Registration for youth fall sports programs through Bend Park & Recreation District is approaching the July 8 deadline, and may surpass the previous year’s record number of 2,900 kids.

Programs open for registration include youth soccer, kindergarten soccer, middle school tennis and flag football.

Youth and kindergarten soccer registration closes July 8, flag football closes July 29 and middle school tennis closes Aug. 13, otherwise all programs will close when full.

The fall season programs will begin the first week of September for youth soccer and flag football, with middle school tennis starting Sept. 9 and kindergarten soccer beginning Sept. 14.

“These (recreational sports) are meant for anyone who wants to participate,” said Becky Rexford, park district sports manager. “Our goal is skill-building; our goal is for kids to have fun and to want to come back and to keep playing.”

Scholarships are available, and adults can apply to participate as volunteer coaches to mentor community youth.

“We are always looking for volunteer coaches,” Rexford said. “A lot of times we have returning folks, which is great, but we are ready and happy to train new, fresh coaches any time.”

Those planning to register can view fees, dates and registration at the park district’s website, www.bendparksandrec.org/