Every Tuesday evening, the Boothbay Region YMCA fieldhouse fills with movement, laughter, and the steady rhythm of pickup soccer. What started as a small gathering of local players has grown into a welcoming weekly tradition that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. Initially meeting at Clifford Park, the group was made up primarily of Bigelow Laboratory staff. As participation grew—thanks in part to the outreach and organization of member Stefan Zalucky—the program found a new home at the YMCA, expanding its reach and accessibility. 

Today, between 20 and 25 players gather each Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m., representing a wide range of ages and backgrounds. While many participants are in their 20s and 30s, the group includes players from their teens to their 70s, reflecting the YMCA’s ability to bring people together across generations. More than just a weekly game, the program has become a space where friendships are formed and a shared love of the sport creates a strong sense of belonging. 

For Hannah, one of the original members from the Bigelow group, Tuesday night soccer offers a meaningful way to stay connected to a lifelong passion. Having played for 10 years prior to college, she now works as a research technician at Bigelow Laboratory studying PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” For Hannah, the YMCA program provides an opportunity to reconnect with the game while balancing the demands of professional life. She also notes the “high quality” of play as a highlight, a reflection of the experience and enthusiasm shared among participants. 

Eduardo’s story is another example of the resilience and connection found within the group. What began as a lighthearted activity with friends in high school became something more meaningful over time. After a knee injury once led doctors to tell him he might never play again, Eduardo has since returned to the field. Now a regular on Tuesday nights, he credits the group not only with giving him the chance to play again, but also with helping him build close friendships. 

For Alex, who moved to Boothbay five years ago, the program has provided both continuity and community. A longtime player since middle school, he brings both skill and a welcoming spirit to the group. Known for encouraging new players to join and helping them feel at ease, Alex values the way the game brings people together. For him, Tuesday nights are a time when “we all connect together” as a team. 

While each player brings a different story and background, the impact of the program is shared. The weekly soccer gatherings highlight the importance of creating opportunities for people to come together, stay active, and build relationships. Through the simple act of playing, participants are forming connections that extend beyond the court, strengthening the sense of community that defines the YMCA. 

With warmer weather on the horizon, the group looks forward to returning outdoors to Clifford Park, where the program first began. Adam Taylor, Youth Program Coordinator at the Boothbay Region YMCA and the soccer program coordinator, sees these informal, player-driven programs as an important aspect of bringing energy to the Y. The soccer group—much like the Wednesday night volleyball group—has created a welcoming space for young adults to gather, stay active, and build relationships during the long and quiet winter months.