Durham's United Celtics didn't get the big trophy last weekend in the AAU's national basketball playoff in Cocoa Beach, Fla., but the nine 11-year-olds did garner 10th place and a 40-pound trophy so big that it wasn't allowed on the plane for the ride back home. A team supporter stuffed it in his car for the trip back.

"We came in 10th -- we're real pleased," Nan Kithcart, wife of coach James Kithcart Jr., said early this week. "All the boys got medals and T-shirts. We had an excellent tournament."

The team had a 5-3 record in the 63-team tournament. The boys arrived in Florida on July 11, returned to Durham on July 20 and were accompanied by about 30 supporters. The United Celtics' overall record during the eight-month 2007-08 season was 52-9. They won the state title for 11-year-olds in AAU Division II.

The team placed 16th in the tournament last year as 10-year-olds. The team will compete as 12-year-olds in the city recreation league starting in September. AAU tryouts and practice begin in November. The AAU season starts in December.

Fall registration

The Durham Softball League is accepting registration forms for the fall season, which begins Aug. 10. The slow-pitch, co-rec league emphasizes fun and is ideal for new and beginning teams. Register by calling 493-1238 or send e-mail to sundaysoftball@verizon.net.

Deadlines near

Registration deadlines are fast approaching for a variety of Parks and Recreation programs. Registration forms can be picked up and dropped off at the Parks and Recreation office, 400 Cleveland St., or mailed to: Durham Parks and Recreation, 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701. Details and registration forms are available at www.ci.durham.nc.us/departments/ parks/youth_athletics.cfm.

Programs include:

* Fall soccer for boys ages 7 to 13. Cost is $35 each; deadline is Aug. 13. Matches will be played Friday nights and Saturdays at Herndon Park.

* Girls soccer, ages 7 to 17. Cost is $35 per child; registration deadline is Aug. 12. Games will be played Friday nights at Valley Springs Park and Saturdays at Riverside High School and Valley Springs Park.

* The "She Shoots, He Scores" soccer league for boys and girls ages 6 to 12 is free and has an Aug. 8 registration deadline. There is one practice a week for one hour. Games are on Saturdays.

* Fast-pitch softball teams for girls eighth grade and up have a $510 per team registration and can register Sept. 9 and 10. The league is open to all high school and club softball teams. Games begin Sept. 13 and will be played at Valley Springs Softball Complex. Teams will play doubleheaders on Saturdays.

* Three one-week tennis camps for players ages 8 to 16 are offered at Whippoorwill Park at the following dates: Aug. 4-8, Aug. 11-15, Aug. 18-22. Each camp costs $50. Registration is continuing.