St. Pete has a strong mix of rec leagues, club pathways, and beautiful city fields. Families often use Lakewood Soccer Complex, Jack Puryear, and Walter Fuller for practices.
Long‑running rec program with age‑group divisions and seasonal play.
Ages: 5-18
Seasons: Fall (Oct–Feb) and seasonal offerings
Beginner‑friendly leagues and clinics focused on fundamentals and sportsmanship.
Ages: 3-13
Seasons: Seasonal
Organized, low‑pressure leagues around St. Pete and Safety Harbor.
Ages: 3-17
Seasons: Seasonal
Competitive pathway with league platforms like EA League and NPL.
Ages: 7-19
Leagues: Elite Academy (by team), NPL (by team), FYSA
Fields: Regional training sites
County‑wide club offering competitive teams, camps, and clinics.
Ages: 5-19
Leagues: FYSA / US Club (by team)
Fields: Regional sites
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakewood Soccer Complex | 2001 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | four lighted soccer fields, parking, restrooms | South St. Pete hub for league play and club training. |
| Jack Puryear Sports Complex | 5701 Lee St NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703 | lighted soccer fields, multipurpose fields, parking, restrooms | North‑side complex with multiple lighted fields. |
| Walter Fuller Sports Complex | 7891 26th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 | multipurpose fields, lights, parking, restrooms | West‑side facility used for practices and community events. |
| Woodlawn Sports Complex | 1450 16th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 | lighted football/soccer field, softball complex, parking, restrooms | Central complex supporting multi‑sport programming. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| PCU Summer Camps | County‑wide camps including striker and goalkeeper options. |
| YMCA St. Pete Soccer Camps | One‑week specialty camps for ages 5–12. |
| 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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