Nunavut’s under-18 boys plan to turn futsal silver into gold at Arctic Winter Games

Gold is the goal for Team Nunavut’s under-18 boys futsal squad as they look ahead to the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse.

“The under-18 boys are pushing for their first-ever gold ulu,” said Iqaluit-based head coach Colby O’Donnell, describing his players as “a talented group of athletes.”

The Arctic Winter Games run from March 8 to 15. Approximately 2,000 athletes, coaches and cultural delegates are expected to participate. Eight regional contingents are set to compete in 20 sports including archery, hockey, snowboarding and table tennis.

The other participating teams are from Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavik, northern Alberta, Greenland, the Sápmi region of Scandinavia, and Alaska.

Team Nunavut’s under-18 boys futsal squad defeated Team Yukon for the silver medal at the 2024 games in Anchorage, Alaska. Several experienced players have moved up from the under-16 squad this year.

Futsal is similar to soccer but scaled down and played indoors.

There is continuity among the coaches, as well, with O’Donnell and coach Romeyn Stevenson entering their third Games behind the bench.

“I suspect the older boys will medal again,” said Nunavut Soccer Association executive director Todd Janes. “They were so competitive. I expect a similar strong performance from them this year.”

Defender Joshua Olson, 17, of Kugluktuk said he doesn’t plan to buckle under the pressure of these golden ambitions.

“I do believe that a gold is possible,” he said.

The key to his confidence, he said, is team chemistry. Olson has played with or against his teammates at tournaments over the years and their relationships are solid.

“We can be vocal with each other. We’re not shy. We’re friends,” he said.

Olson and the rest of the team plan to hit the gym next week, he said, to achieve peak fitness by March.

The under-18 female futsal players took bronze against Team Northwest Territories in 2024. They have a few returning players this year as well.

“They’re strong again,” Janes said.

Boys and girls under-16 futsal teams are also preparing to compete for Nunavut.

The players come from Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Pangnirtung, Coral Harbour, Whale Cove, Igloolik, Kugluktuk and Kugaaruk.

The athletes continue to train in their home communities with local coaches, focusing on technical development and fitness in preparation for the Games.

“We keep in constant communication with the team through a group chat,” O’Donnell said. “This offers consistency given our geographical separation.”

All four Nunavut teams plan to gather in Yellowknife for a pre-camp training session beginning March 2.

The under-18 boys are scheduled to train twice daily, compete in scrimmages against local teams, and spend time strengthening team chemistry, O’Donnell said.

“With a mix of returning players and new athletes, the camp will be an important step in bringing the group together ahead of competition,” he said.

“We are entering this year’s Games with strong potential and a focus on arriving prepared, confident and united.”