Designed for beginner and intermediate skill levels, our SJA Rec Soccer Program nurtures growth in the sport. Participation is open to athletes not currently playing on travel or club teams.
Practice starts the last week of August, with the season ending the first week of November. Please sign up for your appropriate age group. Our Rec Soccer Program organizes age groups based on birth year; however, players have the option to compete in a higher age group if desired. Please note: if your 5th grader is playing Middle School Soccer for SJA, they are not eligible to play on the Rec Team.
Boys and Girls – Under 12, Under 10, and Under 8
Practice sessions will occur weekly at St. James Academy, with specific days and times decided by each team’s coach. If you are interested in coaching or assisting, please select that option during registration. All games will take place either at St. James Academy or Carroll Manor Rec (Hydes Road Park – 5607 Hydes Road, Hydes, MD 21082), on Saturdays, between 8 am and 12 pm.
U12 is designed for 10 and 11-year-olds (born in 2013, 2014 or 4th graders who want to play up), incorporating a 9v9 format with a goalie.
U10 is designed for 8 and 9-year-olds (born in 2015 or 2016), incorporating a 7v7 format with a goalie.
U8 is tailored for children aged 6 and 7 (born in 2017 or 2018), featuring a 4v4 format without a goalie.
All U12, U10, and U8 players must wear shin guards and soccer cleats during practices and games.
Hot Shots is for kids 4-5 years of age (born in 2020 or 2019)
Practices kick off on the first Saturday following the start of the school year and continue until the final Saturday in October. Hot Shots soccer offers an introductory, clinic-style experience for boys and girls who have reached the age of four by the beginning of our soccer season. Teams emphasize fundamental ball-handling skills and introduce basic soccer rules, such as kicking, passing, playing without hands, understanding sidelines, executing overhead throws, and learning positions. The initial 3-4 weeks focus on skill-building exercises and drills, transitioning into mini-games among the teams for the rest of the season. We rely on volunteer parents to ensure the smooth operation of this program. Please indicate your willingness to coach when registering.
While soccer cleats are not mandatory for Hot Shots players, we highly recommend them due to the morning dew and moisture on the field.
We look forward to a great season of soccer with your child!