Focus is fun, not victories

Club Tampa Palms is starting a recreational spring soccer league, something organizers say is needed in North Tampa.

By SUSAN THURSTON

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 25, 2001

TAMPA PALMS -- Tampa Palms' newest community club is starting a spring soccer league for children ages 4 to 9 that focuses on fun more than competition.

Club Tampa Palms' youth soccer league offers families an alternative to the 1,200-player New Tampa Soccer Association, which just ended its season. It is open to anyone in the area, not just children of Tampa Palms.

The new league runs from April 14 to May 19. Games will be played Saturdays on fields behind the club house, which may become available for fall sports. Practices will be held one or two nights a week.

Organizers say the league will give children of all levels a chance to learn about the game in a nurturing setting. Everyone will get equal playing and practice time.

"There's nothing like this in this area," said Ryan Smiley, Club Tampa Palms' recreation director. "There's a big deal of interest."

So far, about 50 children have signed up. Parents said they liked the league's emphasis on recreation.

"For my kids ... I wanted them to learn teamwork before they learned the competitive side," said Sue Lewis of Ashington Reserve in Tampa Palms, who recently registered her 6-year-old twins, Derek and Justin.

The league costs $30 for club members and $45 for nonclub members. Each player will get a jersey and a trophy. A pool party and cookout will be held at the end of the season.

Teams will play on new grassy fields along Cypress Preserve Drive. The fields are about 40-by-60 yards and will have netted goals. Eventually, the club may add a third soccer field and space for T-ball.

Smiley said the club could rent out the fields to other athletic groups when the league is not using them. Possible candidates include the New Tampa Soccer Association and the New Tampa Wildcats football league, which routinely struggle to find playing space.

To learn more

For information or to register for Club Tampa Palms' soccer league, call (813) 979-9595.

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