Mini soccer hits ground running

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This article was published 25/05/2018 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Another season of youth mini soccer is underway in Steinbach, and those who run the program say that no matter a child’s skill level they can benefit from getting out and playing the game of soccer.

Norman Anderson, the technical director for the Hanover Soccer Club said the club’s youth mini program which sees players between the ages of three and eight-years-old play the game is a great way to not only introduce children to soccer, but also to get them outside and active.

“The biggest thing we focus on is keeping the kids active,” Anderson said. “There are too many opportunities for them now to be sitting and playing on technological gadgets, and we want them outside running around and enjoying themselves.

“And then from there we hope that they fall in love with the sport.”

Anderson said this season the program has approximately 360 players signed up to play, and he said that is just slightly higher than their numbers from last year.

He said along with getting children outside and active, youth soccer provides a number of other benefits.

“There is just a myriad of different reasons it’s beneficial,” Anderson said. “They are out there having fun while also learning skills like passing the ball, shooting the ball and keeping the ball in play, so the coaches are able to teach them and coach them while they are having fun.”

He said it is also beneficial for kids to feel like they are part of a team.

“There is a social aspect, they are outside with their friends trying something new and learning about teamwork and working together.”

Anderson added joining a soccer team early allows youth to get an idea if soccer is something they want to continue to pursue as they move into their pre-teen and teen years.

“This is the whole goal for the mini program and we know that some will continue and some won’t, but it lets them figure out if this is something for them,” Anderson said.

Anderson said although the season is already underway they would not turn away any parents that still want to get their kid or kids enrolled in mini soccer with the Hanover Soccer Club.

More information on the program can be found by visiting hanoversoccer.ca.