BUDDING YOUNG FOOTBALL STARS are being encouraged to sign up to a community sports group with registration for the new season now open.
Youngsters aged from four to 12 years-old can now register to join Forres Area Soccer Sevens for the season that kicks off in February 2018.
It is expected to be a big year for the Club which will be celebrating its 25th birthday – and to mark the occasion, the organisers have decided to give away 25 free places. The season for the Forres Area Soccer 7s runs from February to the first weekend of October and is open to girls and boys of all abilities.
There are three levels the children can progress through – Development 4s (4-6 years old), Super 5s (7-9 years old) and Soccer 7s (10-12 years old), although the Club is consulting with its current members to see if there is a demand to increase the age range.
Graeme Ferguson, recently appointed chairman of the Club, said: “Although the 2017 season has only just finished, the board members are working behind the scenes to ensure that 2018 is a year to remember.
“We are going into our 25th year and have lots of activities and ways to celebrate this achievement planned.
“We want to encourage our 2017 players to re-register, but it would also be great to see new faces along too. Soccer 7s is all about having fun and we are open to boys and girls regardless of their ability.
“We meet weekly and the youngsters play for one team sponsored by a local business for the whole season. There is also the opportunity to attend a training session through the week too.”
Speaking of the 25th year, Graeme added: “One of the ways we plan to mark the occasion is by giving away 25 free places. We need people to register as normal, and when registration is suspended in February we will draw 25 names out of hat and will reimburse the lucky winners.
“It is a small gesture, but one that will mean something to 25 families.”
Forres Area Soccer 7s meet every Sunday between February and October at Grant Park and the Club is run purely by volunteers, as Graeme explained: “For 25 years, this Club has been run on the goodwill of our volunteers and this year will be no different.
“However, the Club is growing and to meet that demand – we are always on the lookout for more people who want to get involved. We are appealing for people to come forward and there is particular need for coaches.
“We don’t need the volunteers to have any experience of football, just to be passionate and be able to encourage our young players to get involved and enjoy themselves.”
Prices for the 2018 are: Development 4s £30 and Super 5s and Soccer 7s £50. To register visit www.forres-soccer7s.co.uk/