By Ashley Ferraro
Parkland Soccer, the city’s largest youth sports league, is preparing for another memorable season as registration for the 2025-2026 program enters its final weeks. With roughly 1,600 players participating every year, the league continues to provide a fun and welcoming environment for children to learn soccer, develop teamwork, and grow as individuals.
Now in its 38th year, Parkland Soccer has grown from its humble beginnings in 1987 into a vibrant program that proudly calls Pine Trails Park home. Over the decades, it has become a cornerstone of the community, offering children of all abilities a welcoming space to learn, play, and connect. Beyond soccer, the league provides a foundation for young players to build confidence, friendships, and valuable life skills.
Families interested in joining are encouraged to register soon, as the deadline to sign up is August 31. Evaluations for players in divisions U9 and above will be held September 13-14, with practices beginning in mid-October. Games start in early November and run through the end of February, offering months of fun and growth for players and families alike.
Parkland Soccer is about more than the sport itself. The organization’s mission focuses on nurturing self-esteem, promoting physical activity, and encouraging values like respect and achievement. With a strong emphasis on sportsmanship, fair play, and player safety, the league fosters a positive environment where children can develop both on and off the field.
Parkland Soccer also demonstrates its commitment to the broader community through service. At this year’s end-of-season picnic—a lively event filled with carnival rides, music, and family fun—the league presented $5,000 donations to three impactful organizations.
Make Our Schools Safe, founded by the Alhadeff family, is dedicated to protecting students and teachers by advocating for stronger safety measures in schools nationwide. Another organization with local roots, The Parkland 17 Foundation, is spearheading efforts to build a public memorial honoring the 17 lives that were taken too soon, offering a place of healing for the community.
Soles4Souls, an international nonprofit, transforms unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunities by keeping them out of landfills, providing relief to those in need, creating jobs, and helping people break the cycle of poverty.
These contributions reflect Parkland Soccer’s dedication to serving the community and reinforcing the organization’s core values.
In line with picnic tradition, the organization also awarded $1,000 scholarships to a handful of graduating seniors and referees who submitted essays reflecting on their experiences with Parkland Soccer.
Parkland Soccer’s continued success is fueled by its many generous sponsors. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Broward Health, and LaCroix Sparkling Water serve as title sponsors, providing vital support from equipment donations to exclusive discounts for families. Local partners like Parkland International Music Academy also contribute their time and resources.
With registration now open and community enthusiasm building, Parkland Soccer is ready to start another season of fun, growth, and connection.
For more information or to register before the August 31 deadline, visit www.parklandsoccer.net.
