With many youngsters either kicking or catching a ball around the region, many parents and coaches may want to adopt the philosophy on youth sports used by its local parks and recreation department.

A low-key approach while emphasizing learning good skills and sportsmanship are the points stressed by the Brewer Parks and Recreation Department, according to its recreation superintendent, Michael Martin.

“We try to make it a recreational experience,” Martin said. “We don’t care about scores or standings. We try to keep it instructional and make it a fun time for the kids.”

Brewer’s most popular fall youth program is soccer for those in kindergarten through sixth grade. The program has attracted approximately 200 players who participate in skills and games each Saturday during the fall at Doyle Field and the Maple Street field.

Brewer is aware of coaches and parents who are overzealous and may seek to pressure their children into an emphasis on winning instead of learning the game.

“We’ve seen parents who push their kids too early. Not all parents are that way, but there are certainly some parents who try to live their past athletic experiences through their kids,” said Brewer Parks and Recreation Director Ken Hanscom. “That’s the worst thing they can do.”

To overcome that tendency and to educate its volunteer coaches, Brewer offers a coaching class and has its soccer program directed by Aimee Cyr, its after school and recreation program coordinator.

“We’re fortunate to have a strong league presence to deal with the coaches and parents through Aimee,” Martin said. “She can set the tone of the activity – to keep it fun and keep the coaches aware of what is expected.”

Brewer also recommends that its coaches take part in a three-hour training clinic conducted through the National Youth Sports Coaches Association. Martin and Hanscom are both certified to teach the clinic which covers the basics of the sport and coaching philosophy. At the end of the course, each coach signs a code of ethics which lists several standards such as the coach placing “the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.”

Most of Brewer’s coaches take the clinic and its impact may be most evident through Brewer’s middle school basketball program.

“Those coaches do very well,” Martin said. “They’re cheering for both teams. They just like to have good games.”

While some parents get involved in the programs to help their children or support the program, there is still an important way for other parents to help their children even if they aren’t volunteers, Hanscom said.

“Parents can help just by being a good role model,” he said. “Set a good standard and let your child have a good time. Don’t complain about the way they played and don’t put the emphasis on competition or winning.”

Those seeking more information on Brewer’s programs may contact Martin or Hanscom at 989-5199.

Youth hockey programs busy

Local youth hockey organizations are busy planning registration nights and tryouts. Here are a few upcoming events:

. The Penobscot Valley Hockey Conference will hold travel team tryouts for all levels on Sept. 22-23 starting at 3:15 p.m. at Alfond Arena in Orono. Contact Doug Damon at 947-1157 for more information.

. Registration for the Hampden/Winterport Youth Hockey program is Monday, 7-8:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall on the Canoe Club Road.

. John Ambrose is seeking players to compete in a youth hockey program for middle-school age players in Brewer. He can be contacted at 989-6053.

Joe McLaughlin’s column on youth sports, which covers those in grades eight and down, is published each Thursday. He can be reached at 990-8229 or jmclaughlin@bangordailynews.net