Newark Soccer Club Kicks Off 2011 Season

From Fireflies and Ladybugs to Superstars and Thunder Sharks, young athletes walked onto the soccer field of the George M. Silliman Recreation Complex as the Newark Soccer Club held its opening day ceremony on Friday night.

For the third year in a row, the Newark Soccer Club held the opening day event to kick off the start of its season, which began Saturday.

Teams were dressed to win in uniforms spruced up to match their name, like the boys baring “claws” and wearing masks to represent the Cheetahs. 

Teams entered on the field as coaches proudly waved team banners. The kids and coaches then took their places in front of the panel of judges and performed a rousing team cheer. 

Teams paraded the rest of the field so the audience could witness their pint-sized passion for the game of soccer. Prizes were awarded for the Best Team Banner and Most Spirited Team.

More than a cheering and costume contest, the opening day ceremony was meant to put both the soccer players and their families in the spirit of the season.

Check out the opening day ceremony photo gallery above, and see if you can find your favorite Newark Soccer Club player.  

Have photos from Friday night? Add them to our gallery.