Published: June 01, 2008 10:37 pm      

Inaugural year a kick for Susquehanna Twp. youth soccer

NORTHERN CAMBRIA — More than 80 youth soccer players are finishing Susquehanna Township’s inaugural season of American Youth Soccer.

Kelly Miller, regional registrar for AYSO Region 1557, said the league began in late April – earlier than originally expected.

“A lot of kids in this area play fall AYSO soccer in Patton,” Miller said.

“We wanted to see how things went, and gauge the interest.”

Twelve teams emerged as a result of the spring registration: Eight teams of 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds, three teams of 7- to 10-year-olds, and one travel team with 11- to 14-year-olds.

“We’re very happy with the turnout – and very surprised,” Miller said, adding that the AYSO area director didn’t think that many players would surface.

Players hail from Northern Cambria, Patton, Hastings, Nicktown, Carrolltown, Westover, Cherry Tree and Rossiter.

The teams have been playing at Northern Cambria School District’s middle school field on Saturdays. The last games will be played June 14.

And despite its success, the Susquehanna organization is not planning league play in the fall.

“The Susquehanna Township field needs a lot of work before it can be played on,” Miller said. “The rest of this summer, we’ll be leveling out that field and planting grass so that it is ready for next spring.”

If the program remains popular, the group may start a fall league in 2009.

This is the first time the program was available in Northern Cambria School District, whose interested students previously had to travel to Patton to play soccer.

Miller credited Susquehanna Township resident Robert Smith of Shawna Road for getting the program started by mentioning it to township supervisors last year.

“If it wouldn’t have been for Bob, it wouldn’t have happened,” Miller said

“He got the ball rolling.”