The Boothbay Region YMCA is launching a fall youth soccer league program next month with the help of Boothbay Region High School teacher Ben Powell. Powell, who is also the girls’ varsity soccer coach, said the league will be split into three groups— first and second grades, third and fourth grades, and fifth and sixth grades.

“I played a lot of soccer when I was growing up and the one thing I remember most about my youth was playing in the youth soccer league,” said Powell. “Most of my high school team originated from that youth soccer program.”

However, Powell pointed out that from kindergarten to sixth grade, there have been no opportunities to play soccer.

“We have kids showing up — seventh, eighth grade, even high school — who have never played soccer because they’ve never had the opportunity. It will be nice to get kids playing a little more.”

The kick-off clinic, where teams will be chosen, is Saturday, Sept. 9 (last chance to sign up) at Camp Knickerbocker Field. The grades one and two group will meet from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., grades three and four from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., and grades five and six from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. YMCA member fees will be $60 and non-member fees will be $90. League play will run from Sept. 16 to Oct. 28, although schedules have not yet been determined.

At present, there are not enough coaches for all the teams, so Powell urges parents to get involved.

“You can set your own practice schedule,” Powell said. “If anyone needs help, we can help out with practice plans, drills, and games. Anything they need help with … It’s such an accessible sport. All you really need is just a ball.”

To register as a Boothbay participant, call the Central Lincoln County YMCA at 563-9622. If interested in coaching a team, contact Jen Genthner at jgenthner@brymca.org. Note that the coaches’ pre-season meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. at the CLC YMCA. Refer to the bottom of page 5 of the Boothbay Region YMCA Program Guide for information.