The secret to keeping your new year's resolution is not going it alone! That's why the Y is encouraging families to make resolutions together and is offering these tips to help families reach their goals.

• Track progress in a fun and visual way – make a colorful resolution chart or poster to hang on the fridge or use the Y's Fit Linxx program.

• Celebrate success with positive rewards – check progress regularly and celebrate your achievements no matter how big or small.

• Don't get discouraged – set backs aren't failures they are opportunities to refocus on your goals.

• Work as a team to overcome barriers – if a family member is having trouble meeting a goal, brainstorm together to develop a new strategy.

In meeting your new year's resolution, look no further than the South Bay Family YMCA to find the support you need -- both physically and mentally. To serve you better and help keep you active in 2007, the South Bay Family YMCA is making some big improvements.

Work has recently been completed on the swimming pools and spa. The newly replastered areas received a total facelift and look like new!

This year will see the introduction of 16 new cardiovascular machines including eight treadmills, two Summit Trainers and six stationary bikes. As always, the Y's helpful staff will gladly show you how to use these new machines.

Also new to 2007 is a revamped group exercise schedule with many new classes for every member of the family. Belly dancing, Drums Alive, Cardio Funk, Pilates and Latin Groove, Yoga for Kids and Kidz Power are just a few of the new selections. For the full line up of classes, check out February's Group Exercise Schedule at www.southbay.ymca.org

The South Bay Family YMCA, which boasts more than 4,000 member families from Chula Vista, National City and beyond, has set a goal to raise $285,000 to support families and children without the financial means to participate in Y programs and activities through its Strong Kids Campaign.

Last year, the Y raised an astounding $351,000, 30 percent more than its original goal of $270,000, thanks to contributions from many individuals and businesses. Due to this overwhelming show of support from the community, the goal for 2007 has been raised by 15 percent.

The annual support campaign builds self-confidence for young children by providing swim lessons and water safety programs for those who otherwise could not afford it. Summer camp and youth sports scholarships are also provided to needy children, allowing them to acquire life-enriching experiences and learn teamwork and other skills. And more than 35 percent of the annual campaign funds go toward childcare, preschool and after-school activities for the community's youngest members.

"At the YMCA, one of our most important goals has always been to enrich the lives of kids in our community," Tina Williams, executive director, explained. "But when some are left out, it leaves us all a bit poorer. Giving kids a safe and nurturing place to go benefits everyone."

Gifts and pledges large and small are accepted. Phone (619) 421-8805 for more information or donate online at http://www.ymca.org and follow the giving link.

Devin Marshall is on a fast track to soccer stardom. Involved in the sport from a young age, the pinnacle of the 14-year-old, high school freshman's blooming athletic career came recently when she played with the U.S. Under-15 National Team against top players across the country at the 2006 U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program Thanksgiving Interregional tournament.

The three-game series held in Coral Springs, Fla., Nov. 18 through Nov. 25, pitted the best players from the Regional O.D.P. Teams against the U.S. Under-15 and Under-16 Girl's National Teams. Not fazed by her opponents' age advantage, Marshall's performance was nothing less than stellar scoring the tie-breaking goal in the second game of the series and helping her team to remain undefeated.

Marshall, who took up the sport at the age of 4, played in the South Bay Family YMCA's soccer program for four seasons before joining a competitive league for whom she still plays.

"The YMCA is a really great organization because it gives children the opportunity to experiment with various sports in a non-threatening environment," said Devin's mother, Kimberley Marshall. "The biggest downfall for soccer is that it is not very popular here in the U.S. We hope with programs like the YMCA's, the sport will continue to grow in popularity and perhaps some day give soccer players the opportunity to continue to do what they love without having to travel abroad."

Lessons learned on the field – like teamwork and how to balance practice with school -- have also helped in other areas of her life, explained the younger Marshall. "Soccer has taught me to always try my best and to listen to people's suggestions on how you can do things better. This is the same advice I would give to anyone who wants to be successful."

For Marshall, her stint on the National Team only whetted her appetite for things to come. "I want to keep advancing my soccer career and hope to be invited to play with the National Team again."

For more information on the South Bay Family YMCA's soccer programs or any of its programs or activities call (619) 421-8805.