Emerson Middle School hosts Lincoln Middle School at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, opening a new interscholastic soccer season for District 64.

The boys' program is part of the Mid Central Suburban League (MCSL), a partnership among Districts 64, 59 and 62 that includes eight schools. Girls' soccer will follow in the spring.

Each team plays every conference school once during a seven-game season. The sport is open only to seventh- and eighth-graders who make the team through tryouts. A typical week includes one game and two after-school practices.

District 64 serves approximately 4,654 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade across Park Ridge and Niles. Its two middle schools, Emerson in Niles and Lincoln in Park Ridge, will both field boys' teams this fall.

District 62 Superintendent Michael Amadei credited Districts 59 and 64 with helping bring the program together, according to Patch. District 62 Board of Education President Elizabeth Massa called the effort a product of cooperation among several organizations.

"Our students deserve all the opportunities we can provide," Massa said.

District 62 Athletic Coordinator Mark Moser said the program gives students a chance to represent their district and compete as part of a team.

At Emerson, coaches Richard Drake and CJ McPherson lead the boys' squad. Cecily Roldan and Kevin Garcia will coach the girls' team when the spring season begins. Aaron Schauer serves as athletic director.

Tryouts at Emerson ran Sept. 1 and Sept. 2. No public statement from District 64 Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins or District 59 officials about the new program appeared in available records.

Lincoln's next home game after the opener is Sept. 14 against Holmes Junior High at 3:30 p.m.