Working jointly with the North Kitsap Pee Wee Association (NKPWA), a group of Kingston-area volunteers has made arrangements for local youth football players to be able to practice and play in Kingston.

Last year, all North Kitsap youth teams shared a single facility (Hamilton Field in Poulsbo) for both practices and home games. Under the new plan, anywhere from one to three additional fields will be available in Kingston, and the new high school field would be available for youth games.

The idea has met with strong support in the Kingston community.

“This would be great. Many children don’t have the chance to play sports because Poulsbo is so far,” said Kingston resident Star Brady, whose son Troy played with the North Kitsap Pee Wees last year. “Parents who work have a hard time getting their children to practice or games on time because of the commute.”

The Kingston teams would still operate under the NKPWA but would have a distinct local flavor, including their own maroon and gold uniforms. Existing players would still have the option of playing with their teams in Poulsbo if desired.

The youth program is open to all kids from ages 5 through 14, and includes cheerleaders. There are five age divisions, including flag (5-6), D (7-8), C (9-10), B (11-12) and A (13-14).

In addition, Kingston High School football coach and athletic director Dan Novick will be offering a youth football camp (grades 3-8, July 21-24) and coaching clinic (July 19) this summer.

For updates or more information on the Kingston plan, or to provide opinions and comments, parents can go to www.kingstonfootball.com. Registration forms will also be available on that site as well as on the North Kitsap Pee Wees site (www.nkpeewees.org).