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The sport of soccer is growing in Polson

| August 16, 2007 12:00 AM

So are the opportunities for youngsters

Zach Urness

Leader Staff

The sport of soccer is growing in Polson and so are the opportunities for youngsters. Under the watch of Mike Hewston, Heidi Howell and high school coach Randy Hart, the youth soccer program has grown to include four spring select teams to go along with an expanding summer soccer camp.

"We started with the soccer camp six years ago and we didn't have anything before that," said Heidi Howell, who helps run the youth soccer programs.

She noted that before Polson began its program the only place for kids to play soccer during the summer was in Missoula or Kalispell. "The camp has grown every year and next year we'll be bringing in three coaches from out of state for a high school camp," she said.

The goal is to make Polson soccer competitive at all levels.

"To really bring up teams to compete with the other programs in the state we need to teach our youngsters how to play at a young age," continued Howell. "That's what we're trying to do with the spring leagues, the camps and the fall league. We're hoping that we can teach kids how to play and get them to enjoy the game at a young age."

Howell also said that the program has grown steadily every year and that they are working with the city to renovate the Kerr Dam soccer complex.

"We get a little stronger every year," she said. "We've already had parents volunteer to coach a spring select team next year and we're hoping to go from four teams to, hopefully, six or seven teams."

Fall soccer league

sign-up is Aug. 17

Youngsters interested in playing soccer this fall will also have an opportunity in the fall rec league, with sign-ups at Polson High School this Friday, Aug. 17 from 6-7:30 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 20 from 6-7:30 p.m.

The registration fee is $35 per player. A $10 deduction will be made for each player with a parent who volunteers to coach, assistant coach, or work in the concession stands. There is a limit of two coaches per team.

The season begins on Aug. 27 and runs nine weeks (seven weeks of games, two weeks of preseason).

"We are encouraging coaches to practice during the week instead of only prior to game time," said Howell.

On Aug. 27 there will be a mandatory coach/asst coach meeting. The meeting will be held at the Kerr Dam soccer complex and will start at 5 p.m.

Each coach will receive their team rosters, equipment, uniforms, and schedules along with a packet of coaching information. This packet will detail the rules of the game along with some drills to help with practices.

All games will be held on Sundays this season. This will open up weeknights to practice and Saturdays to enjoy and support our local high school athletes.

This year PYSA will be opening the concession stands. Since each Sunday we will be hosting a full day of games we will be offering a full range of food and drink for family/players to purchase. All proceeds will go to the PYSA. League officials are hoping to rebuild the Kerr Dam soccer complex.

Referees are needed for all the rec games. Any high school student needing community service hours, working the concessions or being a ref at a games will give you the extra hours you need. There will be a sign-up sheet for middle and high school students who are interested. Call Heidi Howell 883-5209 to be put on the list.

The PYSA will have a equipment swap open this fall. Any parent/player that has any cleats or shinguards that they are not using anymore can be dropped off at registration or anytime during the season at the concession stands. If any player needs shoes or wants to exchange for a different size, this is open to everyone.

For more information call Mike Hewston at 883-2451 or Heidi Howell 883-5209.