What is Recreational Soccer?
Recreational soccer is a soccer program primarily devoted to the
enjoyment and development of soccer players without the emphasis on
travel or high-level competition. The purpose of recreational soccer is to
provide an opportunity for the participants to have fun, learn the sport and
develop life skills including a lifelong love of the game.
Therefore:
Access is open to all who desire to participate (The Game for ALL Kids).
Emphasis is on active participation (minimum of half game playing time).
Objective is for the players to enjoy the experience.
Success and excellence are measured in players attracted and players retained.
Recreational soccer is all about fun, recreation, love of the game, and winning is not a
measure of success.
Children benefit in many ways from participating in recreational soccer and the
chances are good that the children you coach will have fun and a very positive
experience. However, it is also important that you understand some of the
characteristics of recreational play and recreational players. Those
characteristics are as follows:
Almost every player and parent will start out in recreational soccer.
Two-year age groups are typical of recreational teams so there is a wide range
between the most skilled player and the least skilled player.
Wider age gaps create greater differences in physical, mental and social development.
Players new to the sport are constantly being introduced into the mix.
Enthusiasm and dedication varies widely from the highly motivated to the socially
involved.
Soccer, for the child who wants to play, is an outlet for energy and enthusiasm.
For others it is an imposed activity, something selected for the child by the parent.
Fit and unfit players play together.
Participation stretches from always there to when it is convenient.
The game is played for enjoyment and not necessarily future playing opportunities on
college or elite teams
Many young children start out in soccer. (It has been said that, “Soccer is the first sport
that American children play.”) Soccer is a game, especially at the very young level,
where all skill-levels of children can participate and have fun.
Many young children try out many sports at a young age and may jump from one
activity to another during the year or even during the same season.
