Kickin’ it in high gear in first year

Christian Payton, 5, dribbles his soccer ball during a drill with American Youth Soccer Organization U-6 Sharks on Thursday afternoon at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. “It’s his first year, and he’s very excited,” said dad Rick Payton. “He’s having fun. That’s the main thing.” Head coach Jules Castillo said she volunteers for the all-volunteer AYSO program even though her kids are long finished with the youth sport. Also coaching teams at the park Thursday were Castillo’s husband, son and niece.
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo