Will You Step Up to Help Johnston Kids This Fall?

It's one of the most popular sports programs in Johnston in the fall — youth soccer.

Right now, though, there's a shortage of volunteers to help coach the 4- through 14-year-olds who participate in the league, Recreation Planner Vin Jackvony said during a recent interview.

With a coaches meeting planned for this week, it's a great time to sign up and offer your help — and the best part is, the registration form is online.

After completing the registration and getting a Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) check through the Rhode Island Attorney General's office — 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI. Phone: (401) 274-4400 — prospective coaches get training in CPR, First Aid, and AED (defibrillators) provided by the Rec Department, Jackvony explained.

Volunteer coaches don't need to worry about a huge time commitment or having to lead a team alone, Jackvony said — it's just one practice on a weeknight and one game on Saturdays, except for the 4-year-old teams, which have clinics on Saturdays.

"We try to get two or three volunteers per team, and if a volunteer isn't familiar with soccer, our staff is up there, too, to help them out," Jackvony said.

The season starts Aug. 25 and runs through the end of October, making a great activity for kids after school.

Click the link above to find the online registration, or call the Johnston Recreation Department at (401) 272-3460 for more information.