WESTLAKE : It’s Built, and Now They Are Coming

Under the sheltering leaves of a solitary shade tree, Nelson Guzman watched as his 8-year-old son Marlon and close to 20 other boys practiced kicking a bright orange soccer ball under the hot afternoon sun.

It was the second day of soccer clinics for schoolchildren at the newly opened Ketchum Downtown YMCA’s “Field of Dreams” community soccer field. Guzman, a soccer fan, had come to chaperon Marlon and a few of his third-grade pals from Union Avenue School, as well as get in a few kicks of his own.

“This is great,” Guzman said as he huffed toward the shade after kicking a stray ball back into the fray. “It opens up their minds. I’d rather have them thinking about sports than thinking about being on the street. This helps them keep their minds on good things.”

The soccer clinics, which target kids between 8 and 12, began on Labor Day, when the field was officially opened for play. Although it was completed in July after a communitywide effort, the freshly lain sod had to set for a couple of months before soccer activities could begin.

League soccer play for 8- to 12-year-olds began Saturday. So far, said Kathy Bates, program director for the YMCA, 22 youth teams have been formed. YMCA-sponsored teen soccer leagues will begin competing in October, and adult leagues can schedule evening and weekend use through the YMCA, Bates said.

Youngsters are being driven to the field twice a day from four schools. Every two weeks, the YMCA will pick out four schools to serve as drop-off points, from which kids whose year-round schools aren’t in session will be driven to the field. Children from the first two schools are picked up at 9 a.m. and play until noon. For the afternoon session, kids are picked up at 1 p.m. and play until 3 p.m.

Although parents may accompany their children to the field, most simply take them to the drop-off point to await the van, then pick them up afterward.

Lunch is provided for both groups of youngsters, and those who do not wish to play soccer will soon be able to participate in arts and crafts activities in a grassy area adjacent to the field.

In the first week, both the morning and afternoon sessions averaged about 20 children each, said Carlos Lopez, a YMCA coach who volunteered to assist site director Matthew Omenwu.

“It’s a good option for them, instead of being bored at home,” Lopez said. “This field is surrounded by a very bad area, so they have nowhere to go.”

Eight-year-old Rudy Romero agreed as he trudged off the field after play concluded. Until now, said the cherubic third-grader, vacations hadn’t been much fun.

“I’d stay in the house and get bored all day,” he said, his Bugs Bunny T-shirt covered with grass stains. “This is really nice, ‘cause I like playing soccer.”

Omenwu, who had never coached children, said he was thoroughly enjoying his new job.

“They’re picking it up real quick,” he said, noting that many kids already have soccer experience. “They’re like sponges.”

Bates said the YMCA is looking for local businesses to sponsor teams.

Volunteer van drivers are also being sought.

Information: (213) 624-2348.