YMCA notes [August 08, 2009]  New and improved travel soccer -- There is still time to sign up for the Y's coed travel soccer team for 12-14-year-olds. 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.

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 session, 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.

New Fall Volleyball League -- New to YMCA fall sports is a volleyball league for children in first through 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 while coaches emphasize teamwork and sportsmanship. There will be a 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/.

YMCA Cheerleading -- Participants from age 4 to fifth grade and from sixth to 12th grade will learn cheers, cheer techniques and forms. Cheer coach Cathy Sanders will conduct practices on Monday evenings. Also, the cheerleaders will be highlighted as special guests as they perform at local community events such as football games, basketball games, parades and more.

Register for the YMCA Before and After School programs, which will be available at District 27, Chester-East Lincoln and Olympia South elementary schools.

Registration for YMCA Preschool Play Day programs has begun and will continue through Aug. 21. Preschool P.E. will be offered throughout the school year on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Costs and times are available at http://www.lincolnymca.org/.

Lincoln Area YMCA recently assisted Beta Sigma Phi sorority with their "Book Bags for Kids" project. Book bag pickup date is set for Aug. 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the YMCA Activity Center on Wyatt Avenue.

Marion Doble recently joined the YMCA staff as art instructor. She is also the art instructor for West Lincoln-Broadwell and New Holland-Middletown schools. YMCA Fall Art classes begin Oct. 12 and continue through December. Visit http://www.lincolnymca.org/ to click on all the exciting art classes being offered. A variety of dates and times are offered to accommodate.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Area YMCA]