With the World Cup lighting up the TV screens (and raising the collective blood pressure levels) of households all over the city, now is a perfect time to introduce your child to soccer. There are many great programs for kids of all ages and skill levels throughout New York City–check out just a few of our favorites:
Asphalt Green Wave
Though most of Asphalt Green Wave’s players are Upper East Siders, the program also draws kids from all five boroughs as well as New Jersey and Westchester.
Brooklyn AYSO
Part of the national non-profit American Youth Soccer Organization, Brooklyn AYSO emphasizes positive coaching and good sportsmanship, and ensures that every child play at least half of every game.
Carlos Oliviera Soccer Academy
Now entering its 10th season, Carlos Oliveira Soccer Academy offers after school programs and a summer camp.
Chelsea Piers Soccer
Programs range from “micro-soccer” for 2-year-olds to more advanced clinics for young adolescents and a travel club for budding elite players.
Downtown United Soccer Club
offers camps, clinics, travel teams and recreational leagues to youngster of many ages and has also established a DUSC North offshoot that plays on Randall’s Island.
Gotham Girls
The Gotham Girls are the sister program of the Downtown United Soccer Club, offering girls from that league the opportunity to join a competitive travel squad.
Kids In Sports
A specialized yet comprehensive sports program for ages 1-12, Kids In Sports offers a “Just Soccer” program for kids wanting focus on the sport.
Learn to Play Soccer with NYC Parks and Recreation
The Department of Parks and Recreation offers a free 10-week summer course in Manhattan and the Bronx.
Manhattan Soccer Club
Organizes and fields teams for boys and girls from the ages of eight to 18.
Millenium Soccer Kids School
Lessons run through October and are held in Flushing Meadow Park, Queens.
Modern School of Soccer
Lessons for children are offered at locations around Manhattan, including Central Park and Tribeca.
Simply Sports
Offers kids Pre-K to 6 years old the opportunity to learn soccer fundamentals and compete with their peers, instructed by experienced coaches and consistent referees.
SocRoc
Offers programs for ages two up. Classes are taught by former soccer pro and certified strength and conditioning specialist James Christie.
Soccer by Coach Fher
Designed by Coach Shadrach Gonzalez Fher, this program focuses in on the needs of each player in order to build his or her individual strengths.
Super Soccer Stars
Operates programs for kids starting at age 2 in more than 150 locations throughout the Tri-State area.
West Side Soccer
A couple of decades old and still thriving, the West Side Soccer League has become an institution for Upper West Side families.
