Oakland families have lots of choices—city rec soccer, YMCA leagues, and community clubs like East Bay United Bay Oaks and Montclair SC. Weeknight practices often use Raimondi, DeFremery, and Bushrod Parks. Short, at‑home ball‑mastery keeps skills sharp between sessions.
City‑run seasonal leagues and clinics at recreation centers and neighborhood parks.
Ages: 5-14
Seasons: Seasonal
Community leagues and skills programs focused on fundamentals and teamwork.
Ages: 5-14
Seasons: Seasonal
Multiple AYSO regions serve Oakland and nearby East Bay communities; balanced teams and trained volunteers.
Ages: 4-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Historic Oakland club with college‑pathway support, ID sessions, and tournament play.
Ages: 6-19
Leagues: NorCal Premier, NPL (by team)
Fields: Regional training sites
Community‑based rec and competitive programs focused on strong fundamentals and fun.
Ages: 5-18
Leagues: Jack London Youth Soccer League, NorCal (by team)
Fields: Regional training sites
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raimondi Park | 1800 20th St, Oakland, CA 94607 | open grass fields, parking, restrooms | West Oakland fields used for weeknight practices and small‑sided games. |
| DeFremery Park | 1651 Adeline St, Oakland, CA 94607 | multi‑use fields, parking, restrooms | Neighborhood park with space for rec games and clinics. |
| Bushrod Park | 560 59th St, Oakland, CA 94609 | open fields, play areas, parking | North Oakland fields often used by community clubs and rec programs. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| EBU Bay Oaks Camps | Seasonal camps and clinics led by club staff. |
| Montclair Soccer Club Programs | Community skills programs and rec offerings. |
| YMCA of the East Bay Soccer | Intro and skills programs at Y branches. |
| UK International Soccer (East Bay) | Community camps partnering with local leagues; search by zip code. |
| 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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