Q: What is the Battle River Lightning Soccer Club?

A: The Club is an avenue for players who have above average skills who want to improve those skills with players like themselves. By playing on the Lightning Soccer Club, the players develop together much more quickly. Often times, good players don't get better unless they are challenged. By practicing and playing against equal or better caliber players and teams, we find the challenge they need is provided. The Club was established in 1995 as a single girls team aimed at providing an opportunity for a group of girls from the district to further their skills. In late 1999 members of the executive of the Lightning Soccer Club prepared a proposal to expand the Club Soccer concept for the entire Battle River District. In February 2000, the members of the Battle River District overwhelmingly voted it in.

Q: Am I good enough to play Club Soccer ?

A: Everyone is encouraged to attend try-outs - you might be surprised how well you fit in to Club caliber soccer. Give it a try, and let the Coaches have a look. You'll never know if you don't try.

Q: What are the game schedules?

A: EMSA determines the schedule each season. Please visit their website for current schedules.

Q: Will I be playing with my friends?

A: Players are selected by age and ability. If you have a friend trying out too, you could both make it......otherwise you may have an opportunity to make new friends your same age.

Q: Is there fundraising involved?

A: Yes. As we are a non profit organization, fundraising plays a big part in our efforts to reduce costs. It is quite minimal and rather effortless.

Q: Who are the Coaches?

A: BRLSC is committed to providing the best possible Coaches to our program.

Q: What are the Zone Boundaries for Battle River to play with the Lightning?

A: Please contact Battle River Soccer Association for Zone Boundaries.

Q: Do I have to live in the Battle River Zone to play with the Lightning?

A: NO. All teams are allowed specified numbers of imports who do not reside within the Battle River Zone.

Under 12's 3
Under 14's 3
Under 16's 4
Under 18's Unlimited

Q: Are we required to buy tracksuits and bags?

A: While not mandatory the purchase of these items is encouraged for all participants as it promotes a good team profile.

Q: How do I try-out for the Lightning?

A: Watch for tryout information on the Website or contact Wayne Kaiser for information as to where and when tryouts are for your child's age group.

Q: Why do we choose Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA)?

A: Once again the Club will play in the EMSA league. There are quite a number of reasons, of which we will list below.

• Simple and Fair to work with. EMSA is very willing to accommodate clubs, no matter what their size is.
• Can develop teams at their own pace. This prevents teams from being thrown into a level they are not quite ready for. IE: U-12 Girls in Tier 3 this season. This gives the players the proper opportunity to develop together and gain confidence in themselves. You will find some Clubs in the city do this already. So we are not the first to do this!
• The ability to pull community players up more easily. This provides some of our local community players the opportunity to experience first hand what the difference is between the Club level and community level. Whether they play in any of the Battle River communities.
• Offers a Tier 1 program, which is the road to Nationals. With the Tier 1 program operating, it now allows teams to best decide which level they wish to pursue and when to pursue it.
• Club Movement has begun. Warriors Club Program has moved over to EMSA. The Raiders are expected to be the next club to make the full move. These are the 2 largest clubs in Edmonton.
• EMSA Finances are solid. EMSA owns both Soccer facilities in Edmonton. Thus the reason why EMSA teams get first choice of dates and times. As well they have dibs on the Outdoor fields. Being the largest program out there they have clout in numbers. They are working to get the Southside Soccer Centre built ASAP. This will depend on the next budget the City presents. This facility will be built near 50th St and the Whitemud Freeway.
• EMSA is developing Soccer camps for both players, coaches and referees.
• For teams who have to travel long distances for Provincials, EMSA provides some monetary assistance. This also occurs with Nationals.
• Growth is happening in EMSA. They have over 100 new teams again this indoor season.
• EMSA has the vision we want, as well as the where with all to do it! We believe the GAP between EMSA and EIYSA is shrinking. Where there was once a time where no EMSA team would beat any EIYSA team, we now see that trend changing. Both the U-14 boys and U-18 boys defeated EIYSA teams this past season. They also lost to some EIYSA teams too! But progress was made.