The Crossroads YMCA-Hammond Branch is a non-profit organization that has been hosting their 2016 soccer league since Jan. 20 for children of all ages. The games take place on saturdays starting around 10 a.m. The Hammond Branch YMCA has been around since December 1964 and soccer has been one of their longest running sports and programs. Hunter McKee, program director of the Hammond Branch, likes the turnout the program has had this year. “We have around 90 kids signed up in all different divisions,” McKee said.
There are four teams in the toddler soccer program, 12 total teams in the youth signed up with four in the kindergarten and first grade division, two teams in the second and third grade division and two teams in the fourth grade division. McKee said the vision of the Hammond YMCA is being shown in the soccer league.
“The vision of the YMCA is that kids, families, and the area business community in general realize and recognize the comprehensive and value based nature of the services and programs that are provided,” McKee said.
McKee also noticed the that the athletes taking place in the games are really showing values by the YMCA. The value of the Hammond Area YMCA is to foster the values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility in all agency activities and in the individuals who participate. “The kids all work together as a team, being truthful about everything and how they play,” McKee said. Crossroads YMCA CEO Laurie A. Halaska said all the YMCAs in the Crossroads are similar to make sure the YMCA caters to Northwest Indiana like soccer. “The YMCA’s in Northwest Indiana all have similar programs, we try to cater all of NWI with the same programs,” Halaska said. Lynette McDermott, community relations director of the Hammond Branch, said soccer is one of the most popular events the YMCA has. “We want to promote life skill and help our community grow and prosper,” McDermott said. “The kids learn this when they work together as a team in the league.”
The Hammond Branch is located at 7322 Southeastern Ave in Hammond, Ind, and you can contact them with any questions about the soccer league or any other sport at 219-845-1507.