With football season firmly in the bag, the Greenville YMCA is gearing up for an eight-week season of that other kind of football.

The YMCA Recreational Outdoor Soccer Program is opening for registration from now until the first day of the program on March 10.

Shayla Bullock, sports director at Greenville YMCA, said that YMCA members would save a bit of money on registration costs, but that both members and nonmembers would have a number of flexible pricing options.

“It’s $50 for members and $85 for nonmembers, but we always offer financial assistance for parents who cannot afford it, or who have multiple children,” Bullock said.

“Also in that is a personalized uniform with a jersey and shorts, and the jersey will have their last name on it. That registration fee covers their uniform, trophy and the end-of-the-year banquet.”

The program, for boys and girls ages 4-13, will divide participants into five different age groups, and volunteer parent coaches will supervise all players.

Last year’s soccer program had a strong turnout of 138 participants, and Bullock hopes for an equally strong turnout this season.

The program is designed to meet each player at their current level of play and provide an opportunity to increase their individual skills.

Through participation in practices and games, the program hopes to instill the value of sportsmanship and teamwork.

While competitive spirit is a part of any sport, Bullock said that the program’s focus in fun, first and foremost.

“That’s our main goal—for the kids to have fun,” Bullock said.

“We try to teach them the basics of soccer, and we try to give everybody an equal amount of playing time.  It’s definitely more fun than it is competitive.”

For more information, contact the Greenville YMCA at 334-382-0551.