While Portage Youth Soccer will not be hosting their season this year, there are still options for kids looking to kick the ball around this spring. Portage Cobras Soccer will be spearheading the program this year during the hiatus. President Chad Green says he wanted to make sure the children had a chance to play.

"It's going to be open to ages 4-14," says Green. "As long as restrictions allow, it's going to run for May and June, if not, it'll run June and July. It'll be two games a week for eight weeks."

Green says the Cobras have always ran training programs but haven't expanded on it because they were never trying to compete with Portage Youth Soccer. Green notes this year it is more important than ever for kids to have a physical outlet and he wanted to do his part to provide that.

He adds Manitoba Soccer has now moved into phase two of their return-to-play plan which allows for training. Green says if they continue to move on this trajectory he is confident they will be playing games come May, which is the main focus of the program.

"It's just games, there are no practices," Green explains. "Twice a week, each age group will have two games. Everybody is split into teams at the start of the year, so they're always playing with their same team. There's always been a stigma that the Portage Cobras is for higher-end players but that's not it at all. We're open to players of all skill levels."

For those looking to sign up, you can either contact Green directly via text (204-595-6477) or visit their website by clicking here. Green says he is very excited to get back onto the field and it was very important to him to give Portage's youth that chance as well.