City opens registration for winter sports

Published 9:39 pm Thursday, August 7, 2014

Staying indoors during the cold of winter does not mean youths have to be inactive.

Suffolk Parks and Recreation will be offering sports for boys and girls ages 4-15 during the winter, including cheering, basketball and soccer, to help young people establish lifelong habits for good health.

Volunteer basketball coach Darrick Lemaster works with a team of 13- to 15-year-old boys that participated in Suffolk Parks and Recreations' youth basketball program last winter. Registration for that program and several other sports programs this winter opens online on Aug. 16.

Volunteer basketball coach Darrick Lemaster works with a team of 13- to 15-year-old boys that participated in Suffolk Parks and Recreations’ youth basketball program last winter. Registration for that program and several other sports programs this winter opens online on Aug. 16.

“It’s a great opportunity to have a chance to get out and keep working hard with the sports that they like to play,” said Roberto Ramos of Suffolk Parks and Recreation. He also said it is an ideal chance to try something new for those inexperienced in the offered activities.

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Following are six Suffolk Parks and Recreation winter programs:

  • The Pom Pom Squad is an introductory cheerleading program for children ages 4 to 5. Participants are introduced to the basics of cheerleading through chants, jumps and stands. Registration fees are $30 for Suffolk residents and $40 for non-residents.
  • The Youth Cheerleading Pep Squad is a cheering program for youth ages 6 to 15. This group will learn basic cheers and dance routines that will enhance their cheering skills. Registration fees are $60 for Suffolk residents and $70 for non-residents.
  • Lil Dribblers is an introductory basketball program where children ages 4 to 5 learn the basic fundamentals of basketball while improving their social and motor skills. Registration fees are $30 for Suffolk residents and $40 for non-residents.
  • Youth Basketball is a basketball program where youth ages 6 to 15 can enhance and develop their skills and abilities. Registration fees are $60 for Suffolk residents and $70 for non-residents.
  • Lil Kickers is a soccer program where children ages 4 to 5 are introduced to soccer in a safe, fun and exciting environment. Registration fees are $30 for Suffolk residents and $40 for non-residents.
  • Youth Indoor Soccer is a soccer program where youth ages 4 to 15 years old can enhance their soccer skills. The quick-paced games help players keep in shape and sharpen skills during the winter months. Registration fees are $60 for Suffolk residents and $70 for non-residents.

Within that program, “This will be the first time in a while we’re actually running a junior league for (indoor) soccer,” Ramos said. “We’re having it just for 13- to 15-year-olds.”

The goal is to allow this age group to travel and play against teams out of Norfolk.

Online registration for all programs begins Aug. 16 and runs until Oct. 30. Parents can pay by credit card online at www.suffolkva.us/parks by using the “Online Registrations” link.

Parents can also register their child at any of the following recreation centers from Sept. 8 through Oct. 9: Creekside, Northern Shores, Mack Benn Jr., King’s Fork and East Suffolk, Monday to Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday registrations will be held Oct. 11, 18 and 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Creekside and Mack Benn Jr. recreation centers only. Onsite payments must be in the form of money order, credit card or cashier’s check.

An additional $15 will be added for late registrations beginning Oct. 13 through Oct. 30. All registrants must have proof of age and residency.

Practices start the first week of December. League play begins Jan. 9 and Jan. 10, 2015.

For information regarding any of the programs, contact Roberto Ramos at 514-7270 or rramos@suffolkva.us.