Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

July 17, 2008 issue

Sign Up for Youth Fall Sports Now


Watauga County Parks and Recreation is currently accepting registration for youth soccer and for the Mite and Midget Football programs. The registration deadline for all three programs is Friday, August 8

Youth Soccer—Ages 5 to 15

Deadline: Friday, August 8
The youth soccer program is offered to children ages 5 to 15, with age determined as of October 16, 2008. The six levels of play are based on age: U-6, U-8, U-10, U-12 and U-15. Whenever possible, teams are formed by geographic location (except for U-15). Separate boys’ and girls’ leagues are created when sufficient numbers exist in any age group. If numbers do not allow for separate leagues, teams will be co-ed. Teams meet an average of three times per week, typically playing two matches per week. All participants are required to wear shin guards and team-colored soccer socks. Watauga County Parks and Recreation will provide each child with team jersey that is his/hers to keep at end of the season. Soccer cleats and mouthpieces are not required, but are highly recommended. The registration fee is $30 per participant and must be submitted with the registration application. All participants must be registered with Watauga County Parks and Recreation no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, August 8. For more info, contact Holly Gates or Rebecca Woolard at 828-264-9511 or watco.parks@ncmail.net.


Youth Football—Grades 3/4 & 5/6

Deadline: Friday, August 8
The Mite Football Program (3rd and 4th grade) and Midget Football Program (5th and 6th grade) are both full-contact leagues for students in Watauga County. Fundamentals and proper technique are stressed to help ensure a safe playing environment. Watauga County Parks and Recreation provides pant pads, shoulder pads and helmet to each player for the season. All players receive a game jersey that they get to keep after the season is over. The program runs approximately 8 to 10 weeks. Teams meet an average of four times each week for games and/or practices. Games start as scrimmages at the beginning of the season and progress to full-contact regulation games. Teams play Wilkes and Ashe County teams, so some travel is required. The registration fee is $63 per player. All participants must be registered with Watauga County Parks and Recreation by 5:00 pm on Friday, August 8. For more info, call Reggie Perry at 828-264-9511 or watco.parks@ncmail.net.

NOTE: Watauga County Schools runs the 7th and 8th grade football program. Participants can get information by contacting Watauga County Athletic Director Jeff Link at 828-264-2407 ext. 254 or linkj@watauga.k12.nc.us.