By Ashley Ferraro
Born during the pandemic, Springs Soccer Club faced some unusual challenges in getting its program off the ground. Unable to hold tryouts or spend much time on the field, they still managed to pull three competitive teams together. However, with a vision of success and the help of world-class coaches, the club grew from three to thirteen competitive teams in a single year.
Springs Soccer Club is the only recognized travel soccer program in the city of Coral Springs, playing and practicing at Cypress Park. The club offers several admirable programs, including player development, competitive travel soccer, and First Touch.
The SSC In-House player development program is focused on refining skills on the field in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Players are empowered to explore and develop their knowledge and talents while gaining an appreciation for the game of soccer.
Children also have the opportunity to participate in the competitive travel program, where they form teams and play against neighboring cities. The younger players travel within the tri-country area while teams U13 and up travel around the state of Florida. Tryouts for the competitive program are set to take place the first week of May.
Springs Soccer Club is also very excited about its First Touch program, which will start up again in June, right after school ends. First Touch is open to children in the U6 age groups, implementing creative and fun drills while including a weekly competition. Laurie Thomas, Executive Director of the Springs Soccer Club, notes that this age is one of the most critical times in someone’s life to start adopting these skills.
“We want to introduce soccer in a way that opens up doors of possibility for all young kids both on the field and off,” says Laurie Thomas. “The goal is for kids to not only learn the wonderful game of soccer, but to have fun, build social skills, improve self-confidence and instill a brave, creative go for it mentality that can help provide the right foundation for the rest of their lives!”
Like the development and competitive programs, First Touch is led by professionals who train with an age-appropriate curriculum and demonstrate a growth mindset.
“We hire coaches who are ambitious and want to continue their own development so that we can bring that to our players,” says Laurie.
By hiring coaches with values, integrity, a competitive edge, and yet, still humble, Springs Soccer Club can shape players individually. The goal is to use a holistic approach to develop youth in their personal growth both on and off the field.
“We’re developing kids and using soccer as the tool,” adds Laurie.
Spring Soccer Club’s Director of Methodology, Roger Thomas, implements a periodization plan to ensure the club adheres to specific benchmarks based on age group throughout the year.
With such a comprehensive approach to player character development, it’s just as crucial for the parents to play their role in the process. Spring Soccer Club engages parents through parent education meetings, which maximize the opportunity for parents to support their children.
The club is eager to welcome both beginner and competitive players, with various programs to suit unique player needs.
Spring Soccer Club also welcomes local businesses as sponsors. The long-term goal is to be a more comprehensive soccer club with the support of the city and the families that live here.
For more info. and to register your child, visit www.springssoccerclub.com.
