NLSA Molson Challenge Cup



Saturday, May 30, 2009

Challenge Cup Schedule


2009 Challenge Cup Schedule

Please be advised that a draft for the 2009 Challenge Cup Schedule will be released early next week.

Regular Season to start play - June 13

Originally, the NLSA had planned to have an All - Star Challenge Cup game on June 13, 2009 but now we have decided to start the regular season on June 13, 2009 . As a result, the NLSA won't be having the All-Star game that it originally had planned. The revision has been made to accommodate the Canada Games in order for them to complete a full schedule of games. The Canada Games Teams are now scheduled to open the season on the Burin Peninsula but they are not available for regular season games during June 18 - 24 due to the fact that a number of players on this squad are Grade 12 students who will be writing, public exams. Also, the Canada Games Team are to have their schedule completed by Aug. 16 because of their participation at National Canada Games Tournament slated for PEI.

The Loss King George "V" is Enormous

It is quite obvious that the loss of King George "V" soccer field is enormous and I'm sure it will play havoc on soccer in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador this season. Last year there were over 70 games played at that venue and this year an alternate field must be found to play these games. To further complicate matters, various soccer fields located at Smallwood Complex in Mount Pearl could be out of out commission for extended periods as a result of on going work.
Then it's our weather

I'm sure every Newfoundlander realizes that at times, our weather could leave a lot to be desired.

Could be a very interesting season indeed !!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Coach's Corner by Gord Dunphy

An Honor and a Privilege
Since the final whistle blew to bring an end of play in the 2008 Challenge Cup season, a great deal of soccer undertakings has occurred, particularly at the provincial administration level of the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association. Some new faces have been added while some very familiar and prominent soccer personalities remain. Members from the previous executive include President Doug Redmond, Vice President of Youth Judi Kelloway and Secretary Dave Legrow. The new people joining the ranks are Doug Kirby, who replaces George Babcock as Treasurer, and Denise Hickey joins as Vice President of Senior Women. Hickey replaced Paul Miller and yours truly was elected as Vice President of the Senior Men. I have replaced Kevin Pittman, who completed his second term in office and had left the province for employment in Alberta.

President - Doug Redmond

There is no doubt that an association is only as good as one’s leader. The Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association over the years have had some great leaders, but as far as I’m concerned, Doug Redmond can rank up with the best. Personally, I’ve known Doug Redmond for a long time and I know of his abilities. I feel he is the most dedicated volunteer in all of sports in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He is not an aggressive type of person or the kind of guy that is in your face. Basically, as I see it, Doug is there all the time and he goes about his business very quietly and effectively. He is very well respected at the provincial level by all of Sport NL and he is highly regarded at the National Soccer Level as well.. As a sound leader he gets the job done and he has surrounded himself with some very high quality, knowledgeable and well respected soccer individuals. Behind the scenes, he works closely with a very strong group of his supporters. They include Provincial Hall of Famer’s Jeff Babstock, Brian Murphy and Brian Walsh. Plus he has good administrative support from both Bob Antle and Dave Legrow. On the newly formed strategical planning side of matters, Calvin Randell brings his expertise as he chairs this committee. Then on the technical side, Doug has Dragon Mirkovic and Mike Power working with him. To further ensure the association is positively showcased, from a public relations perspective, Doug has recruited “Mr. Media”, Dee Murphy.

Strong supporting cast

The NLSA is also supported by a group of ten directors, representing all the regions of the Province. Their duties are to address and represent the needs of their region to the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association. Actually, they are a group of dedicated directors that assist the NLSA in performing their duties. This group includes: Shane Dunphy - B.P.S.A , Jeff Clancey - Avalon, Sharon Langer - Western, Trevor Paine-Labrador East, Bob Antle - St. John’s, Ron O'Neill - Mount Pearl, Chris Murley - Central, Don Stoddart-Labrador West, Pat Wells - Conception Bay South, Ronald Manet – St.Pierre /Michelon and Rob Antle is the director of officials.

An Honour and a Privilege!

