March 24, 2007
Erie might not seem like a hotbed for soccer. But there are plenty of places to play in the area.
Erie Youth Soccer Association www.erieyouthsoccer.org recently finished its registration for the coming season. The league plays throughout Erie County in June and July, and is for boys ages 5-15 and girls 5-16. Registration ended March 17, but there still could be some openings. Late registration fee is $40.
The league is non-competitive, which means officially they do not keep score. But the games are played by age-appropriate rules (for example: field sizes, size of ball, and number of players, and offiside is called in upper age groups). They also stress playing time for all players, and use league-trained referees.
It is a great league for players who are learning the game and prefer a competitive, but still friendly, atmosphere. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to sign up.
Family First Sports Park, 8155 Oliver Road, www.thesportspark.com offers more competitive leagues for players ages 6 to adult. The adult leagues include men, women and coed, and vary in skill level from the most competitive A division to over-30.
Family First is about to kick off its spring season, which begins April 2. Deadline to register is March 26.
Cost is $540 (plus referee fees) per team, or $60 per player, for six games. If you don’t have all the cash this week, there is a $50-per-team discount if paid by April 16.
Family First leagues begin anew each season. They play outdoor in spring and summer, and indoor in the winter.
The sports park’s Bundesliga outdoor league kicks off June 2, with registration deadline May 25. Cost is $700 per team ($50 discount if paid by June 18), or $70 per player.
For information, call the park at 1-888-8GOPARK.
As you can see, there are plenty of places for Erie city and county soccer buffs to get their kicks.
sean.heilman@timesnews.com