In autumn, many things happen - the season changes, children return to school, and fall sports kick-off. 

In the Pierce County area there are several programs to check out.  There are programs offered on Joint Base Lewis-McChord as well as programs offered off base in the surrounding communities. 

Below are some of the programs, their registrations deadlines and age requirements, cost, and Web sites for more information.

Northwest Youth Sports Alliance
www.metroparkstacoma.org
Soccer
This program is designed for children ages 6 to 8, and it teaches such things as basic soccer techniques, principles and sportsmanship.  Registrations are being accepted from Aug. 23 to Sept. 17. Financial aid must be requested at least three days before the registration deadline.  

Norpoint Soccer Club
www.norpointsoccer.org
This club offers soccer in the Northeast Tacoma and registration is ongoing.  Norpoint has three programs offered to children between the ages of 4 to 18.  The MICRO program is offered to 4 to 5 year olds who want to learn to play the game.  There is no goalie in this league.

Modified/ Recreation Program - is for children ages 6 and up who want to want to learn more advance soccer skills. The teams for this program practice and play in the field next to Browns Point Elementary School. The season goes from September through November.

Select/ Premier Program - is for children ages 10 and up, who play and practice at various fields in the area. Players must tryout for this program.  For registration and tryout information visit the Web site.

Nortac Soccer Club
www.nortac.org
Several teams in this league are in need in players.  NORTAC has four soccer programs that allow boys and girls ages 4 to 19 to play soccer.  This club offers programs for children who live North of 19th St. and west of the Port of Tacoma area.

South Tacoma Soccer Club
www.stsoccer.org
This club is a nonprofit organization that is the oldest running soccer club in Pierce County.  This club offers programs for children South of 19th St. and north of 96th St., east of Orchard to eastern Tacoma.

NYSA Basketball Leagues
www.metroparkstacoma.org
This competitive program is available for children ages 5 to 15, and teaches such things as basic basketball techniques, principles and sportsmanship.

The registrations deadlines are as follows:

Individual Registration Schedule - Grades 4 to 9: opens 10/4; closes 11/12;
Kindergarten to grade 3: opens 10/4; closes 1/10/11.

Team Registration Schedule -Grades 4 to 9: opens 10/4; closes 11/19,
Kindergarten to grade 3: opens 10/4; closes 1/17/11.

NYSA Youth Tackle Football
www.metroparkstacoma.org
The NYSA Tackle Football program is available to boys and girls ages 9 to 14. Practices are generally three to four days a week with games Saturday in Tacoma and other area public schools in Pierce, King and Thurston counties. Admission may be charged at some facilities. Space is limited to teams that check out equipment through NYSA. Roster spots are granted on a first-paid, first-served basis. League play begins Sept. 11.

Youth Flag Football
www.metroparkstacoma.org
The NYSA and NFL Flag Football Program is the premier youth football league for boys and girls ages 6 to 11.  This program will help players learn sportsmanship, dedication, discipline and teamwork.  Games are typically played on Saturdays at Metro Parks Tacoma complexes and/or Tacoma Public School facilities. Entry fee includes an NFL jersey, which players will keep at the conclusion of the season. Play begins Sept. 11.