Letter to the Editor

Need a sport? Try soccer

Sunday, August 15, 2010

To the Editor:

Soccer season is here again and the fields behind the middle school will soon be filled on Sundays with YMCA Youth Soccer.

So many young soccer players in Clay County have developed through the "Y." This is great. Yet, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders' participation seems to scatter. What? Why?

Do we not have a middle school team? A "feeder" program?"

Something to help the future high school squad.

We have a small group of talent who join the flyers (a traveling 11v11), others play in the VCYSA (Vigo Youth Soccer 8v8). Both are filled with better competition and a feel of how the game is really played.

But I see 20-30 kids still going through middle school with little to no touches on the ball.

Soccer is a much more physical and demanding sport than most parents realize. And on the field, chemistry has to happen in soccer.

There are no timeouts or huddles. It's more like situational plays and set ups, and keeping possession of the ball.

"Crosses" and "corner kicks," "volleys" and "headers." This generation of young soccer players are full of talent, but as they move into high school, the games speed up and skill level changes.

So with that being said, we are starting up a North Clay Soccer Club.

This club will be for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders. We will participate in the Brownsburg Conference, the VCYSA and any invitationals we are invited to. This will be a year round club that gives the kids a chance to practice together and play together in an 11v11 format.

Helping to create that "chemistry" they will need as they move on into a very competitive high school league.

Signups will be at the first official Soccer Camp, (which was Saturday), from 2-7 p.m., with an hour break.

The deadline is Friday, Aug. 20. Make sure the kids have physicals, cleats and shin guards.

The cost is $95 for both the VCYSA and the Club League. ($75 VCYSA, $50 for the Club). If parents wish to choose one or the other.

For more details, contact your coaches. Ron Kiernicki at 812-605-1375, Mike Rains at 812-236-2030, or Don Bryan at bryand@clay.k12.in.us.

Ron Kiernicki,

Brazil