Fort Myers families use county parks and neighborhood programs for rec, with club options nearby. Short at‑home touches between team days keep first touch sharp.
Community rec league serving the Gateway/Fort Myers area since 2011.
Ages: 5-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Beginner‑friendly weekly games and instruction at local sites.
Ages: 3-14
Seasons: Seasonal
Regional club pathway offering competitive teams and tournaments.
Ages: 7-19
Leagues: FYSA / US Club (by team)
Fields: Regional training sites
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee County Sports Complex (Regional) | 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912 | multi‑field complex, parking, restrooms | Large county sports hub with open‑field areas used for training and events. |
| North Fort Myers Community Park | 2000 N Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers, FL 33903 | multi‑use fields, parking, restrooms | Community park used for rec play and practices. |
| Kelly Road Soccer Complex (Sanibel/Captiva Rec, regional) | 1770 Kelly Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33908 | soccer fields, parking, restrooms | Regional venue used by youth programs and camps. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Soccer Shots SWFL | Introductory skills programs at local parks and school sites. |
| Lee County Strikers Camps (Regional) | Seasonal clinics and elite training blocks. |
| 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
Build confidence in 10 minutes a day with KiddiFitTM. No equipment needed.
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. |
Build confidence in 10 minutes a day with KiddiFitTM. No equipment needed.
Find comprehensive youth sports guides for your area. Each guide includes local leagues, clubs, fields, camps, and resources to help your child succeed in their chosen sport.