For me to serve on the NLSA executive, I feel it’s an honour and a privilege. To hold the title as Senior Vice President of NLSA Men’s Soccer is something that I probably would have only dreamed about at one time. However, now that I am at what I would consider a mature age, plus with the experience that I’ve gotten in soccer in four decades and the confidence and competence in my abilities, I felt why not go for it. I think it’s a very small understatement to say, “I have a great passion for soccer” I realize it’s a big undertaking to be Vice President of the NLSA and I do realize that St. Lawrence will always be home to me.. However, I have no problem in publicly stating and guaranteeing all parties that, should it be it at the Challenge Cup, Intermediate or Master’s Level, my goal is to promote the game and to initiate growth. I want to ensure that all regions and teams in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador are respected and treated fairly.

My goal

The Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association, as I see it, is an administrative body that must look out for soccer in all of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. I feel far too often our soccer program has only been focused on the Avalon and the Burin Peninsula. While I will try and improve upon the senior programs in the traditional established areas, I will also try to generate growth in the central, western and the Labrador portion of our province. One must realize that in 2008 we had only 4 senior Challenge Cup teams and it is the responsibility of the NLSA to address this matter.

The beauty of being challenged

Now, that I am closely involved with the operations of the NLSA I can honestly tell you that there is a tremendous amount of volunteer work in the operating of this provincial organization that has a 13,000 membership. Yes, there may be mountains to climb, bridges to cross and hurdles to get over, but that’s the beauty of being challenged.

Dunphy’s Details: The soccer community mourns the loss of what I consider to be one of Newfoundland’s, “Greatest Soccer Fans”. Keithy Walsh of St. Lawrence who passed away on May 11, 2009 will be remembered as a loyal Laurentian supporter and a friend of all who played soccer in Newfoundland and Labrador. He will be missed.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

The Telegrams Top Ten Teams

Canwest news service file photo

Telegrams Top Ten

NL's Team Gushue, a team who consists of Brad Gushue, Mark Nichols, Russ Howard, Jamie Korab and Mike Adams were 2006 Olympic Gold Medalists in Italy in 2006 . They are also named Newfoundland and Labrador's top team of all time. This is a title and a reward that basically can not be disputed. "Gold is Gold" and as far as I'm concerned there is nothing greater than a Olympic Gold. The moment when Mark Nicholas made a remarkable shot late in the ining of the Gold Medal contest, this moment made every Newfoundlander and Labradorian very proud. I can remember exactly, where I was when Paul Henderson, scored the winning goal for Canada against Russia, in 1972. I remember sitting in the staff room at a college when Team Gushue won Gold and I can honest say, "Both moments are moments that I will remember and treasure for the rest of my life".

The other nine
You know we got a lot to be proud of when it comes to team sports and world class athletes for a small province. When I look at the list that compiled there are some great teams there.

Top 10

1. Team Guhue
2. 1988 Holy Cross Challenge Cup Champions
3. The Rock Rugby
4. 1901 Outer Cove Rowing Crew
5. Corner Brook Royals
6. St. Lawrence Laurentians
7. Jack MacDuff curling team
8. Conception Bay North CeeBees
9. 1966 Terra Novas junior baseball
10. Sue Anne Bartlett curling team

Soccer

Just to see that soccer has two teams in the top ten, Holy Cross -#2, St.Lawrence - #6, goes to show you that soccer has had a strong history in our province and the selection committee certainly did justice to the sport. I also realize that there were other great soccer teams that did our province well. In 1970 Allan Ross coached MUN to a National Soccer Championship and he also coached a Newfoundland Men's Team in 1974 to a Under- 18 National Title but when one is to select the best teams of all time, it is no easy task. A National Championship Title speakes for itself.

Congratulations!

I would like to congratulate the top ten teams, and to all the teams, that were even considered for this honor. I would also like to thank the selection committee for a job well done !

