The smell of fresh-cut grass, a nip in the air, flashes of jerseys and the looks of enthusiasm on children's faces remind us that a new soccer season has commenced.
On Saturday, the Ashburn Soccer Club kicked off its 11th year of recreational fun. With 1,500 players vying for play time, the fields were brimming with kids, some who were learning the game for the first time and others who were returning for another season.
The nonprofit, primarily volunteer program offers recreational and travel programs to children 3 to 18. The club aims to keep youngsters excited about the game, teach them basics and help them build confidence along the way.
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On Saturday, any parent or bystander could see these principles in action. The fields were abuzz with kids learning drills from professional trainers and later putting those skills into action while scrimmaging with other teams. The coaches were quick to learn their team members' names and rotate players so they all had equal playing time.
Club administrator Heather Smith, said, "We want all of the kids to have an equal opportunity to play. We know that the more touches they have on the ball, the more comfortable they will become with the game. If they don't play, they don't learn."
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Soccer in the suburbs tends to draw in many young people, in part because it is an easy game to learn and the equipment is relatively inexpensive compared to other sports. For $35, ASC provides new players with home and away jerseys, a pair of shorts and knee socks. Players provide their own shin guards and cleats.
ASC offers both fall and spring recreation and travel soccer. For more information contact visit www.ashburnsoccer.net.
