GALION — Something new is happening at Galion High School this year.

This will be the first time Galion High School has fielded a soccer team. The boys and girls each have a team this year. In fact, Galion is the first school in Crawford County to field anything other than a club team.

Both soccer teams will be wearing the familiar blue and orange, which will come in handy, because of the matches for both squads will be away games. Galion will practice in between behind the high school and middle school, but will not be able to host matches there.

The boys team is coached by John Stewart, the girls by Eric Palmer.

Palmer is a rookie varsity level soccer coach, but has seven years of soccer coaching experience under his belt.

His team has 16 players, with the majority freshmen and sophomores.

“The team is really focused on the fundamentals and improving each and every day,” Palmer said.

This also is Stewart’s first varsity-level coaching experience. He and the team are building from the ground up, so experience, or lack of experience, will be a factor.

“We want use the experience to grow as a team and individuals,” he said. “We will learn some things about the game of soccer and have some fun.”

The boys varsity team includes 11 boys. Some of them have never played competitive soccer .

Both coaches hope the fact Galion is now playing varsity soccer, will help the growth of youth soccer in the community.

Regular season action starts for both teams Aug. 19. Both teams will play at Highland, the girls at 5 p.m. and the boys to follow.