What is ESA's Recreational Soccer Program?

Is my child ready for recreational soccer?

Recreational Soccer is often the first soccer experience a child has. With that in mind, our program focuses on providing an opportunity to develop soccer skills within a fun relaxed environment.  Our player development philosophy is designed by Carmen Nuccio, and our skill development program is designed by Jay Rousseau, who both have an extensive background in soccer development and boast impressive playing resumes.

This curriculum is specifically implemented to work on soccer basics and geared to ensure that as the players grow, they can seamlessly transition up through the levels of our program, whether it is the academy, competitive, or potentially beyond. We believe that our recreational program is ideally suited to help children have fun, and grow both as young people and soccer players.  The registration fees for the season are 60 dollars per player. (This includes a uniform.)

What is Recreational League soccer?

ESA's recreational programs are administered at the local level. The focus of our U-6, U-8, U-10, U-12, and U-14 recreational programs is participation, team building, sportsmanship, and fun while kids learn the game of soccer in a minimally competitive environment. There are no tryouts. A child requires no previous soccer experience to play. All children are given opportunities to play no matter what their skill level is. A child does not have to be an Enfield resident.

~ Hosted periodically during the season your child can participate in our Free Skills Clinics that focus on specific abilities to help your child elevate their game.

~ We host Rec Jamboree each season which is a round-robin type tournament where we invite surrounding towns teams to come and play these tournament-style games. (Presently our U-10 and U-12 teams participate in this.

~Picture Day is held each season, a photographer takes individual and team pictures of your child and has affordable packages for purchase.

When does the season start and end?

The Spring season starts in mid-April and runs until mid-June.  The Fall season starts mid-August and runs until mid-October. You will be notified of your team placement via e-mail a couple of weeks before the season starts.

When are practices and games? Can I request a specific practice day?

Typically there is one practice during the week and one game on Saturdays.  Practice days are based on coaches preference.  Our coaches are volunteers and we are always looking for assistance.  If you should require a specific day please email us prior to the start of the season and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Our email is - rec@enfieldsoccer.com

What if I want to request a specific coach or teammate?

Please email us for any “special requests.” We will do our best to honor your requests. We cannot guarantee that all requests will be granted. 

Our email is - rec@enfieldsoccer.com

Does my child get a uniform?

Included as part of the registration fee, all players will receive a uniform consisting of a shirt, shorts, and socks.

What equipment will my child need?

Shinguards are mandatory for ALL ages.  There are separate soccer socks that cover the shinguards OR there are some styles of shinguards that are designed with a cloth covering over the plastic so socks are not needed. 

It is recommended that players have a soccer ball but purchasing a ball is not required. A size 3 soccer ball is needed for the U-6 & U-8 divisions.  A size 4 soccer ball is needed for the U-10 & U-12 division. Our U-14 division uses a size 5 soccer ball.

It is recommended that players wear soccer cleats for better traction while playing. Although recommended, having cleats is not a requirement though.

My child has little soccer experience. Will they get much playing time?

At the recreational level, it is our goal for each child to play at least 50% of the game.

My child falls into the U-8 age group. Should my child play Academy or Recreational?

If your child has played before, you may want to discuss this possibility with him/her. You should also visit our Academy webpage or contact our Academy Program Director, Jay Rousseau at jay@enfieldsoccer.com. Your past coach can also make a recommendation.

Are the teams co-ed (boys and girls on same team)?

It depends on enrollment numbers. If there is a large enrollment of players within an age group, ESA will consider making separate boys and separate girls teams first prior to making teams coed.

How can I volunteer to be a coach or an assistant coach?

ESA is entirely made up of dedicated volunteers. Coaches are vital to the success of our programs.  We are here to help! Our ESA Director of Coaching will assist all volunteer coaches with a training curriculum appropriate for their age group. If you are interested in volunteering for Recreational Soccer please email our Recreational Director Matt Stahl at matt@enfieldsoccer.com to let him know you'd like to volunteer.  He can provide you with information regarding volunteering. 

What about "rain-outs" or cancellations?

Rain does not mean a game or practice is canceled. Soccer can be safely played in light to moderate rain. We will not play games or conduct practices while lightning is visible or thunder can be heard.

What if my child decides not to play? Can I get a refund?

Full refunds will be given prior to the season starting. It usually takes about two weeks to process refunds.

What if I have a question that isn't in the FAQs?

No problem. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at rec@enfieldsoccer.com. We'll have someone get back to you as soon as possible.