Local kids teams will get to play soccer at Ruge Park this year, despite initial fears that the program might be canceled.

Wright City Parks Director Josh Cole said he was nervous at the beginning of August about slow signups for the fall games. The program needs about 60 kids to have a viable season.

Normally that number isn’t a problem, with more than 100 players in a usual season. But 2020, as in many other ways, hasn’t been so great.

“Our numbers are down because of COVID, but at least we’re able to have a season. We’re excited about that,” Cole said.

He added that signups went right up to the last day to register (and a couple more for leniency) to get eight teams of about eight players each.

Players will be split into two age groups this year, rather than three, with ages 3 to 5 in one bracket and ages 6 to 10 in the other. The season will run for eight weeks, although Cole isn’t guaranteeing how many games will get played.

“Once we start running into the end of October, the weather has a tendency to turn quite quickly,” he commented.

Cole said he thinks parents will be happy that their kids can get out to play. Families are being asked to respect some additional COVID-19 rules this year. With a relatively small park, organizers are also trying to encourage a smaller group of spectators for games.

“Do your best to practice personal hygiene, maintain social distancing, and remember that these kids are here to learn and develop a love of the game,” Cole added for parents. “Next year will be a better year.”