Just to the south of our house lies a huge hay field, and we’d never done much with it. But a couple of years ago, my husband and a couple of friends decided to put together a community soccer club and suddenly that big field became very essential!
Being a part of a smaller soccer club will save your family time and money, plus you’ll get to have more control and flexibility. If you’d like to start something similar in your neighborhood, read on!
Start with the basics:
- Decide on an initial schedule of practice days and times.
- Find a free or low cost field to play in. Check with your local churches and schools or use someone’s yard.
- Line up a few volunteer coaches.
- Send out an email to interested families, and be enthusiastic and positive!
- Line up a few volunteer coaches. Remember, the internet is full of free resources and the most important job qualifications are zeal and dedication!
Next steps:
- Send out an email to interested families, and be enthusiastic and positive!
- Coaches get together to create teams
- Put together a supply list
Equipment:
Each family can provide a ball and pair of shin pads for each child. Jerseys are optional, but one very inexpensive way to go about it is to purchase the sleeveless ones that don’t have to fit perfectly, and children can just throw over their play clothes. Each team will need a different color. We started with a blue set and a red set from Amazon.
Invest in high quality, made in the USA athletic knee socks. The importance of long socks extends far beyond keeping leg muscles warm; they also absorb sweat and provide a little bit of protection from the elements. Athletic socks also cushion and prevent irritation from rubbing against shoes during active play.
You’ll also need pylons to set up the parameters (a soccer net is optional).
You’ll probably find that many families will be willing to chip in and help cover any other costs that arise. And if you have a need, don’t forget to email the group and ask first if someone already has that item and would lend it out.
Setting up Teams
You’ll need to create teams based on age, and this will roughly equate to ability. Shoot for at least 8 children per team.
If you have a lot of little children who want to be involved in what their siblings are doing, then by all means create a toddler team! One or two parents can take charge of this outfit, which will be a lot more about fun and running off steam than about skill and competition.
On the Field
Our typical get-together consisted of practice first, then a drink break and then a game at the end. It took a about an hour. If you have a toddler team, they’ll fizzle out a lot more quickly.
More ideas:
- When you and the coaches feel the team has progressed to a decent level, arrange a game with another league or club in your area.
- Make sure someone in the group is in charge of taking quality videos and photos.
- Have an awards ceremony at the end of the season; ribbons or medals can be purchased at Walmart – with your Walmart+ membership, it all ships free right to your door!
As you can see, our neighborhood league didn’t cost a lot of money; the most necessary elements are dedication and planning.
And as word gets out, you’ll have more and more people eager to sign up.
Have you been involved in a neighborhood sports league? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Leave a Reply