Needham families play in‑town and BAYS travel with Needham Soccer Club, with elite options like NEFC and Boston Bolts nearby. Most sessions use DeFazio Park, Memorial Park, and Needham High School fields.
Large community program; in‑town for younger ages and BAYS travel for older players.
Ages: U5–U19
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Beginner‑friendly leagues and clinics focused on fundamentals and fun.
Ages: 3–12
Seasons: Seasonal
Convenient weekly game model at nearby parks and schools.
Ages: 3–14
Seasons: Seasonal
New England club with academy and elite teams accessible from Needham.
Ages: U7–U19
Leagues: ECNL / USYS (by team)
Fields: Regional training sites
Elite pathway with MLS NEXT/ECNL platforms (by team) around Greater Boston.
Ages: U7–U19
Leagues: MLS NEXT / ECNL (by team)
Fields: Regional training sites
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeFazio Park | 360 Dedham Ave, Needham, MA 02492 | multi‑field complex, lights, parking, restrooms | Primary town venue for practices, in‑town play, and travel matches. |
| Memorial Park | 92 Rosemary St, Needham, MA 02494 | multi‑use fields, parking, restrooms | Central complex used for training and league games. |
| Needham High School Fields | 609 Webster St, Needham, MA 02494 | stadium and practice fields, parking, restrooms | Frequently permitted for town and travel play. |
| Cricket Field | Central Ave & Chestnut St, Needham, MA 02492 | open fields, parking | Community fields suitable for small‑sided training. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Needham Soccer Club Clinics & Camps | In‑season skills and summer programs run by NSC. |
| NEFC Camps | Elite training and ID events across MetroWest. |
| Boston Bolts Camps | Pro‑track clinics and ID sessions in Greater Boston. |
| Challenger Sports Camps — Boston Area | International‑coach summer clinics at local parks. |
| Needham Memorial Day Tournament | One of the nation’s oldest youth tournaments hosted by NSC each Memorial Day. |
|---|
| 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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