Last soccer season, members of the Pearl River Soccer Club played games in two locations, Friendship Park in Picayune and West Union Road in Carriere.
However, a recent affiliation between the PRSC, a countywide organization, the Picayune Youth Athletic Association and the city of Picayune, soccer games will now be played at a centralized location, Friendship Park.
Initially, when the city of Picayune decided to create a Friendship Park board to oversee all sports, the soccer club refused to join, PYAA President Jerel Myers said. That was about three years ago, he added.
Now, the PRSC is under new leadership.
“The best option is to provide soccer with the PYAA and Picayune,” PRSC President and Director of Coaching Edison Williams said. “By working together, we provide an opportunity for kids to play locally in an organized structure.”
Williams said, from what he understands, about 10 years ago, the soccer club felt they lost space at Friendship Park and decided to go elsewhere.
“There were a lot of hurt feelings,” said Trinity Lauga, PRSC President.
Trevor Adam, Picayune’s Parks and Recreations Director, said many people inquired about soccer play at Friendship Park by his second day on the job.
“The big thing I heard from coaches and parents is that they can’t be in two places at once,” Adam said.
PRSC Vice-President Kimberly Williams said the club is open to soccer players ages 4 and up. It’s for all levels and helps prepare players for D3 recreational teams and D2 intermediate competitive play.
“We hope this will grow into a successful feeder program and develop players at all levels,” Myers said.
Players can register online at www.prscms.org. The PRSC will also announce field registration dates at a later time. Registration ends on August 13 and soccer season begins the first of September, Kimberly Williams said. Registration is open to anyone in Pearl River County.
Kimberly Williams said they are looking forward to a great season and want to see their participation numbers rise from 300 to 400 in the coming season.
“We’re excited Trevor Adam is in this position and he’s very easy to work with,” Lauga said. “I’m excited to have a new board and sitting down to discuss the future growth of PYAA in the city and that PYAA came back to the table to work things out as well.”