Middlesex YMCA youth soccer program is scheduled to run April 3 through May 22

Sign-ups for multiple ages are going on now at Y in Hartfield

by Larry Chowning – 

The Middlesex Family YMCA and Seven Rivers Football Club, a nonprofit soccer program focused on youth first and the game second, have teamed up to resume the Y’s annual youth soccer program.

Signups for YMCA soccer started this week at the Y and the eight-week season will start Saturday, April 3, and end on May 22.

There will be two sessions each Saturday. The 3-5 and 6-8 year olds will play from 9-10 a.m. The 9-11 and 12-15 age groups will participate from 10-11 a.m.

Things parents may have questions about:

• Coaches — “We will have two experienced coaches from Seven Rivers FC, a local developmental soccer club,” said Buzz Lambert, district center executive for the Middlesex and Mathews YMCAs.

“All of our coaches are volunteers,” said Lambert. “Each volunteer must go through a background screening, child abuse prevention training, and other YMCA specific sports training.”

• Cost — Parents ask, “Will my child need any special equipment or clothing? Where is the program being held? 

The 3-5 year olds will cost $30 per Y members and $60 per non-members and the other age groups, $50 for Y members, $80 per non-members.  

Scholarships are available to ensure every child can participate. 

• Team make-up — Developmental sessions are run independently of game day settings. “We encourage players to think critically and develop skills necessary to be successful in a one on one setting,” said Gregory.

Games are played during the training sessions and do not require specific teams.

• Safety precautions — The YMCA will have COVID-19 protocols in place that adhere to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) guidelines.

Anyone interested in registering their child visit https://ymcavp.org and type soccer in the page’s search engine, or call the Middlesex Y at 804-316-9191.