By: Amy Filippone, Department of Parks & Recreation
It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to sign up for fall 2019 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, the Moorestown Parks and Recreation Department 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 more than 500 children participating. For the older kids the format is simple: one weeknight practice for an hour and one hour-long match on 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.
First through sixth grades boys and girls will take place on Saturdays from Sept. 21 to Nov. 2. Games will be played on Saturdays 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 will take place on Saturdays from Sept. 21 to Nov. 2. This program 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-kindergarten boys and girls will take place on Saturdays from Sept. 22 to Nov. 3. This program is designed for four-year-olds and five-year-olds who will not be attending kindergarten in the fall. Each team will meet once a week for one hour on Saturdays. Schedules will indicate times (between 1:30 p.m. 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 at Wesley Bishop Park. Girls and boys will play together.
A soccer clinic for ages four through second grade will 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. To see times and days by grade level, please visit the department’s website.
To register for all of these programs and more go to www.moorestownrec.com
