The next Grassroots Season will be Spring 2025


SoDak Spurs is proud to announce we have changed our approach and philosophy to youth soccer at the recreational level by creating a new program which will focus more on player development in a fun, safe environment.

Our Grassroots Soccer Program will give children in our community and beyond the opportunity to be involved in the world's biggest sport, provide them with the best possible learning environment, and teach them teamwork and sportsmanship.  Our Goal is to make soccer fun, ignite a lifelong passion for the game, and create a pathway to our competitive club soccer program. We believe our Grassroots Soccer Program is a great option for all young players because it shares the same beliefs as the U.S. Soccer Federation and other worldwide Soccer Federations of player development over winning at youth levels.

Our program will consist of Small-Sided 4v4 and 5v5 games on match days to ensure we promote individual technical development, build confidence in young soccer players, improve cognitive development, and increase imagination by allowing players to learn the game gradually in a fun, exciting, and competitive environment.

  • We believe every player benefits from playing in every game

  • We believe in providing a fun, positive, respectful environment

  • We believe in development of our players and teams over winning

  • We believe soccer can help build self-esteem, create lasting relationships, and teach life lessons

  • We know we can achieve our goals with the combined efforts of our parents, players, and volunteers

Coaching

Grassroots volunteer Parent-Coaches will be guided and mentored by SoDak Spurs Director of Coaching Paul O'Brien. Paul holds a United States Soccer Federation Academy Director License, United States Soccer Federation National A, B, and C Licenses and United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma and GoalKeeper Level I and II Diplomas.  With his leadership, we are confident that a positive experience for all players, parent-coaches, and spectator parents will be created.

Program Highlights

  • Age appropriate program for boys and girls ages

  • Small Sided 4v4 and 5v5 game format

  • Coaches kick off meeting

  • Coaching Manual

  • Weekly one-hour practices

  • Weekly Games on Saturdays

  • Players simply sign up and will be assigned to a team

Seasons

The following split-season format with a summer break makes training convenient for families new to soccer or with multiple soccer player schedules.

  • Spring Session April thru May

  • Fall Session: Aug thru Oct

  • Winter Session (Indoor): Dec thru Jan

Focus

  • Fun!

  • Individual player development

  • Increased confidence

  • Better ball control with maximum touches

  • Ball skills and movement

  • Improved balance and coordination

  • Running mechanics

  • Allow playing the game to be the best teacher

Practices

Each practice will finish with small-sided games which will harness teamwork and introduce some basic tactical concepts while also developing decision-making.