Soccer takes BP by storm
Local youth athletes Greyson Spinler, Cash Salinas, Chase Wangen, Everly Yankoviak, Ava Gribstead, Braaten Motl and Kinely Emanuel celebrate their win in the third-grade championship of Blooming Prairie’s youth soccer league. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips
Youth soccer has become Blooming Prairie’s newest craze with Victory Field being flooded by athletes from preschool to fifth grade each week for some fun in the sun.
The league is run through the Blooming Prairie Recreation Association (BPRA) but was originally founded by a trio of community members.
Behind the formation of the league are Blooming Prairie residents Amy and Caleb Ostrander, and Tina Cisneros.
“It’s super fun. I love seeing how many families come out together, and I love seeing all the kids out playing. It was our goal when we started. We want kids to be getting outside and active, and giving the families reasons to get out together,” said Amy Ostrander.
The league officially began three years ago and has seen nothing but consistent increases in numbers.
According to statistics from Cisneros, the league began with 210 kids in the inaugural season, but quickly jumped to 280 the following year before having 320 in 2024.
Making up the league are 35 teams and 80-85 volunteers, all of whom share the same passion for the game and for their community.
Some eye-opening numbers considering Blooming Prairie’s preschool through fifth-grade enrollment is 486 kids.
“I grew up playing. We have two little boys who play too, and we actually started out in Austin. They really loved playing and it was one of those things where my wife asked me one day, ‘Hey, should we do this in Blooming Prairie?’” said Caleb Ostrander.
With local sponsors taking on the creation of jerseys and with funding from the BPRA to purchase nets and equipment, the league has proven to be a bright spot in the community – and surrounding towns are beginning to notice.
According to the trio, athletes from surrounding towns such as Hollandale, Austin, Ellendale, and others are beginning to come to town to take part in the action.
The season fee is $30 for a dry-fit jersey, and an additional $8 for a soccer ball.
Practices and games take place on Sundays.
The 2024 season wrapped up with championship games last weekend, and a full field of spectators took up nearly all of Victory Field.
It’s safe to say soccer is here to stay in Blooming Prairie.