J.L. Long Buccaneers looking for more players

What a time to be a soccer fan with a new Dallas women’s team — Dallas Trinity FC — and soon to have a men’s team, Atletico Dallas for 2027, both playing at the Cotton Bowl, and of course not to forget FC Dallas always playing hard! The Gold Cup, Women’s World Cup and EUFA Finals are all happening worldwide. With the Summer heat and other activities, it’s easy to forget about local soccer. However, in its continuing tradition of giving new sixth grade students at J.L. Long Middle School an opportunity to play team sports, the YMCA and J.L. Long PTA are hoping for another great season of sixth grade soccer. Under UIL rules, sixth grade students cannot participate in school team sports, so this is a fantastic opportunity for children to stay active. The team is co-ed and open to anyone attending J.L. Long or any nearby schools. Players can be of any skill level including beginners. The fall teams first practice will be on August 28, and scheduled games will begin Saturday, September 13. Each team will consist of 14 or more players and will be co-ed. Every team member will have a chance to play. The team practices are at Willis Winters (or Randall Park) across from Woodrow Wilson High School from 4:30- 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Games are mostly played on Saturdays. If organizers get enough players, they will create two teams. Registration is happening now. To register, go in person to the White Rock YMCA at 7301 Gaston Ave., in Dallas, and register under JL Long Buccaneers or register online at either the White Rock or Richardson YMCA. For more information, contact Victor Aves at 214-616-0194 or vaves@pegasusrealtyinc.com, or call the White Rock YMCA at 214-328-3849 or Richardson YMCA 972-231-3424. — Victor Aves