LOYAL soccer program organized

The youth soccer program in the Lyndonville, Medina and Middleport area all have a bit of a new look this summer with the formation of the LOYAL (Lake Ontario Youth Athletic League) soccer program.

With the dissolving of the local AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) chapter, which had served the three communities for many years, the formation of the LOYAL soccer program will fill that void.

Soccer becomes the third sport for the LOYAL organization which also has youth football and baseball programs.

“We wanted to make sure the kids continue to have an opportunity to learn the game of soccer and play it right here locally,” said LOYAL Soccer President Kerry Papaj. “We wanted it to keep it local and there will be soccer fields in all three communities.”

Papaj, who notes that the program will be for youngsters ages 4-12, expects that it will involve a total of some 250 kids in the three communities.

The LOYAL soccer program, which is scheduled to run from early July to mid August, will have four age group brackets (4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and 10-12. The 4-5 age group will be on Saturdays in a clinic style setup with drills and game like scrimmages. The other three divisions will play during the week.

The LOYAL soccer program will be holding several registration dates including this Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Medina Burger King, May 21 in Middleport from 10 a.m. to noon at Dollar General, May 22nd in Lyndonville from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Village Hall and May 30 in Medina at Rotary Park from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“The big thing is for the youngsters to have the opportunity locally to get out and play soccer with their friends, to learn the game’s skills and to have fun doing it,” said Papaj.