July 1, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR YOUTH SOCCER AND FLAG FOOTBALL

Charlotte, NC–-  Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation invites parents with children interested in playing soccer, ages 4-6, 7-8 and 9-10, or flag football, ages 4-6, and 7-8 to register for the upcoming fall coed recreation season. Space is limited so register early! Birth certificates are required for proof of age determined as of August 1, 2011.

Registration fee is $65 which includes league play and uniform. The deadline for individual players to register is Sunday, July 31. League play runs September to October with practices beginning in mid-August.

Games will be played at the following locations:

• Soccer: Harrisburg Road Park and Elon Park
• Flag Football: R.L. Smith Park and Sugaw Creek Park

Teams interested in registering must do so by Wednesday, July 20. Team registration fee is $375. Groups that register as a team must provide their own uniforms and secure their own practice sites.

To register, visit www.parkandrec.com, click on “E-Parks,” “Program Registration,” select the appropriate age group and click on “Athletics” to see league offerings. You may also call 311 or go to your nearest recreation center and staff can assist you.

All Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation coaches are trained and certified through the National Youth Sports Coaches Association and undergo a background check by the department. If interested in being a volunteer coach, please contact the recreation center closest to you or Lori Saylor, Volunteer Coordinator, at 704-353-0504.

Among the benefits of participation in the department's youth leagues are increased physical fitness, positive socialization, and learning the basic fundamentals of the sport and sportsmanship in a safe and fun environment. About 4,000 youth participate in Park and Recreation organized youth athletic leagues annually.

For more information on the youth soccer leagues, call 311, your closest recreation center or the Athletics Division at the Revolution Park Sports Academy 704.432.4963

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This activity supports Mecklenburg County’s strategic goal to improve/expand parks, open spaces, greenways and recreational activities.

Media Contacts:
Leo Caplanides at 704-432-0376 (Office) 704-307-3787 (Cell) or Leo.Caplanides@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov