COMMERCE, Texas - Come celebrate Youth Soccer Month with the A&M-Commerce soccer team this September. The Lions will face off against Dallas Baptist on September 18 and Northeastern State on September 28 at the A&M-Commerce Soccer Field. Both games will begin at 4 p.m. and tickets can be purchased in advance through the athletic department at 903-886-5558 or at the gate.

Youth Soccer Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits of playing Youth Soccer in America. A&M-Commerce is proud to support this effort and further the goals of Youth Soccer Month:

1. Emphasize soccer as the number one youth participation sport in America and a leading contributor to the healthy lifestyle of millions of American families.

2. Bringing kids and families of all ages and all abilities together for fun, friendship and fitness.

3. Highlighting the various programs available to children interested in participating in soccer, including inner city, special needs, recreational and elite soccer programs.

A series of fun filled messages will be communicated throughout Youth Soccer Month to illustrate the essence of youth soccer. Each week during Youth Soccer Month a different message will be the focus of "Celebrating Soccer in America." The four messages of Youth Soccer month are:

- Fitness: The health and fitness (physical, psychological and social) benefits of playing soccer.

- Fun: Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding.

- Family: Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated.

- Friendship: The relationships generated through playing soccer extend beyond the field.

A&M-Commerce has joined forces with US Youth Soccer in supporting Youth Soccer Month. Spreading the benefits and impact soccer has had on millions of Americans is very important to both organizations. Please take a minute to spend time with your family and friends this September to experience and support this great sport that has impacted so many lives.

Interest in the sport of soccer is at an all time high in the United States, more than 19 million children ages 5-19, are participating in soccer regularly. In fact, more children are participating in organized soccer than peewee football, youth basketball or Little League baseball.

Recognizing the impact and importance the sport of soccer plays in the day-to-day lives of America's families, and US Youth Soccer, is vital to the future of the sport. The nation's largest youth sport organization is leading Youth Soccer Month, Celebrating Soccer in America this September.

For more information on Youth Soccer Month visit www.YouthSoccerMonth.org.

About Youth Soccer Month - The national celebration of Soccer in America. More than 19 million children ages 5 - 19 regularly participate in soccer in the United States, more than peewee football, youth basketball or Little League baseball. Recognizing the impact and importance the sport of soccer plays in the day-to-day lives of America's families, US Youth Soccer is spearheading Youth Soccer Month - Celebrating Soccer in America.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) - US Youth Soccer - The Game for ALL Kids!® is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3.2 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member state associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.