Youth Soccer Month is here

Today (Sept. 1)is the first day of the seventh annual Youth Soccer Month and there are many local activities planned throughout September.

One of the highlights to look out for is Youth Soccer Day at Community Park in New Albany on Sunday, Sept. 13.

The event will feature mini-clinics and friendly matches led by Southern Indiana United coaches, as well as a yard sale of soccer items with nothing costing more than $5. You can still drop off donations for the yard sale at Community Park the day before the event (Saturday, Sept. 12) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

There also will be a soccer fair on the day with information on proper nutrition and hydration during games, refereeing and coaching and prevention and treatment for common soccer injuries.

Another highlight of note is the SIU club night with the University of Louisville men’s soccer team at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11 at Cardinal Park.

The Cards will play their first regular-season home game that night against SIU-Edwardsville, and SIU’s coaches will get the opportunity to sit in on the pre-game talks, while the U12 girls’ team will retrieve the balls during the game.

Its U9 Academy will participate in the “Little Kickers” program and will be walking out with the team to be recognized. All youths (18 and under) wearing their SIU jersey will be admitted free.

Other activities throughout September include a number of “Wear Your Jersey to School” days, a Gatorade hydration day, and youth soccer nights at local high school games, which youth soccer players can gain free entry to by wearing their club jersey.

“This is such an important initiative to help make our communities more aware of the impact youth soccer brings throughout Indiana,” said Shannon Stuart of Indiana Youth Soccer. “We want to emphasize the fun, fitness, family and friendship elements of our sport.”

A proclamation has been signed by New Albany Mayor Doug England in which he encourages all citizens of the city to observe Youth Soccer Month.

For further information on events, log on to www.siusoccer.com. If you want to help out with activities, contact Debbie Webb at 812-945-5627 or 502-523-4382.