YMCA notes [August 01, 2009]  New and improved travel soccer -- This is a coed travel soccer team for children 12-14 years old who will train hard with coach Steve Foster and travel on Saturday mornings to play other YMCA teams. Games are played at the Springfield YMCA's soccer fields on the University of Illinois Springfield campus. The teams played will have the YMCA mentality on soccer to play fair, competitive games! There will be nine weeks of soccer, with an option to play in a culminating two-day tournament. Register at the Y office by Aug. 7 to avoid a $10 fee increase.

For information on Lincoln Area YMCA programs and events, visit the downtown office, 604 Broadway St., Suite 1; call 735-3915; or visit www.lincolnymca.org.  The YMCA Activity Center is at the former Odd Fellows gymnasium on Wyatt Avenue.

Field Trip Blast -- The final YMCA field trip is fast approaching! A YMCA staff member will take the children to a water park for a day of fun in the sun! Please bring a sack lunch, sunblock, water bottle and proper attire for the trip and the return. This program is for second- to fifth-graders and runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Drop-off and pickup is at the YMCA Activity Center on Wyatt Avenue. Hurry and sign up now. There is space for only 13 children per trip. Here is the last date available: Aug. 11.

Megan Kissel Fall Soccer League -- In remembrance of Megan Kissel, the Lincoln Area YMCA and the Kissel family have dedicated the fall soccer season to her as a memorial in her name. New this season is seven exciting weeks of soccer. In this program, children will learn sound soccer fundamentals, good physical conditioning techniques, meet new friends and have fun! The first week's session, on Sept. 26 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., will be a clinic for players and coaches, led by LCHS soccer coach Tim Stuckey. Games are on Saturday mornings at the LDC soccer fields on State Street. Register by Sept. 11 to avoid fee increases.

New fall volleyball league -- New to YMCA fall sports is a volleyball league for children in first to sixth grade, broken down into two divisions: first to third grade and fourth to sixth grade. The children will learn basic volleyball fundaments and rules as coaches emphasize teamwork and sportsmanship. There will be one practice per week, and weekly games will be played at the YMCA Activity Center on Wyatt Avenue. Register as soon as possible to ensure there are enough participants for each division! More info about this new program is available at http://www.lincolnymca.org/.

Early registration for the YMCA Before and After School program continues through Thursday, Aug. 6. Fees increase on Aug. 7. The program is offered for pre-kindergarteners at Adams School and children entering kindergarten through sixth grade at District 27 elementary schools, Chester-East Lincoln and Olympia South. Daily activities will include homework assistance, recreational play, art fun, reading and story time, table activities, games, and more.

Lincoln Area YMCA will continue taking applications for the "Book Bags for Kids" project of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Preceptor Eta chapter, through Wednesday, Aug. 5. This program serves Lincoln children entering kindergarten through eighth grade by providing book bags with school supplies for those whose income qualifies. To apply, visit the Y office to complete a scholarship form, provide a photo ID, your Link card and medical card. Income verification is necessary if you do not have a Link or medical card. Book bag pickup date is set for Aug. 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the YMCA Activity Center.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Area YMCA]