Fall sports sign-ups begin
Chad Sears, Parks and Recreation Director
By Alison James
alison.james@fct.wpengine.com
The first day of fall is still a few weeks away, but the time to sign up for fall rec league sports has already begun.
“We’ll be adding indoor soccer back to our fall sports list,” said Parks and Recreation Director Chad Sears. “We had it maybe four or five years ago … I just think more kids are becoming more interested in soccer.”
Indoor soccer, which is open to ages 3-5, isn’t the only new league added to Parks and Rec’s offerings this year. Adult co-ed softball and adult basketball will also be available.
“We just want to get the adults more involved athletically and leisurely in the Parks and Rec department,” Sears said. “It’s a chance to come out and display their skills.”
As always, fall softball and fall baseball will be offered, with 6U, 8U, 10U and 12U age divisions.
“The fall sports usually have really good participation,” Sears said.
Participation is so high, in fact, that Sears said his department is making an effort to have fewer sports overlap this fall. Volleyball and flag football will begin in the latter part of the fall season, as will adult basketball.
“Most of the little boys who play fall baseball would probably be interested in flag football, and most of the little girls who play fall softball would like to play volleyball,” Sears said.
In addition to encouraging healthy living, Sears said there is another benefit to involving children in sports at a young age.
“Sports teach kids a lot about life,” Sears said. “It teaches how to react when you have adversity and gives you experience in terms of how to deal with it.”
Rates for youth sports are $30 per child for soccer, $35 per child for baseball and $30 per child for softball. Sibling discounts are available. Adult softball is $250 for a 12-person team. Registration continues through Aug. 22 at the Parks and Recreation Department during regular business hours. For more information call Russellville Parks and Rec at 256-332-8770.
