BAINBRIDGE – Darren Ekman, a coach with the Bainbridge Island Football Club, is the new coach of the Bainbridge High junior varsity girls soccer team.

Ekman was set to take over the post on Aug. 22, and the Bainbridge school board was expected to approve his hiring at its meeting late this week.

The Spartans will kick off their season on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at home. Bainbridge will face Auburn Riverside in the opener at Memorial Stadium, with the JV game starting at 5 p.m. and the varsity game following at 7 p.m.