Opening Day Of Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League At Octagon Field - International Group Of Kids Plus Dedicated Volunteers Equals A Great Time

You Tube Video of RIYP Soccer League Opening Day

This past weekend was opening day for the free Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League played at the Octagon Field. Roosevelt Island resident and Coach Dave Evans reports on the first day:

YOUTH SOCCER ON ROOSEVELT ISLAND - - THE BEST

If you are a fan of soccer, you probably know well names like Pele, Maradona, Zico, Beckenbauer, Platini and Beckham. Well, perhaps, just perhaps some of these legends have been reincarnated right here on Roosevelt Island. Are they international, yes the legends are, just look at the names. The same right here as I have on my team names like Afil, Chapman, Elkaslay, Evans, Katoanga, Murray, Pasmino, Rickman, Strong or Shinozaki, Suggs, Wolczuk, Yegyel, and Young (twice). Internationally flavored assortment? Yes, and that is amplified throughout this wonderful Youth Soccer Program here on the Island.

THANKS to Charlie Defino (our trigger), his staff and the many wonderful coaches and parent volunteers who serve teams in the 7-8 age group (Minors), 9-10 (Juniors), and 11 plus a year or two or three (Seniors). Oh, there are also Kinder-Kickers, I believe 5-6 years old. I personally admire these folks who volunteer their time, sharing principles of teamwork, leadership, and in some cases, building budding stars and fine citizens. Programs like this (and there are several on the Island) are a blessing for our community and certainly help mitigate against potential adverse impacts upon kids with too much idle time.

The season officially started play Saturday, 24 September. Did the players show? Yes, and with much enthusiasm. From my perspective, this seems to be the best start of a new year of play. The number of enrollees was phenomenal. This caused a few minor problems like rounding up all the players who had signed up and ensuring there were enough shorts, shirts, socks, shin guards of proper size for the players. Yes, all of this was and is FREE to our consuming audience. Further, I do not know a coach who would even think of charging for their time - - they love the game but more so, love what it offers the kids. Yes, here on Roosevelt Island, we've got the best!

More pictures from RIYP Soccer League Opening Day below.

Images provided by the Roosevelt Island Youth Program.