FARMINGTON – The recreation department recently wrapped up its annual Farmington Youth Soccer Programs for children pre-K through 6th grade.
The FRD registered 125 players in Division I, consisting of 1st through 3rd graders. In Division II, the league was made up of 58 players in grades 4th through 6th. The Kickers Club program registered 36 kindergartners and 29 3- and 4-year-olds joined our Start Smart soccer program Mini Me’s.
Jaycee Jenckes was the Farmington Youth Soccer League Director again this season. She kept everything organized, running smoothly, and added some of her creativity to make the games more memorable for all players. She also, took on the challenge of directing the Kickers Club as well as the Mini Me’s program.
One of the department’s changes this year was establishing all 14 teams with parent coaches and students from the University of Maine at Farmington completing a coaching minor. Teams now had the opportunity to practice with their coach and grow closer to one another. All coaches were required to complete a coaching certification through the National Youth Sports Coaches Association.
The FRD would like to thank Aaron Allumbaugh, Bill and Michelle Tanner, Bridget Daku, Erica and Mark Ingrisano, Erin and Jared Norton, Kaleigh Kinney, Katie Fournier, Noah Carroll, Peter Hardy, Sarah Martin, Sheena and
Jason Thomas, Seth Noonkester, and Vinny Vannah. The coaches put in a lot of their free time and made this season extremely successful. Also, the department would like to thank the referees, Avery Isbell, Kaitlyn Virgin, Tyler Eustis, and Zack Lavoie for instructing all matches throughout the eight game season. Everyone played an important role in making this another successful program for the Recreation Department and became crucial assets to the Rec. Department team.
During Medal Madness, the Rec. Department presented two awards, the John Boutilier Memorial Award and the Jimmy Joe Allen Memorial Award. The John Boutilier Memorial Award represents a favorite fan that demonstrates enthusiasm and support throughout the entire length of the soccer program. This year, Tim Hupp was the top recipient. Tim has now had three children go through the Farmington Youth Soccer programs. He is always a positive role model at the soccer games and whenever at the field he’s offering a hand.
The co-recipients for the Jimmy Joe Allen Memorial Award were Erin and Jared Norton, who coached two FYSL teams contributing three days a week coaching soccer at Hippach Field.
Overall, the soccer season was a major success and the Farmington Recreation Department plans on implementing more improvements each year in order to offer an exceptional program that helps the participants grow as athletes.
More pictures and videos can be found on the Farmington Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/farmingtonrec
