Now more than ever, children and adults need an outlet to recharge their physical, social and emotional health. Finding a hobby, sport or regular activity can refuel the mind and body, and Sportsplex is here to help by continuing to offer soccer leagues and skills training this fall.
From preschoolers to adults, the St. Charles Park District facility will host leagues for all abilities and ages starting this September.
All Star Sports Instruction will run the Developmental Soccer, for ages 4-10, focusing on improving a player’s ability to dribble and pass the ball in a team environment.
Another option for children ages 3-11, through G3X, will be Mini Reds Soccer Skills and Scrimmage and Reds Academy Skills and Scrimmage. Each session will include skills, agility, teamwork and a scrimmage time.
Additionally, Sportsplex staff will instruct the Boys High School League, divided into two divisions: freshmen/sophomores and juniors/seniors. An eight-game season is planned for November-December, with games on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Adults looking for a pick-up game can stop by Sportsplex’s new open play for men and women at least 18 years old. Whether adults want to form teams and play a game or just kick and pass the ball around is up to the group. The cost is $10 per player.
“Soccer is a great sport for all ages with its many physical, mental and social benefits,” said Cayla Greenfield, Sportsplex supervisor.
The act of playing soccer, constantly jogging, walking or running, keeps the heart rate up, improving cardiovascular health. It can also lower body fat while improving muscle tone and strength, and increases aerobic capacity as well.
“Being a part of a team also promotes social skills such as making friendships, teamwork and sharing,” Greenfield added.
Mentally, soccer can increase cognitive brain function, self-esteem and confidence and can help reduce anxiety, she added.
Sportsplex will enforce modifications for all soccer opportunities, based on guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, as part of the governor’s Restore Illinois Plan.
For more information about Sportsplex soccer leagues, visit stcsportsplex.org.