A COLLINGWOOD couple has started a new sports club to bring the local community together by providing recreational sports for adults. 

Chris Brittain and Nicole Wong started Georgian Bay Sports Club during the provincial lockdown to improve the variety of sports competitions in the local area. 

With prior experience organizing local soccer matches, the pair are confident branching out and welcoming new faces into their organization.

They said: “There is a lack of opportunities and leagues to play sports in the area. Even if the sports do exist, it can be hard to connect with them [the leagues] because one individual rather than an organization often runs them. 

“So the idea is that Georgian Bay Sports Club can create a hub for adults who want to play local sports and give newcomers a chance to connect.”

Despite the provincial lockdown halting sporting activity until mid-February, Mr Brittain and Miss Wong are eager to start their new venture when restrictions are eased.

“As people who typically play sports three or four nights a week, it’s nice to plan it as it’s giving us something to look forward to.” Miss Wong said.

“There have been challenges in planning because facilities don’t know what’s going on. People may be hesitant to register for programs because they are unsure of what is to come, but I think that’s why we need to be transparent with the refund policy. 

“I think everyone is keen to get out and play sports again once restrictions are lifted, which makes this a positive idea.”

Kick-off

Georgian Bay Sports Club will host two brand-new adult soccer leagues at Pretty River Academy this spring and summer, starting April 20th, once pandemic restrictions are eased.

The club will start with two eight-a-side soccer competitions this spring and summer, including a men’s and a co-ed midweek league played at Pretty River Academy outdoor turf field. 

Both leagues will have four teams, and players must be over 21 to sign up. The registration cost is $89 per person, but a discount is applied if players participate in both seasons.

COVID refunds

Georgian Bay Sports Club founders Chris Brittain and Nicole Wong have stated that the club will offer refunds if COVID-19 affects the leagues:

“COVID is a big concern right now. There will be a full refund if you pay for a season and it does not go ahead. If the pandemic halts the season after it has started, you will be offered a partial refund at a pro-rated amount.

“We actually would have liked to start sports sooner – this winter, but it didn’t happen because of COVID. It’s is still on our radar, but we are planning to go ahead for springtime and will put necessary precautions in place.”

The Collingwood couple added: “We hope to include volleyball and floor hockey soon, but we are open to anything that can draw a crowd and be a success. If anyone has any ideas, we encourage them to reach out.”

For more on Georgian Bay Sports Club and to register for the spring and summer soccer leagues, visit georgianbaysportsclub.com