Wellington Street Complex - Home of Corner Brook United

Wellington Street Complex - Home of Corner Brook United

Corner Brook are in !!
It's official, Corner Brook are back into Challenge Cup and as you can see in the photo's, the West Coast of Newfoundland has come of age in the world of soccer with their new turf field complex in Corner Brook. This facility was constructed in 2008 and has been named the "Wellington Street Complex" . In the meantime because of the damage done to King George V Pitch, the St. John's teams will playing their games at Feildian Grounds, Mundy Pond and Bowring Park while Mt. Pearl games will be played at the Smallwood Complex. Actually, if all goes as projected Mount Pearl Middle Smallwood Complex is to have new turf installed this summer. This would be a welcomed addition for the Avalon Peninsula.

Six Team League

This year we will see Corner Brook back playing in the Molson Challenge League with a 10 game schedule. Each of Corner Brook games will be worth six points for a accumulated total of 60 points. While the remaining teams; St.Lawrence, Holy Cross, Mount Pearl,Feildians and the NL Canada Games Teams will play a 18 game schedule. Sixteen of these clubs games will be three point games while their other two matches against Corner Brook are 6 pointers.

Season Opener
The schedule is slated to open with a Molson Challenge All-Star Gamed scheduled for St.Lawrence on June 13. The Laurentians, who are the 2008 Provincial Challenge Cup Champions, will play a Team of 2008 Provincial all-Stars. While the regular season play is scheduled to start on June 20.

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More photo's of the Wellington Complex in Corner




Friday, May 22, 2009

Stay tuned for Gord Dunphy's First Coach's Corner in 2009

Coach's Corner
May 26, 2009
Stay tuned for my first Coach's Corner in 2009

An Honour and a Privilege

Since the final whistle blew to bring an end of play in the 2008 Challenge Cup season, a great deal of soccer undertakings has occurred particularly at the provincial administration level of the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association. Some new faces have been -------------------

The NLSA President – “Doug Redmond”

There is no doubt that an association is only as good as one’s leader. The Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association over the years have had some great leaders, but as far as I’m concerned, Doug Redmond can rank ---------------

Strong supporting cast

The NLSA is also supported by a group of ten directors, representing all the regions of the Province. Their duties are ------------------------------------------

An Honour and a Privilege!

For me to serve on the NLSA executive, I feel ------------------------------------------

My goal

The Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association, as I see it, is an administrative body that must look out for soccer in -------------------------------

The beauty of being challenged

Now, that I am closely involved with the operations of the NLSA I can honestly tell you that there is a tremendous ----------------------------------------------------------------

Dunphy’s Details: The soccer community mourns the loss of what I consider to be one of Newfoundland’s, “Greatest Soccer Fans”. Keithy Walsh --------------------

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

BPSA To Host A Soccer Clinic


The BPSA will be hosting a soccer coaching clinic on June 26 -28. It will take place in Marystown .The cost is $70 per course (both community child and youth will be offered).The dedadline to register is June 22 .


Any one interested in participating in the course should contact the president of the BPSA,Shane Dunphy, at 279-2392 or email by email ; shanedunphy@hotmail.com

Monday, May 18, 2009

Provincial Under 11


Four players from the Burin Peninsula are invited to attend the final U-11 Provincial Camp

Congratulations to


Parker Doyle (St. Lawrence)


Ryan Dunphy (Marystown)


Michael Pittman (Marystown)


Gregory Rogers (Marystown)

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Your Opinion Matters - To Answer Questionnaire : Click Here

Your Opinion Matters - Questionnaire

As part of the NLSA strategic plan we are asking our members to complete a short questionnaire about their experiences with soccer. We hope that this feedback will help us improve our service to our membership. Members of the NLSA Strategic Plan Committee are: Calvin Randell (Chairperson), Corey Parsons, Walt Mavin, Denise Hickey, Gord Dunphy and Brian Walsh.

To complete the survey please save the questionnaire below on your computer, complete it using Microsoft Word (use an 'x' to mark your answer), save it and return it to us via email at strategicplan@sportnl.ca. If you cannot return it by email you can print the questionnaire fill it in by hand and return it to us via fax 576-0588 or by mail PO Box 21029 St. John's NL A1A 5B2.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us either by email or by phone 576-0601.

Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Questionnaire

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

The Southern Gazette Reader Polls - May 4 - 11, 2009 - Click Here


READER POLLS

This Southern Gazette Reader Poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those internet users who have chosen to participate.

