Some soccer players and North Bay Youth Soccer at odds

There is an issue of concern in local soccer.

So says a North Bay man.

Mike Ianeiro says there are 18 year old players in the North Bay Youth Soccer League who have been invited by the men’s adult soccer league to play there, but the youth league is prohibiting them from doing so.

He says no other soccer association in Ontario that he’s spoken to can explain how this can be done.

Ianeiro says the adult league wants to make nice and is following the no release rule, but still wants the players in their league.

Paul Cook speaks for the coaches in the youth league.

He says they’re down to 4 teams and 60 players and any request granted would set a dangerous precedent.

Cook says their practices are in keeping with the Ontario Soccer Association and Soccer Northeast.

He says these decisions are difficult for parents and players, but the youth soccer board makes decisions best for youth soccer and not for individual players.