The thirst for women’s professional football—or soccer for us North Americans—is proven here in Winnipeg. Saturday was Winnipeg Ember FC’s first open tryout at WSF Soccer South on 211 Chancellor Matheson Rd., bringing out more than 100 players bidding for the roster list. “It’s incredible to see the uptake, the enthusiasm around this weekend and it’s showing that dreams are potentially going to be realized here (Saturday),” said Desiree Scott, co-founder of the club. “Those are people that no matter the age, they want to see if they can have a crack at it and we’re creating that opportunity here, so (it’s) an awesome thing.” Seventy-five out of 118 tryout participants were from Manitoba, said Rob Gale, co-founder and chief sporting officer of the club. The club brought coaches from both local and out-of-town and players as evaluators at the indoor field. Asked about the number of players the club was looking for, both Scott and Gale said no number was specifically set, but review of the tryout will take place first. “If we could have a whole roster, we’ll take them. But I mean, if you can get to three to five strong players that are invited to pre-season, I think that’s key,” Scott said. For Gale, it’s the personality. “You have to show your personality on the field, and that might be that you’re a tough tackling, ball-winning central midfielder like the destroyer,” he said. “Or you might be creative, you might be a passer, you might be a leader, you might be a great one vs. one attacking player—you’ve got to show that on the field.” Laurence Gladu and Justine Lalande were two of the 43 tryout participants that were from out-of-province—their case, Montreal. “It’s really cool to see Winnipeg and what they’ve done,” said Gladu. “Obviously, I’m really excited to be a part of the first steps for the club and just excited to be a part of it.” One of the ‘cools’ was the fresh start. “It’s a blank page for everyone,” said Lalande. “Everyone comes from different backgrounds, different provinces, so I think everyone wants to give their best.” Winnipeg Ember FC is slated to begin their journey in the Northern Super League as its seventh club next year. As of last count, around 1,100 people paid their deposits for the club’s season tickets, Gale said. “We know the demand is there, that’s going to increase as you see it becomes more real – the logo, the name, the colours, coaching staff to be announced.”
