The department is encouraging people to sign up now.
By: Amy Filippone, Dept. of Parks & Recreation
Hard to believe, but it’s time to sign up for fall 2018 youth soccer. Maybe your family was inspired by the recent World Cup and can’t wait to get out on the field and play some soccer, or maybe you’re a seasoned player and are looking forward to some cooler weather and seeing your friends. In any case, Moorestown Parks and Recreation has soccer for a wide range of boys and girls at all skill levels. Beginners at any age are welcome and are guaranteed plenty of play-time. There are leagues for pre-K boys and girls through sixth grade. Soccer clinics are also available for skill development and to learn the fundamentals of the game.
The Parks and Rec. youth soccer program is one of the largest with almost 500 children participating. For the older kids the format is simple — one weeknight practice for an hour and one hour-long match on the Saturdays. The time commitment is relatively low with a great return. The mission is to have fun, get some exercise, learn to play as a team and fall in love with the sport.
Volunteer coaches are critical to the success of the program. It is a rewarding endeavor to see these young people improve their game and mature on many levels in a very short time. So come out and inspire and mentor our budding soccer stars.
- Grades 1–6 Boys and Girls: Saturdays Sept 22 — Nov 3
This program will take place on Saturdays starting Sept. 22 through Nov. 3. Games will be played for one hour at Jeff Young Park or Wesley Bishop Park. Schedules will be made that indicate times, dates and fields for each game. There will be one practice per week on a weeknight at the coach’s availability. In case of inclement weather, an email will be sent one hour prior to start of games or practices. Girls and boys play separately.
- Kindergarten boys and girls:
This program will take place on Saturdays starting Sept. 22 through Nov. 3. and will have an instructional focus. Each team will meet only once a week for one and a half hours on Saturdays. Schedules will indicate times (between noon and 3 p.m.), dates and fields for each game. Sessions will consist of individual skill building and team practice followed by short scrimmage games. In case of inclement weather, an email will be sent one hour prior to start of games or practices. Girls and boys play separately.
- Pre-K boys and girls:
This program will take place on Saturdays starting Sept. 22 through Nov. 3. This program is designed for four and five-year-olds who will not be attending kindergarten in the fall. Each team will meet only once a week for one hour on Saturdays. Schedules will indicate times (between 2:30 and 5 p.m.). Sessions will focus on learning how to play and rules of the game, followed by short scrimmage games. It will be held Jeff Young Park on New Albany/Lenola Roads. Girls and boys will play together.
- Soccer Clinic for ages four through second grade:
This program will take place on Saturdays starting Sept. 22 through Nov. 3 .The emphasis of this program is to develop solid soccer players in a fun and educational environment. By teaching fundamental skills, sportsmanship and general soccer knowledge, young soccer players develop good solid base from which to grow.
Register soon at Community Pass under fall 2018 programs. Deadline is August 18 ($10 late fee after August 18 if space allows).
Moorestown Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) will also offer soccer for any child/young adult with a disability between the ages of three to 21-years-old. The program will run from Sept. 8 to Oct. 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. and will be at the Moorestown Recreation Center located at 111 West Second Street.
TOPSoccer is a community-based program that is designed to meet the needs of children and young adults that have physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Registration is open to individuals with disabilities that may include ADHD/ADD, Anxiety Disorder, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Sight or Hearing Impaired, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Behavioral Disabilities.
Register at mapleshadesoccer.net and for more information on TOPSoccer contact Catherine Devone at Catherine.a.mccarthy@gmail.com. Contact hte Moorestown Department of Parks and Recreation at (856)914–3093. For more information on TOPSoccer visit: www.usyouthsoccer.org/news/topsocceronlineresourcecenter
