New field marks milestone for Oyen Soccer Club ahead of 2026 season
By Kate Winquist
After seven years of fundraising, setbacks and steady determination, the Oyen Soccer Club will take to a brand-new field for the 2026 season.
Work on the long-awaited project began last summer, with reclamation and irrigation upgrades transforming what had once seemed like an elusive goal into reality. Club president Daena Wilson said the milestone is both exciting and emotional for the volunteer-run organization.
The newly reclaimed Oyen Soccer Club field is shown following grading work as preparations continue for the 2026 season. The long-anticipated project was seven years in the making. FACEBOOK PHOTO
Equipment from Grassroots Landscaping & Irrigation works on irrigation and reclamation at the Oyen Soccer Club’s new field in July 2025. The club will officially begin play on the field in 2026. FACEBOOK PHOTO
“There were times we thought this field would never become a reality,” Wilson said in a recent announcement. “But now we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief because this dream is finally here.”
The non-profit club provides a safe and fair sports environment for youth in Oyen and surrounding area. Over the years, supporters raised funds through raffles, bake sales, casinos, farmers’ market lunches and other community initiatives to help finance the project.
Wilson credited Grassroots Landscaping & Irrigation for guiding the complex development, including a full irrigation system replacement.
“Randy Valk has been so great to work with from the very beginning,” she said. “He saw our vision and stepped up to tackle this enormous project.”
The Town of Oyen is also being acknowledged for its ongoing support as the field development moves forward.
The project was not without challenges. Organizers faced drought conditions, gopher damage, grass-seeding struggles and infrastructure hurdles before reaching the current stage of completion.
Wilson extended thanks to current and past executives who helped shepherd the club through the lengthy process, including Sam Kuhn, Kim Walker, Jen Dorowicz and Sarah Castenada, along with former executives Pam Stark, James Walker, Erika Tessier, Jenna Bingeman and Jaime Bowles.
Numerous local businesses and individuals also contributed financially or through in-kind donations, including Vortrax, Evergreen Environmental, Lanfine Wind, Big Country Thrift Store, Halfway Pizza and Convenience Store, Terrestrial Solutions, Desertland Cattle, KD’s Fine Wine and Spirits, T & D Market Fresh Foods, Oyen Home Hardware, Oyen Liquor Mart, Maclean’s Funeral Home, and McKayla and Ryan Niwa.
As the club looks toward 2026, it is also preparing for leadership changes. Several long-serving board members are stepping down after years of service, and the organization is seeking volunteers to fill key positions including vice-president, treasurer, secretary, casino/raffle co-ordinator and field manager.
Wilson said the club’s success depends on community involvement.
“As you know, we cannot have a club without board members,” she said.
Residents interested in serving can contact Wilson directly at oyensoccer@gmail.com or by phone at 403-664-1674.
With grass now taking root and anticipation building, Wilson said she is eager to see local youth finally compete on a dedicated home pitch.
“I’ve always believed it’s crucial for the youth in our community to have a safe, dedicated field for soccer,” she said. “I cannot wait for us to start playing on it next year.”