PMSL kicks off season in Brandon

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This article was published 10/06/2025 (256 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Prairie Mountain Soccer League (PMSL) kicked off its new season Saturday at the Brandon Youth Soccer Association Park with a high-energy opener that ended in a 6–3 victory for Warriors FC over defending champions Wheelers FC.

The league aims to build a healthier and more unified community through soccer, league president Josue Aleman told the Sun.

Founded in 2022, PMSL features two divisions: a Senior Division with nine teams and a Master Division for players over 40, with six teams. In total, more than 300 players from various cultural backgrounds, including Canadian, Latino, African, and more, are participating this year, making the league a “vibrant” reflection of Brandon’s growing diversity.

“Our mission is to promote physical and mental well-being while bringing people together through sport,” Aleman said. “Soccer is a powerful way to unite communities. We even have a team from Minnedosa joining the league to stay active and connected.”

“This year’s league calendar includes four competitions: the main league championship, the already completed Minnedosa Cup, won by Virginia FC, another Nigerian side, and the inaugural Brandon Cup, scheduled for July 12 and 18,” he added. “The Brandon Cup will feature all nine senior teams in a group-stage format leading to a knockout round.”

Champions of each tournament will receive a trophy, medals and a cash prize, further raising the stakes and excitement throughout the season.

Beyond competition, the league aims to energize local economies and promote community pride. “Events like the Minnedosa Cup also help boost tourism and economic activity in smaller towns,” Aleman added.

Despite its growth, PMSL faces major operational challenges. Top among them is the lack of official sanctioning from provincial and national soccer bodies such as the Manitoba Soccer Association and Canada Soccer.

Without this recognition, the league struggles to access referees, coaching programs and grant opportunities, treasurer Jordan Dill told the Sun.

“Getting sanctioned is our biggest goal for this year,” Dill said. “Without it, businesses are reluctant to sponsor us. I’ve knocked on countless doors asking for help, but the answer is usually no, because we’re not sanctioned.”

The league has also had to navigate financial hurdles. As a nonprofit, PMSL relies heavily on player fees and volunteer labour.

“We increased outdoor registration fees this year to offset indoor losses,” Dill said. “But we don’t want to keep raising prices. Everyone here works full-time, has families, and we want to keep this league affordable and fun.”

Adding to the logistical woes is a lack of adequate playing venues. While a new city complex is under construction, it’s not yet ready, forcing PMSL to work out a temporary arrangement with the Brandon Youth Soccer Association.

“We’ve been struggling with venues for years,” Aleman explained. “We’re hopeful the new city complex will be available in July. Until then, we’re grateful BYSA allowed us to use their field.”

Despite these setbacks, the league is powered by passion. All executive members, including Aleman and Dill, are volunteers.

“We do this because we love the sport and love seeing people come out to play,” Dill said. “No one gets paid, it’s all about community.”

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