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SOCCER MEDIA REPORTS:

WOMEN'S SOCCER TAKES MAIN STAGE

Lee Kormish for The StarPhoenix

September 11th, 2007

Female soccer has grown by leaps and bounds all over the world in recent years. Males dominated the sport 20 years ago and substantially outnumbered females -- but not anymore. In Canada, of the 875,000 registered players, 360,000 (41 per cent) are female. In Saskatchewan, there are more than 10,000 females, and there's no sign this number will decrease.

In the adult recreational side, registration numbers have increased dramatically. Only five years ago, there were 740 females playing in the Saskatoon and District Soccer Association adult leagues. In 2007, the number has exceeded 1,300.

There are a a lot of reasons for increased participation. It is an outing away from the kids and a get-together with friends. Playing the game provides fresh air and a good source of exercise combined with the savvy of competition. And it's open to anyone -- with more information available by calling 975-3427 for all information. Single players are welcome and will be placed on a team that suits their skill level. For youth players, Saskatoon Youth Soccer Inc. can direct all players by calling 975-3413.

Although the women's game still does not receive the hype of the men's game, it's about to become front and centre at the FIFA World Cup taking place during the next couple weeks.

WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

The fifth official FIFA Women's World Cup is taking place in China until Sept. 30. Unlike Canada's men's team, where respect is often hard to attain at the international level, the women's team is considered highly competitive. Canada has qualified for their fifth straight World Cup and is expected to put in a good performance. After a shocking fourth-place finish at World Cup USA 2003, Canada is now officially ranked the ninth-best team in the world.

STARS TO WATCH

Considered one of the best women's players in the world, Christine Sinclair leads the Canucks with a career that sees her with 81 goals in 100 games. Fan favourite Kara Lang will also be strutting her stuff in China. Lang's feisty play finds her scoring goals at key moments in big games. Team Canada's hardworking, gritty play will always put fear into their opponents and hopefully will attain a few desired results. No less than a quarter-final berth will be accepted for team Canada this time around.