The Bainbridge- Decatur County Recreation Authority spoke to Kiwanis Club on Thursday about their current sports programs, along with their two upcoming winter sports programs.

Currently, the BDCRA offers cheerleading, flag football, tackle football and soccer for the fall.

Flag football really lays the foundation for the game and is where they learn the fundamentals for the game,” Programs director, Karson King said

Upon learning the fundamentals, the kids move up to tackle football, where they really put the pieces together and execute their positions, all while the cheerleaders cheer them on.

In soccer, the kids learn to play short- sided, which means the field is scaled back for smaller teams and helps allow the players to have more touches on the ball.

King said they do this because any time a child has more touches it improves their game, so they try to make it accessible as possible.

King then announced they will have two new programs this winter: wrestling and basketball.

In order to make this possible, the BDCRA has partnered with the highschool’s athletic department to use their facilities.

“We plan to become a feeder program for their athletics, and if you look around that’s what some of the most successful programs in the area do,” she said.

The high school will allow the teams to use their gym for practices and alternative locations such as, the Hutto Middle School Gym or West Bainbridge Elementary Gym for games.

The school also plans to give the BDCRA some ideas as to how they want it run, so when the students age out and plan to play at the next level they are ready to roll.

“I see that making a huge impact and I can’t wait to see that happen for us,” King said. “I’m excited for the kids and for the program.”

Following the conclusion of winter sports, the BDCRA will gear up for the spring with t-ball, softball and baseball.

King also said they have seen an increase in numbers in all of the sports since 2017. In comparison to this past year, there has been a 12 percent increase, which King attributes to the dedicated effort of all the employees.

King reminded everyone there are opportunities for more than just children; they also offer adult co-ed softball, men’s soccer and adult co-ed kickball.

While they traditionally focus on recreational activities, the BDCRA also hosts yearly events such as, the Easter Egg scramble, fishing with friends and will host the Trunk or Treat this year again on Halloween night.

They hope to have multiple participants again and trunks decorated to the nines. Those interested in showcasing their decorated vehicle can contact the BDCRA to register, also those interested in fall sports can contact them by September 1.

King can’t wait to see everyone out there for another year of fun sportsmanship.