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TAMPA PALMS - The New Tampa Soccer Association is revamping its youngest divisions for the upcoming season, de-emphasizing winning and encouraging sportsmanship.
The changes will be applied to divisions for children 8 and under. Teams will be smaller. Goalkeeping will be eliminated. Winning will become less important than player development. All girl teams will be formed whenever possible.
Becky Hunt, communications director for the league, said the new revisions are being suggested by the U.S. Soccer Federation. New director Marcelo Neveleff has a national youth license from the federation.
The hope, Hunt said, is to start competitive soccer later "so the kids don't burn out of soccer at such an early age."
New Tampa Soccer includes leagues and teams for more than 1,000 children age 4-18.
Registration will be held on Aug. 16 and 23rd at the Compton Park Clubhouse in Tampa Palms.
For more information, contact New Tampa Soccer at 813-991-4890 or go online to newtampasoccer.org.