The Frog Town Soccer Complex was recently filled with hundreds of people. They were there to be apart of the opening ceremonies for the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department's youth soccer program.

"We are very excited about the upcoming soccer season," said Janis Burns, Superintendent for the PARD. "We have increased our participation by approximately 50 children this year."

Jon Holder was in attendance as Master of Ceremonies. Holder is the general manager for Grace Radio 90.7 FM and the host of Friday Night Pigskin Roundup on TV24. Jon announced the teams, players, and coaches for the 2009 soccer season.

Other guests were also at the event. Mayor Johnny Smith and the members of Jacksonville's City Council members came out in support of Jacksonville's kids. Jay Monroe, Student Pastor at First Baptist Jacksonville, gave some words of encouragement to the players, coaches, and fans. Members of the 2008 Alabama Parks and Recreation Associations 11 and under state soccer championship team were recognized as well.

Ed Canady, Recreation Specialist at PARD, said that this has been in the works since the end of basketball season last year. "We just thought about something new that could do for the parents and for the community just to make the kids feel good about themselves," said Canady.

According to Canady, there were about 350 people at the ceremonies, with 202 of those being kids registered to play. Wesley Carr, a kindergartener at Jacksonville Christian Academy, was one of those kids. Wesley is a member of the Chargers, in the seven and under league. His dad, Tracey Carr, said he hopes that his son will learn a lot about life. "I hope that by being out here he is able to learn the sport, learn about the team effort, and understand that teamwork actually wins."

Canady also hopes that the kids will learn about teamwork and unity. "That's the main thing we want to stress to these teams…cheering for each other even though you are competing. We want to teach them to show good sportsmanship."

The night ended with the mayor starting the season off with a ceremonial first kick. The games started last week and the season will continue until the 3rd week of October. At the end of the season, nominations will be made for the all-star teams that will represent the city of Jacksonville in the post-season district tournament and the state competition in Dothan, Alabama.