SouthSide Football Club : History

Southside F.C. was officially formed in March 2004, although the majority of the players were made up of former Dakota Lazers players.

From 1996 until 2002, the Dakota Lazers, coached by possibly one of the greatest coaches ever, Nat Okwumabua (we could not even try to pronounce his last name) ruled the WYSA (Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association), winning numerous Championships in their division along the way (see our Past Accomplishments page for more on that!). Below is a picture of the Lazers after their last City Championship game in 2002, dressed for the last time as the Dakota Lazers!

After retiring from WYSA after Outdoor 2002 the girls went their separate ways, some going on to try and find new teams and some simply taking a break from the fast-paced soccer life to concentrate on their jobs and/or University.

After realizing that life without their former coach and soccer mates was sad and lonely, a few members started making some phone calls and trying to rally together the old squad. They begged Nat and former Dakota Lazers Manager Kathi to come back and help unite the team to play in the Winnipeg Women’s Soccer League.

Thankfully both Nat and Kathi agreed to lead this new team and the first team meeting was organized and held at Nat’s residence. Much needed to be decided in a very short period of time… a team name, team colors, new jerseys and the matter of finances )a much hated issue to the poor, starving University students on the team). After much debating and deciding, SOUTHSIDE F.C.)Football Club) was named and the official team colors of Red and Black were chosen (away jerseys are brilliant blue).

As far as financial issues, the team decided to hold a Fundraiser (much like one previously held to send the Dakota Lazers to out-of-town tournaments). The fundraiser was a huge success (major thanks here to Mrs. Kathy Kroeger) – we raised enough money to travel to Kenora & we placed first in the “C” side finals in the Casey’s Tournament there!!!

We owe a HUGE Thank-you to our Coach Nat (now you try to pronounce his last name – Okwumabua), our Manager Kathi Sharpe, our Parents (who bear the cold weather, rain or shine to cheer us on) and all the friends of Southside FC.!!!

(Jacquie Sharpe et al.) SOUTHSIDE FC TEAM - 2004