Charlotte, NC--  Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department offers “Start Smart Soccer” for youngsters, ages 3-5, at Tom Sykes Recreation Center, 1501 Euclid Avenue. Classes begin June 9, 2008.  Classes run Monday evenings at 6pm for six weeks, about an hour for each class.  Training is at a nearby school.

Start Smart Soccer teaches basic motor skills needed to play organized soccer.  There is a mandatory parents meeting Monday, June 2 at 6pm at Tom Sykes Recreation Center. A parent must come each week with child.  This is not a drop-off program.

Registration runs April 21 - May 21. Cost is $55, includes equipment at the end of the session. To register call 311 or go to www.parkandrec.com , click on eParks and use course number 33165.  Program coordinator is Jocelyn Anthony.