PGYSA has dug up a new treasure.
The Prince George Youth Soccer Association and the Treasure Cove Hotel have agreed upon a 10-year sponsorship deal that will help in the growth of youth soccer programs. The PGYSA will receive $100,000 over the term of the deal.
Len McNamara, executive director of PGYSA, said the financial support will allow the non-profit organization to develop new programs for the more than 2,500 outdoor players who are signed up.
"I think we have an opportunity to springboard from here and grow the organization," said McNamara. "In order to do that you have to have assistance, whether it's volunteer help and time and effort or money and contributions. I believe this sponsorship enables us to do those types of things."
The sponsorship support will be seen next weekend when the PGYSA hosts the provincial boys B Cup championships in six age groups between 13-18. Half of the 20 tents to shelter the teams that are needed for the July 4-7 tournament will be provided by Treasure Cove.
Craig Briere, president of Treasure Cove, said the idea to partner with PGYSA was a natural one for him since his sons Carson and Peyton spend much of their free time participating in PGYSA programs.
"I'm at the field most days of the week and I see the other kids and parents that are benefitting from the hard work that these people do," said Briere. "They've got a strong long-term vision and we believe in what they're doing and in order to do that they need a funding model that's stable for a long term. When you make a commitment for the long term it gives them the ability to move on to other things instead of having to come back every year."
* The B Cup boys provincial championship will be held July 4-7 on the four Rotary Fields and two North Cariboo Senior Soccer Association fields. Games are slated for 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. with six games happening in each time slot. Prince George has five teams participating among the 46 teams.
