Sarasota families have a clear pathway through FC Sarasota plus community rec options. Practices often use Tatum Ridge, Twin Lakes, and 17th Street Park. Short at‑home touches between team days keep first touch sharp.
Seasonal rec leagues with age‑group teams and trained volunteer coaches.
Ages: 6-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Inclusive, beginner‑friendly leagues and skills for younger ages.
Ages: 3-14
Seasons: Seasonal
Family‑oriented rec programs; no tryouts.
Ages: 5-14
Seasons: Seasonal
First Kickers, rec leagues, and travel teams; technical development with year‑round training.
Ages: 4-19
Leagues: FYSA, US Club Soccer (by team)
Fields: Tatum Ridge Soccer Complex, Twin Lakes Park
Technical focus with small‑group training and tournament play.
Ages: 7-19
Leagues: FYSA / US Club (by team)
Fields: Regional fields
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tatum Ridge Soccer Complex | 4100 Tatum Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240 | multiple fields, parking, restrooms | Primary FC Sarasota venue for practices and matches. |
| Twin Lakes Park | 6700 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241 | multi‑use fields, parking, restrooms | Frequent site for club training and rec play. |
| 17th Street Park | 4570 17th St, Sarasota, FL 34235 | open fields, parking, restrooms | Community fields suitable for small‑sided training. |
| Fruitville Park | 5151 Richardson Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232 | open fields, parking, restrooms | Additional community venue used by local 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 |
|---|---|
| FC Sarasota Camps & Footskills | Seasonal camps and weekly skill sessions. |
| Challenger Sports Camps (Sarasota/Manatee) | Summer clinics with international coaches across the region. |
| 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.