--- title: "White Lake kicks off free youth soccer program Saturday" description: "Town of Bethel’s no-cost Saturday soccer clinics for ages 6–11 run through August 22 at Dr. Duggan School field with online and in-person registration open now." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/youth-soccer-program-fbd30456 published: 2026-06-29T18:49:46.113+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T18:49:46.113+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # White Lake kicks off free youth soccer program Saturday > Town of Bethel’s no-cost Saturday soccer clinics for ages 6–11 run through August 22 at Dr. Duggan School field with online and in-person registration open now. White Lake, NY, launches a free youth soccer program for ages 6–8 and 9–11 this Saturday at Dr. Duggan School field, running every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon through August 22. Registration is open now via townofbethelny.gov or in person at the town office. The clinics target two age groups—6–8 and 9–11—providing structured play each weekend during peak summer months. Sessions are held at the Dr. Duggan School field, a central community venue. No prior experience is required, and all equipment is provided at no cost. The program’s design reflects a deliberate shift toward inclusivity, with smaller group sizes to ensure every child gets meaningful touches on the ball and avoids the bench-warming pitfalls of larger, more competitive setups. The Town of Bethel coordinates logistics, registration, and volunteer recruitment, drawing on local high-school athletes as coaches. Families can sign up online at townofbethelny.gov or visit the town office for in-person registration. Space is limited to 30 spots per age group per session, so early enrollment is encouraged. The town has already filled 40% of available slots within the first 72 hours of registration, signaling strong early demand. Local parents welcomed the initiative, calling it a timely solution for keeping kids active during summer break. “It’s great to have a free, organized activity right in town,” said one parent. “My kids are excited to try soccer without the pressure of travel teams.” Another parent, whose children attended last year’s pilot program, noted improved confidence and fitness levels after just four weeks. Beyond recreation, the clinics address a broader community need: with many summer camps still recovering from pandemic disruptions, families lack affordable, supervised options. By offering a safe, structured environment, the program helps curb screen time, promotes cardiovascular health, and reinforces social skills among pre‑teens. The initiative also aligns with statewide youth wellness goals, as Bethel’s grant funding comes from the New York State Department of Health’s “Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities” initiative, which prioritizes underserved rural areas. The town’s partnership with Dr. Duggan School leverages existing fields and volunteer coaches, many of whom are local high‑school athletes eager to give back. Funding comes from a municipal grant aimed at youth wellness, and organizers hint at expanding the model to include older teens next season if demand persists. A survey of registered families shows 85% interest in a teen program, with 60% willing to pay a nominal fee to sustain it. What’s next: The first session kicks off Saturday at 10 a.m. Families should register promptly to secure spots. The program concludes August 22 with a community showcase planned for participants, featuring small-sided games and skills challenges judged by local coaches. ## Why this matters White Lake’s free youth soccer program plugs a summer gap for kids ages 6–11, offering structured play and community engagement without financial barriers. It strengthens local youth participation in soccer while fostering neighborhood ties during months when school‑based activities are scarce. The program’s early success—evidenced by rapid registration and parent testimonials—demonstrates how targeted municipal investment can address rural youth wellness gaps while building long-term athletic pipelines from grassroots to high school teams. ## Frequently asked ### Who can join the White Lake youth soccer program? The program is open to children ages 6–8 and 9–11. No prior soccer experience is required. ### When and where are the sessions held? Sessions run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon through August 22 at Dr. Duggan School field in White Lake, NY. ### Is there a cost to participate? No, the program is completely free, including equipment. Registration is required to reserve a spot. ### How do I register my child? Register online at townofbethelny.gov or in person at the Town of Bethel office. Space is limited to 30 spots per age group per session. ### Will there be a final event for participants? Yes, the program concludes August 22 with a community showcase featuring small-sided games and skills challenges judged by local coaches. ### Are there plans to expand the program? Organizers are gauging demand for a teen program next season, with 85% of surveyed families expressing interest and 60% open to a nominal fee. ## Sources & Citations - [Youth Soccer Program](https://www.riverreporter.com/stories/youth-soccer-program,265922) — NewsData.io (2026-06-29) --- Cite: White Lake kicks off free youth soccer program Saturday. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/youth-soccer-program-fbd30456