Alberta Soccer Association – (Red Deer) – On May 5-7, Alberta will see the return of the annual Women in Soccer Conference. This all-female event, which is designed to inspire, equip, strengthen, and unite women in sport, is the only one of it’s kind in Canada.
 
“We are thrilled to offer women in Alberta an opportunity to learn from passionate and knowledgeable experts from across Canada, but also from one another,” says Richard Adams, Alberta Soccer Association’s Executive Director. “Attendees will develop valuable skills to benefit their roles both on and off the soccer field.”
 
The conference, run by the Alberta Soccer Association’s Development of Women in Soccer Committee, features an incredible lineup of speakers and leaders, including Olympic medalists, FIFA referees, the CEO of the Coaching Association of Canada, a Coach from the National Women’s Program, and many more.
 
In addition to the general workshops and sessions, conference participants can choose to register in one of three areas of focus: leadership, coaching, or refereeing. Registrants in the coaching and refereeing stream can receive their full certification by the end of the weekend.
 
There are many reasons why less than 30 percent of soccer referees and coaches are female, and the Development of Women in Soccer Committee aimed to remove as many of these barriers as possible to ensure any woman who wanted to participate in the conference, could. As a result, accommodation and meals are included in the ticket price, and those who require childcare in order to attend will be reimbursed for the expenses.

Alberta Soccer received a WISE (Women in Sport Encouragement) grant from the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS). The grant has gone to minimize registration fees for all participants.
  
Media are welcome to conduct interviews with conference organizers, speakers and participants prior to the conference or on Saturday morning at Red Deer College.
 
For more information on the event, please visit http://albertasoccer.com/about/women-in-soccer/
 
 
About the Alberta Soccer Association
 
The Alberta Soccer Association is the largest individual sports association in Alberta with 94,000 registered members. Alberta Soccer, in collaboration with its membership and partners, strives to create a centre of excellence for the game, providing opportunities for all players to reach their full potential.
 

For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact:
Tiana Squire                                           
Alberta Soccer Association                       
Communications Coordinator                       
(780) 378-8100                 
communications@albertasoccer.com