with positive role models and consistent support.
Nearby Olds Minor Soccer shows why that matters. The club reported an 18 per cent drop in registrations this year and could not field teams at the U17 or U19 levels. Didsbury’s push for gender-specific leagues may offer a way to boost participation and give young athletes a chance to play on teams that feel like a better fit.
Parents registering their kids should keep in mind that the new structure depends on the numbers. DMSA will make a final call once registration closes and will let families know if any divisions end up combined or co-ed.
