REDMOND — Residents of Redmond are looking for ways to offer a more robust sports program for middle schoolers.

A small group of citizens plans to meet this week with a Eugene management group that specializes in operating youth sports leagues. The endgame is to create more opportunities in sports that are lacking in the area.

Several years ago the Redmond School District cut some sports from their middle school rosters, such as basketball. And soccer has been offered only as a recreational endeavor or by statewide club teams.

Katie Hammer, executive director of Redmond Area Park and Recreation District, said the goal is to identify what sports are lacking in the area and how to provide them.

“We’re currently in the process of doing an inventory and figuring out who runs what in Redmond,” Hammer said. “But we have heard from parents saying there is a gap.”

That gap appears to be between fourth grade, when RAPRD sports taper off, and high school, when varsity athletics begin. Community members believe bridging the gap is in Redmond’s best interest.

“Improving sports allows Redmond to be more competitive at the high school level, it’s a health and wellness issue and it creates opportunities for kids to be involved in activities,” city councilor Ed Boero said after last week’s Redmond City Council meeting. “Plus it says a lot about your community in how you support kids’ sports.”

Boero, Hammer and representatives from the school district will be in attendance when they meet with representatives from Kidsports, which runs youth activities in Eugene.

But the impetus for the meeting didn’t stem from local government. Lance Brant, whose children play soccer in the area, said he’s been interested in improving youth sports for a few years.

“I’ve seen the problem as a parent,” Brandt said. “If you go to register for some sports, they’re just not there. My family has lived that reality.”

Brandt previously lived in Eugene and said Kidsports was a crucial part of youth sport infrastructure. Through a partnership with the schools, the organization runs football, basketball and soccer programs.

“So we contacted them and asked if they would meet with us,” Brandt said. “They’re coming over to explain how they formed, what they do and how they operate. I really think it’s a venture to look at seriously.”