The free spring youth soccer programs are a breath of fresh air — literally and figuratively — for over 70 kids who turned out for the first practice the Wednesday after school vacation. Practices and games are held at the Clifford Park soccer field. 

The program began April 24 and will run through June 1. Grades 1-3 are the Youth League with Pre-K and kindergarten making up the Itty Bitty League. The Youth League meets for practices on Wednesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. with games on Saturdays at 10 a.m. 

“We have three teams playing in games every 15 minutes and we will switch for an hour or longer. If this doesn’t work, we’ll try something else. We just want to keep all the kids playin,” said soccer enthusiast Lisa Orne Hallinan, “We’re building up our program by offering free soccer for these kids.”

Right now there are three teams. The volunteer parent coaches are: Ben Powell with the Itty Bitty League and Orne Hallinan with the Youth League, with assistant coaches James Barter, Jen and Dave Lassen and Christine Rego.

On Saturday, May 4 the kids' practice included three elements: passing to a teammate; how to kick the ball and shoot for a goal; and ball control. 

The group of parents and grandparents watching the kids were as enthusiastic as the players. Why? They love soccer!