INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE PUTS THE FOCUS ON FUN

With reports of high schools recruiting athletes, colleges breaking regulations and professionals demanding salaries approaching the national debt, it is obvious that the high-stakes world of sport is as competitive as ever.

But all those imperfections make Craig Billmeyer enjoy his affiliation with Noon Optimist Club indoor soccer league even more.

Billmeyer, a local attorney, is the league's commissioner. The league is non-competitive, meaning no records are kept and no post-season tournament is played.

"The emphasis is on fun," said Billmeyer. "There are no trophies, no standings -- it is completely recreational. It's just something for the kids to do during the holidays."

The league, which started in 1988, is open for boys and girls in kindergarten through the 10th grade.

The matches are played at Houck Field House, and this year the league's growth forced the addition of Southeast Missouri State University's Student Recreation Center as an extra venue.

"There has been lots of growth in the league," said Billmeyer. "Back in '88 there were about 150 kids, and now we're up to 51 teams and about 560 players."

Thirteen teams and 150 participants were added in the past season alone.

Billmeyer said the great popularity of outdoor soccer in the area has helped the indoor game grow.

"There's no doubt the outdoor game has fueled the indoor," said Billmeyer. "The support here is tremendous."

The league runs from early December to early January in conjunction with Southeast's winter holiday break.

Billmeyer said the league couldn't operate without the assistance of the university, which rents the facilities and helps in any manner it can.

When any monies remain after the season, they are funneled back into the community.

"Any money we happen to make we put back into soccer in Cape Girardeau," said Billmeyer. "We service soccer from the kindergarten teams to the high school teams, and when SEMO had a team we helped them out also."

But Billmeyer said the money and the parents' efforts come secondary to the participants pleasure.

"Kids need to have fun."