Last weeks question of the week read as follows :

Are you in favour of lesser games for Corner Brook United in the Challenge Cup soccer schedule to cut down on travel, with those games worth six points instead of the usual three?

Yes - 72%

No - 28%

Monday, May 11, 2009

This page is dedicated to to the life of Keith Walsh - R.I.P.


2008 photo by gd

Hi Everyone,

Keith passed away quickly and peacefully this morning. He is not in pain anymore and we as his family are content knowing that St. Theresa and St. Jude are taking care of him now.

Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.
Angie & Family

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White Dove Announcement:

Passed peacefully away at the U.S. Memorial Health Care Centre in St. Lawrence on Monday May 11, 2009, Keith Alonzo Walsh of St. Lawrence in his 39th year. Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories, his loving wife Angie of 10 years; parents Annie Mae & Keith Walsh of St. Lawrence; parents-in-law Clare & Edgar Jarvis of St. Lawrence; sisters Amanda (Donette) of St. Lawrence, Kanta (Mario) of St. Lawrence, and special niece Lorna (Marc) of Terrenceville; brothers Michael (Lisa) of Halifax, NS, Corey (Lori) of Red Deer, AB, and Leon (Kristy) of Marystown; nieces Cassandra and Hailey; great-niece Emily; nephews Lucas, Shane and Travis; plus a large circle of family and friends. Pre-deceased by grandparents Margaret & Frederick Walsh and Mary & David Lambert.

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Keithy with his buddy Marc Pittman


2008 photo by gd


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Gord at Keith's and Angie's Wedding


There are times in life when God puts ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, such as the event of the loss of a friend. The only thing that we can do in these situations is cherish the memories and friendships that we had with Keith and give our support to his wife and family.Keith you were a true friend to all.

God Bless !


Gord Dunphy

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

No Paine - No Gain

Has soccer gained in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador as a result of Trevor Paine? Absolutely, Trevor lives soccer and is a great promoter who demonstrates a great passion for the game. Trevor Paine, who is a resident of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is a true soccer fanatic. Recently, he won the Pitcher Plant Individual Award. This award annually goes to a volunteer within the recreation field. He has played a major role in a variety of extremely worthwhile recreation and sports programs for the past 28 years.
Paine is a member of the provincial soccer Hall of Fame, he has been a director on the NLSA for 22 years. He was the past technical chair of the NLSA.In 2005 his valuable contributions to recreation and sport within Labrador was recognized when Senator Bill Rompkey presented him with a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. In 2008, the Canadian Soccer Association presented him with a national award of merit as he played a major role in the establishment of the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Minor Soccer Association. He is currently the the president of the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Association and amember of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador.

Open Masters Tournament


Masters Soccer

CBS Masters are hosting a kickoff the season tournament to be held in CBS on June 12, 13 &14. Registration deadline is June 1st. This tournament is open to Masters Division Teams.
Gerard Kenny
Senior Soccer Director
CBS Soccer Association

Monday, May 4, 2009

Angus Barrett Honored

Congratulations Angus!!!!

Angus Barrett of St. John's, has been honored with the prestigious Aubrey Sanford Meritorious Award by the Canadian Soccer Association for his long and valuable contributions to the sport of soccer during the past 45 years. Barrett received the award during the CSA annual meeting in Calgary.Barrett is a class individual that has been a great ambassador for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Laurentian's Get The Ball Rolling To Have A "Soccer Day in St.Lawrence

Is St.Lawrence, Soccer ? or Is Soccer, St.Lawrence?

