On recent Wednesday afternoons, Clifford Park in Boothbay has been teeming with activity. Around 80 kids, ages 4 to 12, gather with their families to play soccer in a community program for children across the peninsula to learn about the sport and teamwork, and have fun outdoors.  

“It's like bees,” said Lisa Hallinan, who organizes the program. “That's how many people are out on that field. And I'm just glad they're taking advantage of the Clifford Playground. I mean, what they've done up there is amazing.” 

The program runs from September through October and includes families from Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb and Southport. According to Hallinan, it is a testament to community spirit. She and her husband donated new nets to the goals this year and many others chip in where they can. Volunteers help coach the teams and coordinate the program, the schools help paint the field lines and local sponsors donate to keep it going. 

"You can't do it without all these sponsors,” she said. “I mean, there's not anybody that has said, "No, I won't sponsor." Or write me out a check. And that's pretty incredible because we give and give and give on this peninsula.” 

The program, in its fifth year, was formerly affiliated with Boothbay Region YMCA. However, it is now a more informal group. Hallinan said the program is growing, even though soccer has seen some setbacks on the peninsula.  

Hallinan remembers when soccer was a bigger part of the communities and schools. She wants to build that interest back up. With increasing numbers in the community program, she hopes to see school soccer grow. Currently, school athletes play in combined teams with Wiscasset.   

“We've always had a soccer program in this town, and it breaks my heart that we've just kind of let it go,” she said. “… And the kids enjoy it. They love it. They need to be outside. And they are having a blast.” 

Hallinan said soccer has many benefits for the children, and it gets them off screens and outdoors to exercise for a few hours. It also helps them build confidence and learn to work as a team, knowing someone has their back. She said these are experiences they can carry throughout their lives.  

While practice is on Wednesdays in Boothbay, games are usually hosted on Saturdays in Damariscotta. Hallinan said seeing the program blossom has been inspirational and she hopes to see continued community support.  

“You know if anybody wants a smile put on their face, you come up to a Saturday game and watch,” she said. “When you see a 6-year-old out there (scoring or saving a ball), all the kids, there's not a boohoo even on the other team, they're all having fun. And that's what we need. We need them outside and having fun.”