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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Pelham Parks and Recreation Department’s introductory youth soccer program is off to another great start with registration currently open for the department’s Start Smart Soccer Program that will run for a total of six weeks from April 9 to May 14.

The program is designed as a developmentally appropriate and introductory soccer course designed for children as young as 3 and as old as 5 years old. Orchestrated to demonstrate the sport in a fun, non-threatening, environment, the program looks to teach the fundamentals and lay a groundwork without the pressures of competition or fear of getting hurt.

“This is a fairly new program for our department,” said Assistant Director Alicia Walters of the Pelham Parks and Recreation Department. “We believe teaching the basic skills and fundamentals of a sport is important but above all, we mostly want these kiddos to have fun.”

While registration for the program is still available, Walters confirms that space is extremely limited in the program, with nearly all available spots now filled. Therefore, it is highly encouraged for parents to register for the program as soon as possible if they wish to have their child take part. The cost for registration is $60 per player.

“This program is a great way for parent and child to interact and learn together,” Walters said.

To teach the basics of the sport, age appropriate soccer equipment from Franklin Sports and Kwik Goal are utilized by the program’s educators to teach the practices of kicking, dribbling, trapping, throw-ins and general agility.

The program will officially get underway with a 30-minute introductory parent meeting for all registered participants on Tuesday, April 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Pelham Recreation Center located at 2020 Pelham Park Boulevard.

During the introduction, all information and sports equipment will be passed out and delivered to the children and parents. The player package will include a T-shirt, participation manual, a soft-bounce soccer ball, cones and a set of shin guards.