ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) – At the home opener Sunday, Sept. 16, the Elk Grove Soccer boys’ teams took on the Atletico Santa Rosa Soccer Club, playing games at both Hal Bartholomew Sports Complex and Franklin High School.       

Six games were played on Sunday: two games at 10 a.m., two at noon and two at 2 p.m. The ages of the boys who played over the weekend were 12 through 17.          

The club was coming off an impressive season opener in a new league, MLS Next, having four wins and two ties throughout the age groups. They were looking to have the same success in their home opener.          

The Elk Grove Soccer is a youth soccer club in the MLS Next league that provides recreation soccer to the youth ages 8 through 19. The league teaches and develops soccer skills while enhancing players’ leadership skills.               

 

          

Along with recreational soccer, Elk Grove Soccer FC holds a “Competitive” program for the youth as well as a “Future Stars” program for children ages 4 through 8.          

The difference between recreational and competitive is that the competitive program caters more to advanced players. These players train harder and more often than the recreational players. They also compete against tougher competition in more competitive tournaments.       

Competitive and recreational soccer games take place during summer and fall, which is the off-season of high school soccer that is played during the winter.                   

Elk Grove Soccer FC was once a part of the Elite Clubs National League before moving to the MLS Next league. Elite Clubs is still a prominent youth soccer organization; however, it is second to MLS Next.         

Being in a higher and more competitive league brings better coaching and more overall opportunities.          

 

14U Age Group Passing Up the Field

Players are able to fully develop their soccer skills while having the platform to show them off. Players competing against the highest competition in their respected age groups will bring out the best in them.

The coaches can help develop them as players and to be successful in life after the game. They give the players outlets to be able to go to college and continue playing, not just in college but even professionally.