Garden City families use village rec programs and LIJSL clubs, with nearby elite options like SUSA FC and East Meadow SC. Most sessions use Community Park and the St. Paul’s Recreation Complex.
Village‑run youth offerings and seasonal classes focused on fundamentals and fun.
Ages: 5-12
Seasons: Seasonal
Island‑wide league platform serving local clubs and town teams.
Ages: U6–U19
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Large LIJSL club with travel and rec pathways; short drive from Garden City.
Ages: U5–U19
Leagues: LIJSL / USYS (by team)
Fields: Regional training sites (Nassau)
Elite Long Island pathway with ECNL/GA platforms (by team) and college‑prep.
Ages: U7–U19
Leagues: ECNL / Girls Academy (by team), USYS/US Club (by team)
Fields: Regional training sites (Long Island)
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden City Community Park | 52 Cherry Valley Ave, Garden City, NY 11530 | multi‑use fields, parking, restrooms | Primary village venue for practices and weekend rec play. |
| St. Paul’s Recreation Complex (Stewart Fields) | 295 Stewart Ave, Garden City, NY 11530 | multiple grass fields, parking, restrooms | Heavily used complex for training and league games. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| SUSA FC Camps (Long Island) | Elite and development camps at LI sites. |
| East Meadow SC Camps | Seasonal skills camps run by club staff. |
| NYCFC Youth Programs — Long Island | Pro‑run clinics and camps at LI locations. |
| 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. |
Build confidence in 10 minutes a day with KiddiFitTM. No equipment needed.
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