The Selma Times-Journal

With uniforms ranging from ginger to neon green, soccer players marched around the infield during the opening ceremonies of the YMCA soccer season Thursday night at the Selma City Softball Complex.

The team names were just as bright as the uniforms. There were the Yellow Tigers, the Blue Sharks and, of course, the Ninja Turtles.

The latter belonged to the neon green uniforms.

The joint venture between the Selma City Recreation Department and the YMCA has grown over the past few years, according to program coordinator Robby Persinger.

The soccer program has four age groups; 4-5-year-old, 6-7-year-old, 8-10-year-old and 11-13-year-old.

There are 14 teams, with the 6-7-year-old age group being the biggest with six teams, one less than their younger counterparts.

Both of the older teams have two teams each.

The program is set up like any other city athletic program. It is free to the participants.

The Recreation Department handles the cost of the uniforms and insurance and also provides the teams a place to play and practice.

The YMCA, however, coordinates and runs the league.

Games will be played on Tuesdays and Thursdays up until Oct. 27. They are also off the week of the Fair.

According to Persinger, the purpose of the program is that kids learn about the sport and have the opportunity to fellowship with other children that they may otherwise not have the opportunity to. It’s also not based on score.

Coaches have the option of keeping score.

Games will start at 5:30 p.m.