NYA hires new boys’ hockey coach

North Yarmouth Academy announced last week that it has hired Ed Harding as its new boys’ hockey coach. Harding played at the University of Southern Maine and later for the Maine Mariners and Johnstown Chiefs. Harding brings 16 years of coaching experience ranging from high school level to serving as head coach on the professional level with teams in the United States Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Most recently, Harding was head coach and general manager of the Lewiston Maineiacs. He also has a strong academic background in journalism and broadcasting.

“We feel that his experience and talents will help us advance our program and more importantly, develop the character and skills of the players in our program,” said NYA headmaster Peter Mertz.

“Ultimately, what I want to do at NYA is create a high level of commitment and standards for player development on and off the ice,” said Harding, who lives in Gray.

Falmouth Youth Soccer holding registration

Fall registration for Falmouth Youth Soccer’s U-9 through U-14 boys’ and girls’ teams is now open. Any child who is 8 years old by July 31 and/or going into the third grade is eligible. Evaluations for U-12 and U-13 girls will be held May 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. U-14 boys and girls tryouts are May 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. U-12 and U-13 boys evaluations are May 5 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. All tryouts are at the Portland Sports Complex. FMI, falmouthsoccer.com.

Baseball/softball program offered for children with disabilities

Challenger Division baseball/softball, for children with physical and/or mental disabilities or developmental delays, will meet Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. The league is open for children ages 5 to 18 in the Greater Portland area. There is no cost. FMI, littleleague.org/learn/about/divisions/challenger.htm.

Falmouth atop boys’ lacrosse poll

Falmouth has leapfrogged two-time defending Class B state champion Yarmouth into the top spot of the latest boys’ lacrosse coaches’ poll. Cape Elizabeth, Portland and South Portland round out the top five. North Yarmouth Academy is ranked eighth.

Portland rec hosting skills competition Sunday

Portland Recreation will host a local competition of the Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit and Run Sunday at 11 a.m., at Deering Oaks. The skills competition is open to boys and girls, ages 7 to 14. Local winners will advance to the sectionals. FMI, 756-8275 or dapc@portlandmaine.gov.

Twilight Baseball League tryouts upcoming

The 2010 Twilight Baseball League, which includes teams in Auburn, Biddeford and Portland, will hold tryouts May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Frozen Ropes Training Center in Portland. Players who turn 19 by Aug. 1 or who spent the 2009-10 acadmic year in college or prep school are eligible. There is a $10 tryout fee. FMI, 878-2600 or leaguelineup.com/twilightbaseballleague.