Many athletic opportunities available for Windham youth sports

Windham Youth Football teams will soon begin their fall
season with registration ending Aug. 16 for tackle football for
grades three through eight. Registration for flag football is
open until Aug. 30. PHOTO BY GINA KOSTOPOULOS

By Matt Pascarella

The fall sports season is right around the corner, and with it comes the many Windham youth sports opportunities the town has to offer. Currently, registration is open for the Windham Youth Soccer Association (WYSA), Windham Youth Football and Cheering (WYFC) and the Windham Youth Volleyball Association (WYVBA).

Windham Youth Football & Cheering

Registration for cheerleading, kindergarten through eighth grade; tackle football, grades three to eight ends Aug. 16

Flag football for kindergarten through second grade registration ends Aug. 30. To register visit: windhamyouthfootball.sportngin.com/

The goal of Youth Football and Cheering is to teach the skills of football or cheering while promoting good sportsmanship and helping the participants to develop a sense of teamwork. Flag football is available for kindergarten through second grade for $75.

Third grade through eighth grade students can participate in tackle football.

Registration for third grade through sixth grade is $120. Teams are grouped by grade with two teams at each level and each team is a mix of both grade levels. Girls are welcome to play tackle football.

Third grade through sixth grade tackle football include a game shirt and mouth guard. Helmets, shoulder pads, black padded football pants, practice shirt, and cleats are not included. Helmets can be rented for $40 with $20 refunded upon return of the helmet. 

Registration for tackle football for grades seven and eight is $150 and include a game shirt, pants as well as practice shirt and pants. Helmets, shoulder pads, padded football girdle (shorts with hip pads and tailbone pads for under football pants) and cleats are not included.

Cheerleading is open to kindergarten through eighth grade with only sneakers needed for participation. Registration is $65.

No Covid restrictions are currently in place. WYFC understands that could change and are prepared with an alternate plan if necessary.

Coaches do not have to wear masks at this point but is subject to any change.

Financial assistance is available, volunteer hours required. WYFC ask people who get financial assistance to volunteer for a few hours in the Snapshot or as a team parent.

Flag football coaches are still needed.

For questions contact Jason Farley at dvm_sports@yahoo.com

Windham Youth Soccer Association

Registration ends Aug. 13. To register visit: www.windhamyouthsoccer.com

The goal of Windham Youth Soccer Association is to provide a fun environment for the development of youth soccer players. The In-House soccer program is available for ages four to 12 and is $80 for the fall. In-House only plays games at Gambo Field in Windham.

Registration for the travel program is currently closed.

WYSA also offers the Little Eagles program for two to three-year-old players for $55. Uniforms are included for both In-House and Little Eagles. A ball is included for Little Eagles. Financial aid is available.

WYSA has established Covid protocols based on current recommendations from the state of Maine and Center for Disease Control.

At this point in time, players are not required to wear masks when playing outdoors, though can if they choose to do so. Unvaccinated coaches are required to wear a mask.

For questions contact Jason Weatherby at jasonweatherby@hotmail.com

Windham Youth Volleyball Association

Registration ends Sept.10. To register visit: www.windhamyouthvolleyball.com

The goal of Windham Youth Volleyball is to be a starting point for younger kids who wish to play the sport in high school and beyond. This program is a club team for middle school players, grades six to eight.

College coach Chuck Fleck said if your child is serious about volleyball and would like to someday play at the college level, it’s best to start in middle school. Anyone from RSU 14 or other districts are encouraged to join.

The WYVBA season runs parallel to the fall sports season with practices held daily in the Windham Middle School gym. Once the basics are learned, competitions with other area middle schools begin.

The cost is $90 for the season, plus $20 for a personalized team jersey. Jerseys can be used from season to season and financial aid is available on a case-by-case basis.

The only equipment needed is indoor court shoes, kneepads, and a positive attitude.

If there is a Covid protocol in place at the start of the season, WYVBA will follow the decision made by RSU 14 Superintendent Chris Howell.

If interested, Windham Youth Volleyball has coaching and board member positions open.

For questions contact Chuck Fleck at wyvba.maine@yahoo.com <