Inclement weather Monday severely curtailed a scheduled final practice for players, but prospects are bright for a successful anniversary season. Registration for the Delhi-based Norfolk Youth Soccer Club is approaching 400, up from the 350 who played last year. Marques is particularly pleased with the formation of an entire new team for under-15s. Originally known as the Delhi Soccer Club, the name was changed to reflect a large number of players from outside the town who participate in the program. Catering to ages from three to the teenage years, indoor soccer has proven to be a popular alternative winter sport for those not interested in hockey.
Girls also make up a big percentage of the players registered with the club.
They also have their own open recreational team which plays in a league with Simcoe, Tillsonburg, Brantford, Paris and Burford. Marques said girls play with the boys up until peewee, then want to continue on their own. The open team has players ranging in age from 14 to 27. One referee said he was surprised. For graduates of the minor program, Delhi also offers the opportunity for players to move up to more competitive levels.