Youngsters are going to play a direct role in supporting Southeast Missouri State University athletics this school year.

The university athletic department has started up the Southeast Athletics Kids Club that will serve as a prime opportunity for youngsters age 12 and under to become involved with the athletic program.

"We want to develop the Southeast athletic spirit and sense of pride for kids at a young age," said Southeast's new marketing and promotions director Andy Lynch, who came up with the idea for the club.

"Being in this new position, you always see a lot of kids running around at football games. There's a big market out there we don't think we've focused on and this is a way to do that."

Members of the club will, among other things, lead Southeast's football team on to the Houck Stadium field before home games and also lead Southeast's basketball teams on to the Show Me Center floor prior to home games.

For a nominal fee, members will receive a variety of perks, including:

Free admission to all home Southeast athletic events; a club T-shirt; invitation to a club kickoff party prior to the Aug. 30 Southeast vs. Lambuth football game; invitation to a club end-of-year celebration with selected Southeast coaches, staff and athletes;

Photo and autograph opportunities with various Southeast athletes at selected home events; opportunities to participate in promotional events at selected home Southeast athletic events; admission to a club area during football games that will feature a play area and bleacher seating for youngsters and their parents.

"For the one membership price, kids will be able to get into all events that require paid admission. That can save a family a lot of money," said Lynch.

The club is limited to the first 500 members who sign up. The membership fee is $30 per youngster, with $25 for a second child per family and $20 for each additional child per family.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Southeast Athletics Kids Club should call 651-2113.