By Stacy Case
Although it may be the general ‘goal’ of participating in the top notch area recreational soccer programs, just having plain ole fun is the key concept. Thousands of youth (and some younger adults) have called Coral Springs and Parkland city soccer leagues their second home. You can witness these boys and girls (from about ages 5-19) smile ear to ear while dribbling up and down the community soccer fields from about October until March. It’s been a tradition in both cities for quite a few decades already. Apparently both leagues have proven their longevity and are among the cities’ most popular sports programs.
From the younger, more novice player who just wants to run around on the grass with some friends, to the more veteran-esque player who looks to improve their soccer skills for future seasons, it’s no wonder why the local leagues have stood the test of time.
Perhaps the ease of donning that uniform and a short commute to the field may play a vital role in the programs’ successes throughout the years. The fact that one of the most common international sports is offered on beautifully manicured fields right in our backyards sure contributes to its popularity. It’s also a feasible activity when compared to some others.
When you get the opportunity to make it out to games, you just may witness some parent involvement on the sidelines as well. For any mom or dad, watching a child dribble the ball from coast to coast to score a goal is priceless.
When speaking with some of the parents about their young ones playing in the city soccer leagues, they mention the cross-training aspect of the sport as well as the opportunity for kids to use different muscle groups and learn a myriad of skills that can help with other sports as well. The cardio aspect alone is a plus in addition to learning the art of pivoting, reading a play as it’s unfolding, learning the various field positions and creating team camaraderie. These skills and many others make up the bounty that young athletes can take home from their soccer experience.
They sit in school for most of the day anyway, and what better way to release some of that pent up energy than to simply throw on some shin guards and cleats, and meet up with some friends on a neighborhood soccer field?
Let’s get them in the game…and delightedly watch them pass, shoot and score!
