Published October 1, 2020
NORTH READING — North Reading youth athletes had an exciting opening day on Saturday. Youth athletics have largely been on hold Since March in North Reading, but that all changed on Saturday. Youth soccer and flag football started their seasons along with softball and Diamond Club baseball already in midseason.
The players and families expressed happiness and excitement to see the kids playing the sports that they love along with their friends and teammates. Organizers and administrators expressed relief that all the hard work resulted in a successful weekend of games and fun.
The athletes may be playing the games, but onlookers will notice some changes that have been put in place in the name of safety. Players, referees, and coaches are wearing masks on and off the field. A number of spaced cones have been placed on the sidelines for players to stay socially distanced.
Administrators have placed a number of safety requirements and expectations for coaches and spectators to adhere to. Coaches are taking attendance of players to help in contact tracking, and families are wearing masks, remaining distant on the sidelines and stands, and minimizing the attendance by limiting the number of spectators. These are all different actions that we all must take to keep our families and community as safe as possible while we move towards normalcy.
Youth sports is an important fabric of our community, and it is worth these changes and individual efforts when you can see the smiling eyes of the North Reading youth and families.
