For the fourth straight year, Niles First Missionary Church will offer its Upward Youth Soccer League. Registration is now open and the deadline is July 16.

Mark Slabaugh, the executive pastor at the church, said Upward Soccer is unique from other leagues in that the fields are smaller and there are fewer players on the field at one time.

“It’s four-on-four rather than 11-on-11,” he said. “So it gives kids more touches, more shots on goals. Upward soccer really stresses the fundamentals of the game.”

The league is also unique in that it has a Christian focus.

“Every practice we spend some time looking at how to compete under the Bible’s direction and how to treat people,” Slabaugh said.

The league had 228 athletes last year, ages 5 through sixth grade. Athletes can register this year online at www.upwardsoccerniles.com.

The season runs from Aug. 27 to Oct. 15, and the games take place at Harvest Fields at 1700 West River Rd. in Niles.

For more information, call (269) 683-9245 or visit www.upwardsoccerniles.com.