Lakewood Ranch families train at Premier Sports Campus and Lakewood Ranch Park, with strong club pathways through Chargers SC and Lakewood Ranch FC. Short at‑home touches between team days keep first touch sharp.
Beginner‑friendly rec leagues and skills serving Lakewood Ranch/Manatee.
Ages: 3-14
Seasons: Seasonal
Locate nearby Manatee/Sarasota AYSO regions with balanced teams and trained volunteers.
Ages: 4-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Regional club pathway with academy and travel teams; trains at Premier Sports Campus.
Ages: 5-19
Leagues: FYSA, US Club Soccer (by team)
Fields: Premier Sports Campus
Non‑profit club focused on technical development; Coerver‑influenced training.
Ages: 5-19
Leagues: FYSA / US Club (by team)
Fields: Premier Sports Campus, Lakewood Ranch Park
Neighboring club with academy, rec, and travel programs; short drive from LWR.
Ages: 5-19
Leagues: FYSA, US Club Soccer (by team)
Fields: Lakewood Ranch Park, Regional sites
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Sports Campus | 5895 Post Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 | 23 FIFA‑size fields, lights (select fields), stadium seating, parking, restrooms | Regional tournament and training hub used by Chargers SC and other clubs. |
| Lakewood Ranch Park | 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211 | multiple regulation fields, lights, parking, restrooms | Major venue for league play and weeknight practices. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Chargers SC Camps — Lakewood Ranch | Seasonal camps and clinics at Premier Sports Campus. |
| Lakewood Ranch FC Clinics | Small‑group skills and seasonal camps. |
| Challenger Sports Camps (Manatee/Sarasota) | Summer clinics with international coaches across the region. |
| 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
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.
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