By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

Football practices are already underway in Selma, but the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County is teaming up with Selma Parks and Recreation to begin a different kind of football season.

The YMCA and Selma Parks and Recreation have already begun registration for this year’s youth-soccer season.

YMCA of Selma-Dallas County fitness and program director Kasey Burton said the partnership with Selma Parks and Recreation has produced good turnout in past years including about 150 children last year.

“They (Selma Parks and Recreation) help us and we organize it for them,” Burton said. “We’ve always had a great turnout.”

Burton said registration ends on Aug. 29 and evaluations and practices begin at the start of September.

Children ages 4-14 are welcome to register.

“They (Parents) come up to the Y and fill out registration forms and there’s a $10 registration fee,” Burton said. “The $10 registration fee will cover their uniform, their shorts and their socks. The only thing it does not include is their shin guards and shoes.”

The season will begin in September and end on Oct. 20 and teams will play six weeks of games at the Selma Softball Complex.

The teams will be split into three age groups depending on the number of participants.

The age groups will be 4 and 5 year olds, 6-8 year olds and 9-14 year olds.

Burton said the YMCA is also seeking volunteer coaches.

“We need coaches as well,” Burton said. “We just want to let people know we need volunteer coaches and all the help we can get as far as coaching the teams of all age groups.”

Burton said anyone looking to volunteer could come to the YMCA and talk to her.

Burton said this is her first year organizing the youth soccer season and she’s looking forward to it.

“I feel positive about it,” Burton said. “I have been involved in other programs with the Y, such as basketball.”