Personally, I feel due to the fact that St.Lawrence is to celebrate a Homecoming in August, a full day full should be set aside during this period to celebrate the fact that this little community is recognized as the "The Soccer Capital of Canada"
and we have a "Soccer Day in St.Lawrence"


The Past - Pictured here are some of the the great Laurentians of the past
1939 Team

The Present - Pictured here are some of the great Laurentians of today
2004 Team



The Future - Pictured here is a 2008 photo of a group of U-12 kids that must keep the ball rolling and grow on St. Lawrence's 105 year old tradition.
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St. Lawrence Home Coming Schedule of Events
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Saturday, August 1, 2009
St. Lawrence Day:
10:00 a.m. - Parade
- Salvation Army Marching Band
12:00p.m. - Opening Ceremonies @ Park
- Cake to be cut by the oldest
resident of St. Lawrence
01:00 p.m. - St. Lawrence Day Activities at
park & field
- Community Booths
- Face painting
- Bounce House
- More Activities to be announced
at a later date
03:00 p.m. - Soccer Game
09:00p.m. - Torch Light Parade starting @ Fire Hall
10:00p.m. - Fireworks
11:00 p.m. - Dance at Ocean View
music by "The Groove."
- Dance at Rec. Center
music by "Tony's Disco."
- Dance at Sweepers Lounge
"In House Music."

Sunday, August 2, 2009

08:00 a.m. - Hospital Auxiliary Breakfast
at the Parish Hall.
- Mardi Gras/ Chinese Auction.
10:00 a.m. - Minor Soccer Beer Bottle Drive
11:00 a.m. - Sunday Church
02:00 p.m. - Old Fashion Garden Party (?)
04:00 p.m. - Phyllis Cavallini
06:00 p.m. - Sean Silvers (NL Dancers)
09:00 p.m. - Oldies Battle of the Bands
@ Oceanview Lounge
- Reunion of the older bands
that played in St.Lawrence in
the earlier years.
10:00 p.m. - Dance @ Sweepers Lounge

Monday, August 3, 2009

8:30 a.m. - Community Walk & Talk
1:00 p.m. - Community BBQ Sponsored by
The Town of St. Lawrence in relation
to the Towns 60th Anniversary.
- Held at the Laurentian Grounds.
- Clowns & Balloons for Kids.
7:00 p.m. - Christmas Caroler's
Starting @ Rec. Center .
- Walk together as a group to the Tree
lighting ceremony while singing
Christmas Carols.
8:00 p.m. - Tree Lighting Ceremony with
Santa & Hot Chocolate
- Tribute to Soldiers.
- Held at the St. Lawrence
Municipal Center.
9:00 p.m. - MuchMusic Video Dance (teen)
@ Rec. Center
10:00 p.m. - Black Ice @ Parish Hall
10:00 p.m. - Dance @ Sweepers
- Dance @ Oceanview

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

8:30 a.m. - Community Walk & Talk
11:30 a.m. - Soup n' Sandwiches @ Seniors Club
1:00p.m. - Family Hike at Chambers Cove
- Hear the Story of the Truxton & Pollux
- guided by Mayor Rowsell,
- Picnic During Hike
2:00 p.m. - Horseshoe/Dart Competition @ Sweepers
3:00 p.m. - Open House @ The Fire Hall
6:00 p.m. - St. Matthew Cemetery Service
7:30p.m. - Fear Factor @ Rec. Center- 8-11yrs
8:00p.m. - Giant Bingo @ Parish Hall.
9:00 p.m. - Fear Factor @ Rec. Center
- 12 yrs. & Over
9:00 p.m. - Rock in the Dock @ Sweepers Lounge.
10:00 p.m. - Dance @ Oceanview Lounge

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

FREE SWIMS IN SWIMMING POOL :
DETAILS AVAILABLE LATER
8:30 a.m. - Community Walk & Talk
11:00 a.m. - Touton and Tea by Girls Basketball Team
1:00 p.m. - The Ducky Race @ River Head Brook
1:00 p.m. - The Ultimate Scavanger Hunt
- 11yrs. & Under
- Meet at the Rec. Center.
1:30 p.m. - The Ultimate Scavenger Hunt
- 12 yrs. & Over.
- Meet at the Rec. Center.
2:00 p.m. - Penny Auction @ Rec. Center.
2:00 p.m. - Dart/Horseshoe Competition @ Sweepers
6:30p.m - Mount Cecelia Cemetery Service.
9:00 p.m. - Newfie Mug-Up
10:00 p.m. - Screeching In/Mummers Dance
- Held @ Sweepers
10:00 p.m. - Dance @ Oceanview Lounge
Kelly Family Reunion
Edwards/Etchegary Family Reunion

