The Baystars Football Club has been kicking around the Middle Peninsula for more than three decades, providing generations of local youth with much more than a chance to play soccer.

Today, after recently celebrating its 30th anniversary, the group continues to change young lives, and its members are making plans for an exciting future that could affect the entire area.

Baystars’ mission is to provide a safe, positive soccer experience for players through competitive games and practices. Baystars coaches teach players the physical, psychological, technical and tactical aspects of the game. Their teams participate in Virginia Soccer League games and Virginia Youth Soccer Association tournaments.  

But the Baystars’ story is even bigger, bolder and brighter.   

Baystars’ beginnings

Jim Dykeman, father of former Baystars players Jake and Kathryn, said the group began in 1987. “It started with a few parents who wanted their boys to play more...