Natchez YMCA Director Alice Agner had a spark in her eyes as she witnessed months of organization finally come together Saturday.

Agner watched a group of 3-and 4-year old soccer players trade goals at the multipurpose fields in Natchez, and after moving to town last November helped lead the YMCA’s first official program with two games during the morning.

“We finally had enough participants to make it happen,” she said. “I think we are really starting to make some progress. I’m very excited, and I’m like a proud momma.”

Agner said although the process has been slow, she is hopeful the soccer program will generate recognition in the area.

“We just need to get everyone under the same umbrella and doing the same thing,” she said. “When a lot of people think of the Y, they think of a gym, but we are not. We are so much more, and we have a lot that we do.”

If the soccer league goes well, Agner said, she anticipates the YMCA to start a fall baseball program. She also said they are planning a summer camp partnering with elementary schools including Morgantown, McLaurin and Robert Lewis.

“I really think it can give people more access and open the doors for them to come to a program they haven’t been to before,” Agner said. “We focus on healthy living, social responsibility and youth development. That’s how we can help any community without even having a gym.”

To find out about future registration and for more information about the Natchez YMCA, contact Agner at 601-326-0558 or by email at aagner@metroymcams.org.