Thursday, August 6, 2009

8:30 a.m. - Community Walk & Talk
1:00 p.m. - Fish Filleting Contest
- Sponsored by Ocean Choice
- Held on Causeway.
2:00 p.m. - Terry Reilly's Teddy Bear Picnic @ Park/Rec.Center
2:00 p.m. - The Amazing Race
- 12-18 yrs. @ Rec. Center
7:00 p.m. - Dinner Theater with Amy House
- Held @ High School
9:00 p.m. - Soccer Stories & Tales @ Rec. Center
- A Reunion of people with a
history in Soccer to tell their
Soccer story one more time.
- Finger foods and Great Bar Specials
10:00 p.m. - 70/80's Dance @ Sweepers Lounge.
10:00 p.m. - Dance @ Oceanview Lounge
- Music By: "No Boundaries"


Friday, August 7, 2009

8:30 a.m. - Community Walk & Talk
1:00 p.m. - Shoal Cove Beach Family Fun Day
- Donation Toll Gate by SLVFD
- Kite Flying competition
- Family Sandcastle Competition
- Don't Forget your Kites & Buckets
- Food Available from SLVFD
6:00 p.m. - Class of 1994 Reunion
9:00 p.m. - Causeway Bonfire and Sing-a-long &
wiener roast
9:00p.m. - Shoal Cove Beach Party (Adults Only)
10:00 p.m. - Dance at Sweepers "In House Music"
- Dance at Oceanview Lounge
Roul Family Reunion

Saturday, August 8, 2009

10:00 a.m - Jail Day by SLVFD
10:00 a.m. - Community Brunch by ACW
1:00 p.m. - Farmers Market
- Held on Causeway.
1.00 p.m. - Fish n' Brews @ Sweepers Lounge
2:00 p.m. - Pet Show @ Park
3:00 p.m. - Soccer Game
8-10:00p.m - Teen Get Together & BBQ
10:00 p.m. - Dance at Oceanview "Barcode"
- Dance at Rec Center "Masterless Men"
- Dance at Sweepers "In House Music"

Sunday, August 9, 2009

1:00 p.m. - Closing Ceremonies
@ Laurentian Grounds
- Balloon Release
2:00 p.m. - BATTLE OF THE BANDS @ Soccer Field
- Beer Tent provided by The St. Lawrence
Soccer Association.
- Baked Beans and Buns - Sr. Girls
Basketball Team

Friday, May 1, 2009

P.E.I. soccer coach wins appeal over failure to travel to tournament

Soccer coach Mike Redmond has won his appeal of a two-year suspension by the P.E.I. Soccer Association.The association banned Redmond, who had been coaching the province's Canada Games team for three years, from any involvement in the sport after a senior women's team he was coaching failed to play at the Senior Women's National Championship in Newfoundland and Labrador last fall.The team was not able to secure enough players to attend the tournament.

The appeals committee says the P.E.I. Soccer Association was wrong to blame Redmond for the team's actions. It said there was no way the coach should have been held responsible for the team not raising enough money to make the trip.

The committee determined Redmond did what he could to get the team to the tournament.
Redmond was supposed to continue with his coaching of the provincial women's team playing at this summer's Canada Games on P.E.I., but he has been away from the team since the suspension came down mid-winter. He's not sure if he'll be joining the team now that he's free to coach again.

St. Lawrence 2009 Homecoming - Masterless Men - Click Here


The St.Lawrence Soccer Association are bringing in the Masterless Men this summer during the Homecoming. The Association are using this event as a major soccer fundraiser. They are presently looking at the possibility of having a second showing on Friday Aug 7th.

The SLSA has only 10 days to see if enough people are interested in attending this show before they book them for a Friday night show.

Tickets price are $22.50. The Saturday night (Aug.8th) showing is sold out.

If your interested call:
Hubert Beck 873 2564
Rec Center at 873 2456
Paula Kelly at 873 2817