Provided by Panhandle Youth Soccer League

Last summer, Muleshoe youth were offered an opportunity to play soccer in Muleshoe for the first time. The effort met with overwhelming support and a successful season, which led to plans for a fall season.

“We’ve gotten multiple messages through our Facebook site, and there were a lot of inquiries as to our next plans at the end of last season,” said organizer Raul Mata.

The fall season opportunity is being extended to junior high students. The co-ed teams will be divided by grade levels, grouping pre-k and kindergarten, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8.

“There’s not much going on in the fall as far as youth sports go,” Mata said. “We’re hoping to have a better turnout than we would in the spring when basketball and baseball are still being played.”

The first registration will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at United Supermarket. More opportunities will be available Friday, Aug. 27, and Saturday, Aug. 28. Registration forms will also be sent to the schools.

Mata and the soccer league board hope that adults as well as students will sign up.

“Parents can volunteer through sign-ups for their kids,” Mata said. “We hope a lot of parents who coached last season will come back and coach this season as well.”

Practice times will be determined by coaches. Games are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, Oct. 23 and Oct. 30, and will take place on Main Street next to the softball fields. Cost for registration is $40 per child.

Equipment needs for soccer are relatively low. Goals and practice equipment were purchased last season, but soccer balls need to be replaced.

“The only out-of-pocket cost for parents is shin guards, which usually cost 10 dollars, unless they choose to use soccer cleats,” Mata said.

Teams will be built in Muleshoe, though sign-up forms have also been sent to towns in the area including Lazbuddie, Morton, Bovina and Farwell.

“Soccer keeps kids active and gives them a different option from what’s been offered in the past,” Mata said. “It’s the largest sport in the world, across every country, and a growing sport in the U.S. It’s nice to build that interest when they’re a little bit younger.”

For more information, find Panhandle Youth Soccer League on Facebook, or email panhandleyouthsoccer@gmail.com.