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Over the years, the game of soccer has experienced remarkable growth, much like the growth we have witnessed at one of our local colleges here in Ottawa. 

Overlooking Lake Nipissing in northern Ontario is Nipissing University, a primarily undergraduate university recognized for smaller class sizes, unbeatable student living conditions and accessible support from faculty members.

Located in North Bay, the school reached out to us in late 2017 as they were in some preliminary discussions regarding the design of a new bleacher seating system and press box. Known for their athletic prowess in soccer, basketball and hockey (among others), the school’s athletic pride is green and black representing the Nipissing Lakes across the province.

Founded in 1931 by Constantine (Conn) Smythe, who was the principal owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1927 to 1961, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment(MLSE) is a powerhouse in the professional sports arena.  In addition to controlling the National Hockey League’s most valuable franchise, the organization also owns the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association and the Toronto FC of Major League Soccer.

Currently in the United States there are an estimated 24,000,000 people who play soccer in one level or another.  This statistic has increased to the tune of roughly 89 percent since 1990, and in 2015 soccer was rated more popular to watch on television than ice hockey, auto racing, tennis and golf.

In light of this growth, youth soccer programs in the United States and Canada have exploded over the past years.  What was once a sport played by young players on worn out fields is quickly becoming a premier pastime in North American society. 

During soccer season, diehard teams will rarely miss a game, rain or shine.  Weather doesn’t keep players from taking to the field - in fact, playing in the rain and mud add another dynamic to gameplay that some players even prefer.  

While it might be fun to play soccer in the rain, it’s not always as enjoyable to be on the sidelines in a monsoon.  It is certainly easier to be a good sport about the rain from on the field than it is on from the bench. 

Soccer players keep warm and focused by keeping in motion.  But once a player is subbed out, he needs a place to take shelter from the storm and recuperate before returning to the game. Without the chance to dry off and warm up, your players could catch cold and risk missing future games.