Young Alberta Summer Games soccer hopefuls from the region are getting expert coaching help from Portage College.
Voyageurs’ soccer head coach Macky Singh, assistant coach Brian Cook, and veteran Voyageurs’ fullback Ash Hennefent are offering their experience to the U14 boys’ and girls’ teams that will represent the region at the 2026 Alberta Summer Games held in Strathcona County from July 16-19. Tryouts to select players for the two teams were held in Lac La Biche on May 2.
Singh, a globally recognized soccer coach who has steered collegiate teams to international competitions and championships, has been the bench boss for the Voyageurs soccer program since 2024. He will be coaching the U14 girls who will represent Zone 7 in the upcoming Alberta Summer Games. The tryouts at the Bold Centre sports fields in Lac La Biche saw 33 players hit the pitch for initial evaluations. Team hopefuls came from Fort McMurray, Plamondon, Saddle Lake, Lac La Biche, Cold Lake, St. Paul, Bonnyville Vermilion, St. Michael, Toefield and Lloydminster.
Singh was pleased with the calibre of young athletes who attended the first session.
“Overall, we were very pleased with the level of players technical ability, tactical understanding and work ethic,” said Singh.
On the boys’ side, Cook was also impressed with the turnout.
“Training was great… there is a lot of talent on the teams,” he said, also offering props to the local athletic amenities. “It was great hosting in Lac La Biche, and players and parents really enjoyed the training facility.”
Singh and Cook will lead the practices for the selected players leading up to the start of the Games.
The 2026 Alberta Summer Games will draw 2,500 athletes between the ages of 11 and 16, competing in more than a dozen sports, including soccer, swimming, basketball, golf and baseball.