The BMX Program in Monroe has shut down leaving the BMX Track at Monroe Crossings unused. The hills have been taken down by the city of Monroe. This area is currently fenced in and could hold 5 instructional soccer fields to be used by 4&5 year old kids in the soccer program. Monroe Soccer is willing to spend money and labor donations in developing this area for use, but would like an agreement with the city that they will not turn it into something else.

This area is ideal in that it is fenced in, close to the parking lot and also close to the playground. It will cost approximately $6000 to level, remove rocks, seed, and fertilize. 

visit: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/monroe-soccer-park-use.html
and sign the petition to let the city know we would love to be able to use this space.

SAY Soccer in Monroe is interested in rehabbing at their expense the fenced in area that used to be the BMX track at Monroe Crossings. 

The area would be used for training of young SAY players. Since the area is fenced in it will be safe, plus the area is visible from the road so others can see activity in the park. This might encourage other parents to get their children involved in the SAY Soccer program.

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/monroe-soccer-park-use.html

Instructional - at Monroe Crossings
Passer - at Monroe Crossings
Wings - Monroe Crossings- Home Games, travel away games
Strikers - Switzer Field (old Monroe HS) Home Games, travel away games
Kickers - Switzer Field (old Monroe HS) Home Games, travel away games 

see Maps and Fields for addresses

Why Soccer is good for Kids:

The sport of soccer continues to grow in the US as evidenced by the increasing number of kids getting involved in the game and the attendance numbers at MLS soccer games throughout the country. This is a good thing because it provides a great opportunity for all kids, no matter how tall, short, skinny, plump, shy, smart, or whatever, to gain the benefits of being part of a team where anyone can be a super star on any given day.

All sports provide physical and other benefits for those involved in them. But soccer offers much more to help youths develop, interact with others, and just plain enjoy themselves, something kids should do, after all.

One of the greatest things about soccer is that any kid can kick a soccer ball and learn to do it well within a short period of time. There are no special talents required. If a boy or girl can run, he or she can do so with a soccer ball at his or her feet. Any kid can gain basic skills in dribbling, passing, and shooting a soccer ball with minimal time and effort expended. This means that any child that wants to play soccer can do so and be at a level of most of the players on the field.

Kids don’t need to be 7 foot tall leaping gazelles or refrigerator-sized brutes or multi-talented athletes to play on a soccer team and perform at least as well as most of the teammates. Soccer is a pure team sport. No one player, no matter how talented, can win a game on his or her own. Winning a soccer game requires the participation of every one of his teammates out on the pitch. This allows every kid on the team to touch the ball often and contribute to making plays, no matter what his or her skill level is.

This really helps build a child’s self-esteem, which can be seen in the confidence displayed on the field. Something as simple as a good pass or stopping the ball from getting to an opponent can make a kid feel good about him or herself and that makes them perform even better. And they have lots of chances to do this. One good play washes away any and all misses.

We have seen timid boys and girls blossom into assertive soccer players in just a few weeks. All because they got to touch the ball and contribute to the team. And when they win, every kid feels part of that win. And when they lose, they feel proud of having played as well as they could and look forward to the next game when it starts all over. Every kid knows that in the next game he or she will be right out there in the middle of things helping her team win and maybe even score the winning goal or make a winning save.

There is also something about the parents at soccer games. Taking their kids to all the practices and games, getting the after game snacks, cheering the kids on. Also let's not forget that parent who steps up to volunteers to coach, the program could not exist without them!

In addition to those highlighted in this article, soccer provides other benefits for youngsters. Think about all that running and stopping and turning. Great for the lungs, muscles, and the mind. And there are so many more.

If your child is not playing soccer, what are you waiting for? Get your son and daughter out on the soccer field as early as possible. It keeps them out of trouble, builds their confidence, keeps them healthy, and helps them grow the right way.