My child wants to play soccer –what leagues are offered in Paris?

By Casandra Turnbull

There are several options when it comes to youth soccer in Paris With the outdoor season approaching in a couple of months, and registration opening now, let’s take a look at what leagues and clubs operate in Paris

Paris Fc

Paris FC operates out of Green Lane Sports Complex and offers a wide range of development leagues from U4 (born 2019) to U9/10/11 (b. 2012, 13, 14). Their programs are completely non-profit and are assisted by sponsors to keep registration costs as low as possible explains Melissa Ostrowercha, co-founder of the club

“Our development league is different than a traditional house league It focuses on learning the actual game, through interactive training, touches on the ball and applied skill,” she said. Parent volunteers are recruited to help and assist on the sidelines during games and practices, but all training is provided by Ulysse Soccer trainers in order to provide consistency across all programs “It’s (development league) is for all abilities and skills levels –those brand new to soccer will have as good an experience as those who are future ‘rep’ players,” she added. Development league teams practice once a week and play games once a week.

For the more experienced players, ones who excel within the development league, there’s an option to sign up and join a self-selected festival team (U8 only), which travels to a few selected Hamilton District Festivals (Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Hamilton, Flamborough, Brantford, etc). These festivals are held on Saturdays in the summer and the Paris FC also hosts a festival at its Green Lane fields in earlyAugust

Paris FC rep teams start at U9 and Ostrowercha says the programming for the rep teams is an excellent for those looking for more of a challenge Paris FC follows the Canada Soccer Grassroots Program designed to create the best possible learning and development environment for all young players in Canada. The Grassroots Standards are based on global best practice, while taking into account the realities of Canadian soccer Registration for Paris FC outdoor season is open now and early bird pricing ends on March 1. You can register online at www.parisfc.ca and you can learn more about the league’s Ulysse Soccer Trainers online at https:/www.ulyssesoccertraining.co m/coachcorner

Paris Soccer Club

The Paris Soccer Club is open to all youth regardless of skill level and experience. They offer divisions from U4 through U21 and a majority of the league’s games and practices are held at the fields beside Mary Maxim on ScottAve.

The U4-U8 teams are co-ed play, while the U10, U12, U14, U17 and U21 teams are separated by gender The club also offers a leisure league for 18+ co-ed, played on a quarter of the field and a Soccer Momz league that also plays on a quarter of the field

Players looking to grow their soccer skills can be offered the opportunity to be called up as a substitute player for higher division Paris Soccer Club teams, explains Kevin Noseworthy, club President. “In addition, our club shares information about soccer camps and other leagues that players can register to attend to broaden their soccer skills,” he adds.

Players in the U8 – U 21 leagues have one game a week and one practice a week. The U4-U6 teams only play on Saturdays. The season starts in may and ends at the end of July – although some divisions continue with playoffs for the first few weeks of August. All coaches are volunteers. The Paris Soccer Club offers the volunteers coaching clinics and program guidelines and drills under the guidance and support of the league’s Director of Coaching.

“Paris Soccer Club offers over 35 different volunteer roles, all with the goal of keeping our costs down for our players,” said Noseworthy. Volunteer opportunities exist in administration, executive, teams, fund development, and field and clubhouse maintenance. They also offer volunteer positions to high school students looking to complete volunteer hours and to college and university students seeking placements. The club is currently hiring for referees and lines people who are 15 years of age or older. Full training and uniforms are provided

“Our club is grateful for the support of our local businesses, corporations, service clubs, foundations and Brant County for the ongoing support,” Noseworthy concludes.

Registration for this club is also open online at https://parissoccer.ca/registration-info/

Early bird rates apply until February 28th . New registrants will need to create an account before completing the registration. If you require assistance you can reach you via email to admin@parissoccer.ca