Submitted Photo Brooke and Kelly Sullivan pose with members of the Rugby Youth Soccer program.

The first year of Rugby’s youth soccer program drew 36 children ages 4 through 12. Director and founder Kelly Sullivan received assistance from the city’s recreation department to hold practices and small games on Mondays and Thursday in September and October.

“I had a lot of kids and it was fun to see when they first show up and want to grab the ball with their hands,” Sullivan said, “but you could tell they practiced on their own.”

Sullivan was pleased with the turnout and emphasized the availability of the sport to most children because it doesn’t require much equipment. He said there will be consideration to do more with the program in the spring and summer. Anyone interested in volunteering or getting their children involved next year should contact the city’s recreation department.