2 Catholic Churches Teaming Up For Youth Soccer League

Two Tulsa churches are coming together to help get kids involved in youth sports.

Organizers said there was open space behind St. Augustine Catholic Church, and they wanted to use that space but also give back to the community.

That's when St. Augustine and St. Monica Catholic churches decided to start a soccer league for third and fourth graders.

Father Celestine, who is in charge of the league, said they already have 47 kids participating.

Celestine sees the team as a great way to give kids something to do and help them stay active.

"Instead of these kids maybe sitting on the couch playing video games, hey, come to this field and run around,” Celestine said. “Think of the long-term health benefits.”

The league is free or of little cost to families.

The churches were able to get donations to buy cleats, jerseys and shin guards for each player.

"They might not be able to pay $300 to participate in a big soccer league, so the parishes from the point of view thought, ‘OK, maybe we can provide this to them for free. Maybe at a minimal cost,’” Celestine said.

Right now. the league is full but Celestine said he hopes to offer it in the spring and have more room for more players.