Registration for YMCA’s soccer under way

Published 10:50 pm Tuesday, August 9, 2016

The YMCA of Selma-Dallas County’s soccer league will play its games on a new field this year, thanks to a partnership between Concordia College Alabama and the YMCA.

Games will be played on the Concordia College Alabama’s on-campus soccer field on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Registration is being held now and will continue through Aug. 31.

“Every kid is going to get to play, every kid is going to be able to learn some type of technique of how to do something and learn what sportsmanship is about,” said Stacey Buchanan, who is overseeing the YMCA’s soccer program this year.

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Fredy Mendoza, an assistant coach at Concordia, was instrumental in getting the YMCA’s games moved to Concordia this year. Mendoza is also helping with the YMCA’s program this year.

In past years, games had been played at the Dallas County Sportsplex, which is an area designed for baseball and softball.

“When they told me they were doing the soccer game on a baseball field, I think that’s not right,” Mendoza said.

“I think you need the feeling of the soccer field so you can show the little kids.”

Practices start the week of Aug. 16 on Tuesday and Thursday but registration will continue until the end of the month. Games will be played Sept. 12-Oct. 21.

Buchanan said registration is underway and more than a dozen children have already signed up. Last year about 60 children took part in the program.

The price is $45 for members and $60 for non-members. Registration forms can be picked up at the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County front desk.

Players are asked to wear athletic apparel and shin guards. Cleats are also preferred but are not a requirement. A soccer jersey will be provided.

The YMCA is looking for volunteer coaches. For more information on the soccer program or to coach, contact Buchanan at 874-9622.