More than 620 children registered for the spring recreational soccer season, the county parks and recreation department announced Friday — the highest enrollment in the program’s 14-year history and nearly 80 more players than last spring.
The season opened Saturday with games running simultaneously across four fields at Riverside Park, with players ranging from four-year-olds in the developmental division to fifteen-year-olds in the competitive travel prep program.
“Every field was packed,” said league coordinator Jenna Patel. “Coaches, parents, kids — it was one of those mornings where you just feel good about where you live.”
Organizers attribute the enrollment jump partly to expanded outreach in two neighborhoods that have historically had lower participation rates, and partly to a new equipment assistance program launched last fall that provides cleats and shin guards to families who need them at no cost.
The program, funded through a $14,000 grant from a regional community foundation, served 87 families during fall registration and is running again this spring.
New Divisions
This season marks the first time the league has offered a dedicated co-ed division for ages 12–14, an addition requested repeatedly by parents in recent years. Twelve teams have registered in that age group.
The league is also piloting a small-sided futsal division indoors for the youngest players during rainy weeks, a change praised by parents who previously saw games canceled during the spring’s unpredictable weather.
Volunteer Coaches Needed
Despite the record enrollment, the league is still short approximately 14 volunteer coaches, particularly for the 7–9 and 10–12 age brackets. Patel said new coaches receive a free one-day training session and are supported by experienced league mentors throughout the season.
“You don’t have to have played soccer to coach at this level,” Patel said. “You have to love kids and show up on Saturdays.”
Interested volunteers can register at the parks and recreation department website or in person at the recreation center on Broad Street. The spring season runs through late May.