The Boy Scouts of America has launched its Soccer and Scouting program as an outreach to Hispanic youth and families. Soccer and Scouting teaches soccer skills and provides exciting competition. At the same time boys will be Cub Scouts and learn the life-long values taught in the Scouting program. On June 18th the Greater Yosemite Council's first Soccer and Scouting League will start playing in Merced and the play season will go through August 13, 2005. The weekly games will be held on Saturdays.  El Capitan District will also be starting play with their Soccer and Scouting program in June.

The Soccer and Scouting registration process began on May 19, 2005. Any youth still interested in enrolling can register to play at any time during the season. A free soccer ball will be given to each youth at the time of registration. The youth who registered on May 19th will receive their uniforms before June 18.

Sheehy, Gracey and Alicia Reyes Elementary Schools will have youth playing and we continue to see more registrations as excitement for the program grows. We already have 12 teams formed and ready to get out on the field to play soccer. Registration began at Osborn Elementary in Turlock on May 26th. The Soccer and Scouting program also allows girls to join as part of the Learning for Life program. During our registration night in May we recruited 10 volunteer coaches and more will be needed as the program grows. To help our volunteers, the Soccer and Scouting program provides written support materials, available in both English and Spanish, for parents and coaches.

Based on the high level of interest we see, our flyers and word-of-mouth communication have been very effective marketing tools for the program. Once the league gets going we anticipate the local Spanish and English media in the communities will be very supportive in their coverage of our new program.

We expect other districts will want to begin their Soccer and Scouting programs soon. For more information contact District Executives, Adan Barajas or Ron Schell at the Council Service Center.

Saturday June 18, 2005

Opening Day Saturday June 18, 2005 Schedule Saturday June 18, 2005 through Saturday August 13, 2005 a 10-week Soccer and Scouting program. Saturday August 13, 2005 Futbolito Tournament graduation ceremony at Sheehy School Playground. Grades/Times (Grade as of May 19, 2005) First Grade: 8 to 9:45am Second Grade: 8 ot 9:45am Third Grade: 10 to 11:45am Fourth and Fifth Grade: 10 to 10:45am	Location Sheehy Elementary School, 1240 W 6th St. Merced, CA Map to Sheehy Elementary School Goodies Every child receives a free soccer ball upon registration Fee $45.00 includes soccer jersey, shorts and socks. Volunteers Needed You can help your child by becoming a volunteer coach or parent helper. For more information, call 209-545-6320 ext 109. Registration Registrations will be accepted during the entire season.

Flyer in English and Spanish