Soccer on Sunday evenings is returning to Portage la Prairie this weekend. Dave Oshust, one of the founding organizers of the league, notes they have most of the planning for the season finished.

"We're just fine-tuning the rosters, we've got nine teams this year, and our first games are Sunday, June 2."

He says the league has seen an increase in players from various backgrounds, including many who have immigrated to Portage.

"The bonus this year is we have a lot of new players. A lot of immigrants have come to town from various countries all over the world. We introduced them to in-door soccer this past winter at Southport, and they enjoyed it, so they've signed up for the summer."

The league has received a fair amount of attention since it began in 2019, and Oshust adds that they appreciate the support of the community.

"It's amazing the crowds we pick up. People bring their families out, grandparents, mothers and fathers come out just to sit on a lawn chair, enjoy the evening. We're non-competitive, it's for exercise mainly," he emphasizes. "We're excited, and people are excited."

The action happens every Sunday, except for long weekends, at Republic of Manitobah Park.