Youth soccer in central Florida isn't just alive and well, it's thriving! From recreational to premier, soccer clubs have seen a steady rise in its members in the past few years; some clubs doubling even tripling its number of players. From the serious player to the player at heart, there are several soccer clubs to choose from in central Florida.
For those children 3 to 14 that are either just beginning or would like to play in a less competitive atmosphere, YMCA Recreational Soccer, www.centralfloridaymca.org, may be a good choice for you. For players who enjoy a more competitive game, there are several central Florida soccer clubs from which to choose. East Orange Soccer Club, www.eastorangesocer.com, Central Florida United, www.cfusc.com, Florida Alliance Soccer Club, www.floridasocceralliance.com, and Maitland Soccer Club, www.maitlandsoccer.com, are just a few offering levels that include recreational, competitive, and premier region and state teams. Each vary slightly in annual fees but all boast wonderful coaching, great instruction and elite training for boys and girls at the premier level up to the U19 age group.
I have been associated with three of these clubs and each has its positives and negatives. Things to compare and consider are location of practice and game fields, annual club and coach's fees, and what are you looking to get out of playing soccer. Does your child just want to play for fun and exercise or is he/she looking to play in high school or even college? And finally, how much time, energy, and money are you as a parent, willing to put in? It is an awesome sport and can be a rewarding, bonding experience but it is a commitment on both the child and parent.
Lastly, I would like to add this; over the years, with the hundreds of miles driving to and from practice and games, the hundreds of hours sitting in the baking sun cheering on my daughter, fundraising car washes, and candy & coupon book sales, the multiple last minute runs to Sports Authority for cleats, shin pads, socks, sliders, and Under Armour, the boxes of tissues used after disappointing games and the hundreds of dollars spent on Dairy Queen Blizzards after great ones, and of course you can't leave out the several trips to the emergency room for broken bones, sprained ankles and concussions; even with all of that, I would not trade one minute of it. My daughter and I have bonded in a way that never would have happened if not for her passion for soccer and both she and I have forged friendships that will last the rest of our lives. Yes, soccer is a huge, physically exhausting, time consuming, expensive commitment but I have to admit, as crazy busy as it gets, I'll miss it when it's over.
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