The Somerville Youth Soccer League celebrated the end of another successful season last week with its second annual coaches and volunteer party at Cantina La Mexicana. One item, they're hoping to add to the year's successes is their new Kicker Card, a discount card now on sale that can be used at more than 15 businesses around Somerville. Proceeds benefit the league.

More than 40 volunteers and coaches descended on the Washington St. Mexican restaurant not only to look back on this past season but to get a head start on the spring season as well. 

"We had a great turnout," said Todd Easton, the self-described "community relations and fundraising dude." "This is the second season that we've done it. It's a really good way for us to get the coaches together."

Registration for spring is under way

"We're already preparing for the spring season now," added Easton. "We're trying to get the word out as early as possible to remind people that this is a good time to register for the spring so you don't forget about it."

Easton has been helping out with the league, which is open to ages 4 to 18, for more than four years. He also serves as a head coach for the league's U-6 Tigers and an assistant coach. The Somerville native's 8-year-old son plays in the league, which is why Easton has made raising money for the teams one of his top priorities. 

Shop to help the league with The Kicker Card

Most recently, Easton has introduced "The Kicker Card," a discount card that can be used at a wide range of businesses around Somerville. 

"All the participants on the card offer some form of discount or deal when you shop or eat at their business," said Easton. "I figured it was a good way to get our community shopping locally and a way to get a new population into businesses that they wouldn't normally shop at."

Some of the businesses participating in the Kicker Card program include The Biscuit at 406 Washington St., Redbones BBQ at 55 Chester St. and Davis Squared at 409 Highland Ave., where the Kicker Card is currently being sold. The is valid until Oct. 31, 2011. 

For Easton, the success of the league goes hand-in-hand with fundraising, which is why he sees the league improving almost every season.

"Our teams are doing very, very well as of the last couple of years," said Easton. "We're fortunate to have some very good coaches that have been involved over the last couple of years that stayed with their teams. There's some pretty passionate people that are into their football and coaching and it's paying off." 

Registration for the spring season is now open, with the following deadlines in place for varying age groups:

Under age 10 / Under 12 / Under 14 Deadline is December 15, 2010. Registrations received after the deadline will be put on a waiting list. Placement on a team is not guaranteed from the waiting list. Please register on time.

Under 16 / Under 18 Will begin January 15, 2011. Teams will form only if enough players have registered in a given age group by the deadline. No registrations will be accepted after the deadline, and no waiting lists will be made.

Under 5/6 and Under 7/8 Deadline is March 15, 2011. Registrations received after the deadline will be put on a waiting list. Placement on a team is not guaranteed from the waiting list. Please register on time.

More information on the Somerville Youth Soccer League can be found at www.somervillesoccer.us. 

2010/2011 KICKER CARD DEALS:

• BOW STREET FLOWERS – 10% OFF Flower, Plant & Gift Purchase, Delivery not inc., 108 Beacon St., 617-492-0080
• CANTINA LA MEXICANA – Any burrito and house margarita $10.00, 247 Washington St, 617-776-5232
• DAVIS SQUARED – 10% OFF non sale items, 409 Highland Ave, 617-666-6700
• EAT AT JUMBO'S – 15% OFF any dine-in or take-out orders, 688 Broadway, 617-666-0000
• HOME BAKED BLISS (of Cambridge)– 10% OFF any purchase, order at 617-764-5512 or babyjack@hotmail.com
• THE INDEPENDENT – 10% OFF food bill only, bar & gratuity excluded, 75 Union Sq., 617-440-6021
• PETSI PIES – Free sm. coffee with a $5 purchase, 285 Beacon St., 617-661-7437
• REDBONES – 10% OFF food bill only Mon-Thurs, bar & gratuity excluded, 55 Chester St., 617-628-2200
• SOMERVILLE CAR WASH – 10% OFF any wash or detail package, 680 Somerville Ave, 617-625-9027
• SWEET GINGER – 15% OFF food bill, dine in or take out, bar and gratuity excluded, 22 Bow St., 617-625-5015
• THE BISCUIT – 10% OFF food, 406 Washington St., 617-666-2770
• THE CHOCOLATE  TARTE- 10% OFF any purchase, 182 Highland Ave, 617-875-6413
• THE TRAINING ROOM – Buy one class get second class at half price, 691A Somerville Ave, 617-284-6088
• VALVOLINE INSTANT OIL CHANGE – 15% OFF all services * SYSC *, 182 Washington St. 617-661-9501
• VINNY'S – 10% OFF food, lunch or dinner, restaurant only, bar & gratuity excluded, 76 Broadway, 617-628-1921