Center youth soccer season underway

ANNA MARIA – Three weeks into the spring adult co-ed recreational soccer league, the kids hit The Center’s pitches for fun-filled games on April 3.

As the youth sports program continues to grow to historic participation numbers and beyond, the energy at the Island’s community center on kids’ soccer nights is contagious. The two 3- to 4-year-old leagues have 20 little players being taught the game by volunteer coaches Lee Dickson and Emily Bekkerus.

Bekkerus’ team, Emily Moss Design, will face coach Dickson’s Cloud Pest Control squad throughout the season, learning more about soccer each week and growing friendships on the field.

While not keeping score, the focus is on the fun of the game while learning how to perform a throw-in, dribble the soccer ball down the field and make passes to teammates.

Continuing to play without counting the goals, the six teams playing in the 5- to 7-year-old league have over 60 little ballers battling each week on the soccer field while learning skills and getting touches on the ball.

With an emphasis on learning the sport and gaining a love for the game, the six volunteer coaches also teach sportsmanship, respect, integrity and teamwork.

Coach Bekkerus takes on two instructional-level teams this season, leading the second team in the 5- to 7-year-old age group with team MI-BOX. Back again this season, Karri Stephens guides the Beach Bums crew.

Coach David Moss brings his family’s athletic skill to team Blenker Boatworks, while Michael Nick finds time in his schedule to coach the youngest Sandbar-sponsored team this season.

Rounding out the league, Jessica Patel steps up to the plate to coach the Ugly Grouper team as Jesse Griffin continues his time as a volunteer coach to lead the Adrian Griffin Interiors squad this season.

Without volunteer coaches, youth sports would not be possible. The phrase “It takes a village” could not be truer than in community center kids’ activities and recreational sports.

As mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles and family friends take the time to coach the Island kids, the spring youth soccer program is headed toward another successful season at The Center of Anna Maria Island.