EUGENE - The Cole R-5 Eugene school board is planning to increase the extracurricular activity options for students.
New board member Deanna Smith initially opened discussion of soccer, archery and robotics at the May 15 board meeting.
"I'm a huge supporter of extracurricular activities," Smith said. "I did a lot in my day, and they did a lot for my character and development and leadership skills."
A coach for recreation leagues at Hickory Hill Baptist Church and Eldon Parks and Recreation, Smith said Eugene has students and parents interested in adding more activities.
Students have left the district to pursue soccer and other sports, officials said.
Parents Craig Kempker and Tanisha Happy attended the meeting to advocate for soccer. Kempker's son will transfer to Capital City High School for soccer this fall.
"Capital City is already starting a tournament, and my kid doesn't even go to school there yet," Kempker said.
A Jamaica native, Happy said she grew up playing sports. She wants her children and others to learn at the school and see Eugene grow.
"We need to be able to let people know there's something to bring to the district," Happy said. "I feel like soccer is that one sport that's just starting to become this thing, this evolution, that a lot of people are trying to get into."
Board members and administrators said when the school district's track was built about 10 years ago, the field inside was not discussed for soccer use.
"It's planted grass," Eugene High School Principal Mark Richard said. "When you get planted grass, it grows different than what sodded grass grows. It's going to grow taller; it's going to grow thicker; it's not conducive to run and kick a ball on."
A water source is also missing from the area, officials added.
School board members approved the formation of a Track Planning Committee during Wednesday's meeting to make recommendations on first steps.
For students not interested in "ball sports," Smith recommended the district also consider archery and robotics. The district placed a volunteer sign-up online for an archery coach and received no responses so far, Richard said.
A certified coach is required before the district can participate in the sport for fun or tournaments.