“Soccer is the most-popular youth sport in America and each Fall and Spring students in Upshur County and surrounding areas look forward to the opening of the soccer season,” said Jennifer Hightower, one of the Upshur County Youth Soccer Association’s (UCYSA) organizers.

She said that UCYSA has an average of 250 to 300 players each season, and that they are continuing to grow. Players range in age from 4 to 19 years old.

“We have 25 teams this season, all stocked with very talented players,” Mrs. Hightower said.

“Our coaches teach conditioning and basic skills needed to pay soccer,” she said. “All of our coaches are volunteers, and are required to pass a background check.

She said the rule is “safety first.”

She said that an awards ceremony closes each season to honor and thank all the players, parents, coaches, sponsors and volunteers.

“Our participation in lcoal events each year keeps our players and volunteers buzzing with excitement,” Mrs. Hightower said.

She said that they will again participate in the School Parade on Oct. 16 during the East Texas Yamboree, the third year for them to participate in this event. She said the UCYSA provides the largest series of floats in the parade.

She said UCYSA will particpate in Treats on the Square, sponsored by the Gilmer Police Department, on Saturday, Oct. 31.

“We hope everyone will stop by and show support for their favorite soccer team,” she said.

She said they continue to add new ways to communicate with parents and the community.

She said they have launched a website that should be up and running by the end of the month.

Upcoming events, game schedules and scores will be updated weekly. The site is www.ucysa.org.

The first game of the season was chedule for 8 a.m. today (Saturday, Oct. 3), with games continuing for most of the rest of the day.