The Demopolis Elite Soccer Club is accepting signups for its fall season, which will begin Saturday, Aug. 23.

The recreation soccer league started in 2013 and has been working with youth players to reduce the likelihood of diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles.

“Our motto is ‘More Than Soccer,'” said league administrator Dr. Ronnie Chu. “We want to combat childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes by getting kids out and being active.”

Chu added that several local doctors have come together to support the league to help local children lead healthier lives.

“We provide year-round conditioning if that’s what they want to do,” he said. “We’ll have two seasons – fall and spring – but we’ll train and condition year-round. Kids can sign up for the year or just one season. It’s up to them.”

The league is open to players from age 4 to 18. Paschal Dunne, who has coaching experience at the college level, will be joined by UWA head soccer coaches Graeme Orr and Matthew Thorne in leading the league on the field. They will also be joined by other coaches that have previously coached with River City Soccer.

There will be a coach camp Saturday, Aug. 9 for the upcoming season. Chu said he wants all coaches in the league to be teaching the same philosophy, which is that of the Barcelona Football Club.

“We will not only train players, but also parents who want to be coaches or just want to be knowledgeable about the games. We want all the kids to learn the same system so they can build on that as they get older,” he said. “Skill level varies from player to player, but as long as they know a philosophy, they can play anywhere.”

Chu added that he hopes to get enough support through grants and funding to be able to offer scholarships and add a nutritionist to their staff to work with the coaches on helping children be more healthy.

Demopolis Elite also wants to involve all of Marengo County including Linden, Faunsdale and the South end of the county, as well as neighboring cities of Greensboro and Livingston.

Sign-up sheets are available at the Chu Clinic, Lulu’s and Hibbett Sports in Demopolis. SoccerFest will be held Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Demopolis SportsPlex from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.