The Alton Parks and Recreation Department began advertising Tuesday for fall soccer leagues for kids 15 and under at Gordon Moore Park, where a giant sinkhole formed on June 26.

According to Alton Parks and Recreation Director Michael Haynes, youth football games will be played on a field on the north side of Gordon Moore Park, across from the park’s main entrance on IL-140.

There is no underground mine in the area and it is outside the scope of the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) investigation, Haynes said. The site is also about 200 yards from the collapse, according to Haynes.

Lyndsey Younger, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation and head of the youth football program, said parents have asked questions about the safety of the field.

“People have asked if it’s safe, and we tell them, ‘Yes, it is safe,’” Younger said. “We’re thrilled to still be able to offer the program because it’s one of the most popular programs we offer.”

Football matches are scheduled to begin in mid-September.

The Parks and Recreation Department opened registration for the program on Monday at https://sports.bluesombrero.com or in person at the Parks and Recreation office located at 2 Emma Kaus Lane.

Haynes said some adjustments will be made, such as moving the football goals and stands there.

“It’s not a lot, but it’s enough for us to have a recreational football program,” Haynes said.

“It makes it easier for everyone involved in the program,” Davis said. “It’s always been our dream to develop the north side and have the ability to locate there.”

Renegades offers youth football for children ages 5 to 14.

Davis said parents also come to him with safety concerns, but he reassures them that there are no mines in that area of ​​the park, giving them peace of mind.

“They had to be comfortable enough to go out and train,” he said.

The Renegades’ first game of the season will be Sunday, Sept. 1. The Renegades are not run by Alton Parks and Recreation.