Varisty women’s futsal team takes on the alumni in annual exhibition game

By Kailynn Newediuk

Current Rebels goal keeper Abigail Wilson makes a quick save to keep her team in the lead at the end of the second half. /KAILYNN NEWEDIUK

The Red River Rebels varsity women’s futsal team played their first exhibition game of the year against the Rebels’ futsal alumni on Monday, Nov. 26.

The current Rebels beat the alumni 5-3, but the team’s head coach Doug Lawrie said he’s not focused on the score.

“It’s about exposure to the game and a competitive environment,” said Lawrie. “But the win for the current roster is always a positive going into the season.”

The team experiences a roster turnover every year because of the college’s short programs. This year, the roster consists of four new players and core players from the college’s varsity soccer team, who didn’t make playoffs last season.

Lawrie has been the head coach of varsity futsal and soccer programs for eight years. He started the alumni exhibition game three years ago.

“It’s always been a good opportunity for my current players to see that culture that has been built by the alumni and how they can be a part of that in the future as well,” said Lawrie.

Kendra Moen, 20, graduated from Red River College last June. She was a striker and winger for the varsity futsal team for two seasons. It was her first year playing the exhibition game as an alumna.

A current Rebel and alumni race for the ball in the first half to get a point on the board. /KAILYNN NEWEDIUK

“It was always fun to watch all the talent that’s been through the program,” said Moen.

Lawrie said the exhibition game is about comradery, team spirit, and fun. He said he was happy with the team’s plays and goals, but was more satisfied with the discussions they had about concepts of the game and what they can focus on for the start of the season.

That sense of team camaraderie stays with the Rebels players after they graduate.

“The alumni are so supportive of our program and they always enjoy coming together with each other to play again,” said Lawrie.

Moen said as long as Lawrie asks her to play in the alumni game, she’ll keep coming back.

She still sees herself as a Rebel and score keeps for other varsity games on weekends.

“It’s still fun to be a part of it and watch all of the other Rebels play.”

The current women’s varsity futsal roster (in white), the alumni (in black), and head coach Doug Lawrie (right), came together after the current Rebels deafeated the alumni 5-3. /KAILYNN NEWEDIUK

The core players in the futsal community are still active in the sport and look forward to the exhibition game. Lawrie thinks the alumni game tradition will continue.

The Rebels varsity women’s futsal season starts on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019 against the Providence University College Pilots.