- November 25, 2024
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It seems like it was just yesterday.
Saturday mornings, eating a quick breakfast. Throwing on my uniform and grabbing my water before heading to fields. It was game day in the Flagler County Youth Soccer Association league, out at Wadsworth Park.
That’s where it all began for me with soccer. Oddly enough, our publisher here at the Palm Coast Observer, John Walsh, claims to be my first soccer coach. I was too young to remember.
Nevertheless, after my first few seasons, I began to play up a few age groups to play with my older brother, Sean. Our dad always coached us. By the time I was 8 years old, my dad and Flagler Palm Coast girls coach Pete Hald started a club team. My days with FCYSA were over, but the league lived on.
Fifteen years later, the league is thriving. It just began its 21st season.
FCYSA, which is completely a volunteer-based organization, comprises between 40 and 50 teams each season. There are two seasons per year. Approximately 500 players between ages 4 and 17 participate.
Becky Mitchell, league administrator, said the league is a staple in Flagler County.
“We are proud of how successful we have been over the years with the program,” Mitchell said. “We feel we provide a great service to Flagler County and surrounding communities.”
This year, FCYSA partnered with Tom Gibbs Chevrolet to help offer a new car to one lucky participant. Each team will sell raffle tickets throughout the season. The winner of the raffle will win a new car from Chevy. Also, whichever team sells the most raffle tickets will be awarded an end-of-the-season party.
Mitchell said finding community sponsors, much like Tom Gibbs Chevrolet, allows the league to meet its costs, adding: “With the help of community sponsors ... it allows us to be supportive to financially challenged families and offset league costs for equipment.”
FCYSA also offers soccer to children and adults who have special needs. Those games take place 10 a.m. Saturdays.
The fall season takes place from September until October, while the spring season goes from March to May.
If you want to see fun soccer Saturday mornings, head down to Wadsworth Park and see the league in action. Or, better yet, if you want to get involved in a growing sport, sign up and lace up your boots.
