Bradenton families have strong rec options through MAYSO and a club pathway via Braden River SC. Practices often use G.T. Bray Park, Lakewood Ranch Park, and Braden River Park, with tournaments nearby at Premier Sports Campus.
Volunteer‑led rec league serving greater Manatee County with balanced teams and age‑group play.
Ages: 5-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Beginner‑friendly leagues emphasizing fundamentals and fun in the Bradenton area.
Ages: 3-14
Seasons: Seasonal
Find nearby AYSO regions serving Manatee/Bradenton for balanced teams and trained volunteers.
Ages: 4-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Community club with academy, rec, and travel teams; training at Lakewood Ranch Park and regional fields.
Ages: 5-19
Leagues: FYSA, US Club Soccer (by team)
Fields: Lakewood Ranch Park, Regional field sites
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.T. Bray Park | 5502 33rd Ave Dr W, Bradenton, FL 34209 | multiple fields, lights, parking, restrooms | City sports hub often used for youth practices and weekend rec play. |
| Lakewood Ranch Park | 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211 | multiple regulation fields, lights, parking, restrooms | Major venue for BRSC training and league matches. |
| Braden River Park | 5201 51st St E, Bradenton, FL 34203 | soccer fields, parking, restrooms, playground | Community park with space for practices and small‑sided sessions. |
| Premier Sports Campus (Lakewood Ranch) — Regional | 5895 Post Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 | 23 FIFA‑size fields, stadium seating, parking, restrooms | Regional tournament and showcase site used by clubs across Florida. |
| 4-6 | Introductory programs and AYSO. Keep it playful and short; celebrate effort. |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | Focus on foundational skills and enjoying the game. Build confidence through fun drills. |
| 8-10 | Transitioning to more structured play. Build turns and first-touch patterns. AYSO or introduction to club. |
| 10-12 | Add speed bursts and combo moves. Start to specialize in positions. Club tryouts and travel become more common. |
| 13-18 | Advanced tactical understanding and physical training. High school soccer and college recruiting become key considerations. Competitive club is the main option. |
| Rec | Typically $150-$300 per season, including uniform and team picture. Financial aid is often available. |
|---|---|
| Club | Ranges from $1,400 to over $4,500 per year, not including travel, tournament, and uniform costs. Many clubs offer payment plans and some financial assistance. |
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| All Kids Play | Provides grants to help families with the cost of youth sports registration fees. |
| Every Kid Sports | National fee‑assistance program for rec sports. |
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
| IMG Academy Soccer Camps (Bradenton) | Elite day and overnight camps with professional coaching. |
| Florida Soccer Academy | Local skills training blocks and seasonal camps in Bradenton/Sarasota. |
| Challenger Sports Camps (Manatee/Sarasota) | Summer clinics with international coaches; search regional dates. |
| Events at Premier Sports Campus (Regional) | Frequent youth tournaments and showcases hosted throughout the year. |
|---|
| Flat shoes on dry surfaces |
| Clear 6–8 feet of space |
| Hydrate before and after |
| Shin guards under long socks |
| Warm up and cool down |
A simple weekly rhythm you can actually stick to
touches — toe-taps, foundation taps
agility — ladder steps (imaginary), side shuffles
first touch — sole stop, inside-out touches
turns — drag back, cruyff turn
combos — 3-move combo, speed dribble
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Toe Taps
Tap top of ball with alternating feet • Keep knees soft and chest up
Foundation Taps
Tap ball between feet with inside surfaces • Keep the ball under you
Drag Back
Pull ball under foot • Turn hips and push out with other foot
How many minutes should kids practice at home? 10 minutes, 3–5 days a week builds confidence without burnout. |
Do we need cones? No—use shoes or tape as markers; drills fit small spaces. |
Rec vs club soccer? Rec emphasizes fun and balanced teams; club adds higher commitment, travel, and licensed coaching. |
How do we choose the right club? Compare coaching credentials, cost, travel, practice locations, and team culture; attend tryouts and talk with parents. |
What equipment is required? Ball sized by age, shin guards with long socks, proper‑fit cleats, and a water bottle; most leagues provide uniforms. |
How are age groups determined? By birth year using national standards; most leagues use the player’s age on Dec 31 of the season year. |
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