Thanks to the efforts of a College Park, Maryland, mother and resident, the long-shuttered Boys & Girls Club will open again this fall with a youth soccer league.
Since 2019, kids who live in College Park had to go to neighboring communities to participate in such programs.
“All the neighboring towns have their Boys & Girls Clubs, and we’re an even bigger town, and ours isn’t active,” said Angela Gentile.
She’s actively recruiting volunteers to get the club moving again.
“A lot of sports can become very, expensive,” Gentile said. “If there’s no local club like a nonprofit, people can be paying a lot of money just for their 5-year-old to play soccer.”
The club is launching teams that will compete in the Prince George’s Soccer Initiative league. Teams are split into three age brackets — under 6 years old, under 8 years old and under 10 years old.
“I’m really excited to be supporting one of our very own neighbors here,” said College Park City Council member Jacob Hernandez, who represents Ward 1. “I would say a successful youth organization isn’t built by city hall alone. It’s built by neighbors, parents, coaches and young people working together. Our role is to create the foundation.”
Beginning in late August, teams will practice once a week at the newly renovated Duvall Field in North College Park, with Saturday games played in Hyattsville.
“I’m asking people to sign up their kids, and at the same time I’m saying that they need to be run by volunteers,” said Gentile, a mother of a five-year old with one on the way. “I need volunteer coaches. I need volunteer board members. I need help.”
Registration costs $75 per player and can be found online. Families will receive payment instructions from the club as the Sept. 5 season opener approaches.
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