Sports news

Basketball league meeting

HAMPDEN – An Eastern Maine Basketball League meeting for the 2007-2008 season will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Hampden Municipal Building. Those interested in placing a team of third- and fourth-, fifth- and sixth- or seventh- and eighth-grade girls or boys are urged to attend. For information, call Chris Caldwell at 848-2484.

Soccer for children with disabilities

HERMON – The TOPSoccer Program offers a four-week fall soccer series designed to provide an opportunity for children with physical and mental disabilities to learn and play the game. Blackbear United staff and players will teach the participants in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Each player will receive a jersey, soccer ball, socks and a sack-pack donated by U.S. Youth Soccer and Adidas through a grant TOPSoccer received.

The program will be held 3:30-5 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 13, 20 and 27, and Nov. 3, at Hermon Elementary School. There is no cost to participate. Register at www.blackbearunited.com by clicking on the TOPSoccer icon.

Community members who wish to volunteer for the program or help to sponsor it, should call Blackbear United at 862-4154, Ext. 2, MJ Ball at 991-8940 or e-mail topsoccer@blackbearunited.com.

Youth Academy

BANGOR – The Blackbear United’s Youth Academy for children of all abilities, ages 6-13, will run Mondays, Oct. 1-Dec. 10, at the University College of Bangor Fitness Center.

Players age 6-9 will train 6-7 p.m. Children age 10-13 will train 7-8 p.m. The cost is $90 for the entire session, $80 returning players or $10 per session.

Each training session will focus on individual techniques, small-sided games and fun.

The academy will serve as an identification program for developmental teams, future premier players and an avenue for young players to learn the game a relatively young age.

The academy is a training supplement to recreation and travel players who play on teams this fall. Register online at www.blackbearunited.com and click on academy, or call 991-8940.