LEWISTON — United Soccer Academy 2011 will take place at the Lewiston-Auburn Youth Soccer Association fields located behind the Auburn Middle School from July 25 to 29..

This teaching academy is for students from age 5 to 17. The 5 to 7 year olds will participate from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The older players will participate from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Among the instructors will be goalkeeper specialist Butch Dow, who has traditional training from the SoccerPlus Keeper training schools run throughout the United States. New to this year are Dow’s Elite Training Goal Keepers Sessions. They are designed for high school and college level players. Assisting Dow will be Emily Staszak, who formally played for NYA and Bates College.

Players are reminded to bring conventional soccer wear, which includes soccer footwear, and shin guards. Each player must have a well-marked soccer ball. Players must bring a water bottle. Sun block and a gear bag are recommended as well. Those who are there for the whole day will have to bring their own lunch and a mid-morning snack. Those who are there only for the morning also should bring a snack.

Any questions may be directed to Mike McGraw at 782-4339 or by e-mail at [email protected].

On-site registration will be at 8:30 a.m. July 25th. Adults bringing players are asked not to park on the AMS fields, as they are being managed for the upcoming season.

G-NG Punt, Pass & Kick

GRAY —All girls and boys ages 6 to 15 (by Dec. 31, 2011) are invited to compete in the upcoming NFL Punt Pass & Kick local competition on Saturday, July 30 with registration starting at 9 a.m.

The free event is hosted by the Patriot Grandstand Club and sponsored by the Liberty Family Foundation. Five age groups of boys and girls 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 will compete separately. Ten winners will move on to the sectional competition with a date to be determined in October or early November.

The New England Patriots Team Championships will be held at Gillette Stadium in either November or December. The winners from Gillette Stadium will participate at the PPK finals in January at a divisional playoff game. The Patriot Grandstand Club would like to see Gray PPK winners make it all the way to the finals in January. The first 300 registered contestants will receive a free T-shirt & water bottle provided by the Liberty Family Foundation and an official NFL PPK certificate.

Competition will be held at the Gray-New Gloucester High School athletic field. All contestants must register and have a parent/guardian sign a waiver. Pre-register online at www.patriotppk.com. Bring proof of age and soft-soled shoes. No cleats allowed.

Contact Shad Hall for more information at 893-3445 or 671-9964.