Raymond Recreation is looking for a group of people to run the youth soccer program.

Dana Desjardins, who has been the sole leader of the organization for the last six years, is hoping a group of parents will take on the challenge instead of just himself.

“I think a team of people would be more beneficial,” said Desjardins. “It would be easier to spread the work around instead of having one person being responsible for everything.”

The soccer program was started eight years ago and relies on volunteers to run, coach, and raise funds for the program.

The fields are provided by Camp Agawam – not the town of Raymond – and are not open to the public.

“Camp Agawam was very generous in allowing us to use their fields,” said Desjardins. “We pay them by donating mowing services, and keeping the fields clean.”

It costs approximately $3,000 to mow the fields each year. Of that, $2,000 is donated by the town of Raymond, and $1,000 is raised through various fundraisers.

“It would be great if we had just one person willing to be responsible for fundraising,” said Desjardins. “We would like to expand the program next year, but we need more people helping and more funds to do that.”

Right now, the program is for kids ages 5-12 and has a total of 12 teams, four for each age group. The program is eight weeks long and ends with a championship playoff in October.

Although he is hoping to find a replacement for himself, he will continue to help out in anyway he can.

“I will not walk away from this program,” said Desjardins. “It’s a great program and I want to see it continue. Anytime you have kids outside doing outdoor activities it’s a great thing.”

Those interested in volunteering may contact Dana Desjardins at 655-5351 or dana.desjardins@raymondmaine.org.

Kaitlyn Dostie, 9, of Raymond practices her ball skills for an upcoming Raymond Rec soccer game. The Raymond Rec youth soccer program is searching for a new director.