NORTH SHELBY – Asbury United Methodist Church’s fall soccer league will practice and play this year on five brand new fields.

A new church sanctuary is being constructed at the site that formerly served as the Asbury recreation fields, which necessitated installation of new fields.

“The church has really made a commitment,” said Ellen Dean, director of recreation ministries. “It’s a great outreach for us.”

The new fields will be used for youth activities and other church events.

Practices began the week of Monday, Aug. 21, and the first games are scheduled for Sept. 9 for coed teams made up of boys and girls who are ages 4-9 (as of Sept. 1).

Games will be held each Saturday morning at the church through Oct. 14.

About 110 players registered, Dean said, which will make up about 14 teams.

Age divisions are 4-year-olds, 5- and 6-year-olds, and ages 7-9.

One of the aspects that makes the league unique is that all players, regardless of skill level, play about a half of each game, Dean said.

“Everybody gets a lot of playing time,” she said.

Another feature of the league is that devotions are offered at each practice, and each game is begun with a prayer.

Each team has at least two volunteer coaches, who are usually fathers, grandfathers or community members.

The registration fee—$95 for early registration or $105 after the deadline—includes pictures and snacks.

The church also hosts a soccer league each spring, beginning in March or April.

Asbury also offers basketball and cheerleading beginning in November, and various camps each summer.

For more information about any of the church’s offerings, contact Dean at 271-9919 or edean@asburyonline.org.