Mayor Ballard proclaimed September Youth Soccer Month for the city of Indianapolis this week.

Indianapolis joins the state of Indiana and several towns, cities and counties including :Avon, Muncie, New Albany and Floyd County, in marking the seventh annual nationwide celebration of Youth Soccer Month.

Youth Soccer Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits of playing Youth Soccer in America. Indiana is proud to support this effort and further the goals of Youth Soccer Month:

1. Emphasize soccer as the number one youth participation sport in America and a leading contributor to the healthy lifestyle of millions of American families.

2. Bringing kids and families of all ages and all abilities together for fun, friendship and fitness.

3. Highlighting the various programs available to children interested in participating in soccer, including inner city, special needs, recreational and elite soccer programs.

The four messages of Youth Soccer month are:

- Fitness: The health and fitness (physical, psychological and social) benefits of playing soccer.

- Fun: Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding.

- Family: Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated.

- Friendship: The relationships generated through playing soccer extend beyond the field.

Indiana Youth Soccer has joined forces with US Youth Soccer in supporting Youth Soccer Month. Spreading the benefits and impact soccer has had on millions of Americans is very important to both organizations. Please take a minute to spend time with your family and friends this September to experience and support this great sport that has impacted so many lives.

Interest in the sport of soccer is at an all time high in the United States, more than 19 million children ages 5-19, are participating in soccer regularly. In fact, more children are participating in organized soccer than peewee football, youth basketball or Little League baseball.

Recognizing the impact and importance the sport of soccer plays in the day-to-day lives of America’s families, and US Youth Soccer, is vital to the future of the sport. The nation’s largest youth sport organization is leading Youth Soccer Month, Celebrating Soccer in America this September.

For more information on Youth Soccer Month visit www.YouthSoccerMonth.org.