YMCA to run fall soccer league at Veterans Park; committee discusses facilities and permits

Andrew, speaking for the YMCA, told the committee the Smyrna YMCA ran spring and summer programs and expects to start a fall soccer league on Aug. 17 that will run through Oct. 31. "They had about 50 kids show for that," Andrew said, describing recent league participation. The YMCA plans to use Veterans Memorial Park fields for practices and Saturday games.

Parks staff explained the partnership model: the YMCA will handle registration off site, the league will operate under a park permit and parks staff will prepare fields (striping, lining, dragging). Staff said there is currently no fee charged on site and the relationship is structured so no money changes hands at the facilities; concessions are not planned but could be reconsidered. Committee members asked about indoor basketball possibilities, and staff said use of county school gyms would require additional county approvals.