Energy City Soccer Leagues help foster a love of the game

As World Cup fever sweeps the nation, many young athletes want to learn and play soccer. Take advantage of the excitement and enroll your young player in Batavia Park District’s Energy City Soccer League for children ages 3-8.

Whether your little one is taking their first kick or ready to sharpen their skills, this program is the perfect place to build confidence, make new friends and enjoy the excitement of the game in a supportive, team-focused environment.

The park district’s Energy City Soccer program teaches young athletes the skills and rules of this internationally popular game in a format that works for busy families.

“Because families have busy schedules, we’ve combined practices and games for our younger age groups into a one-hour Saturday morning time slot,” said Nathaniel Jarosz, soccer program founder and athletic supervisor. Players in the age 3-4 and 5-6 leagues practice for a half-hour and play their game for a half-hour.

Players ages 7-8 will have practice in the evening one day during the week and games on Saturdays. All games are played at Engstrom Family Park, making it easy for families to attend, he added.

This recreational league is primarily a community league, Jarosz. “It’s a great opportunity to acquaint young kids with youth soccer.”

He noted that parents also appreciate that teams are grouped based on the elementary school their kids attend or will attend, especially at the younger league level. “This gives them an opportunity to make friends and become familiar with other kids and families before they even begin Kindergarten,” he said.

Jarosz has enrolled his young son in Energy City Soccer, and his family attends all the games. “It gives me great pride in seeing firsthand how our league brings joy and excitement to our players, families and community,” he said. “Seeing the park and soccer fields full every Saturday morning validates the hard work and preparation that goes into planning and executing a league like this.”

Batavia resident and volunteer coach Jim Graham has two daughters in the Energy City leagues and has witnessed this feeling of community at soccer games. “Community is what Batavia is built on and that is why there are lots of families that move here and this soccer club helps build on that sense of community,” he said.

Additionally, league play benefits young athletes as they learn about teamwork, as they build confidence and social skills, Jarosz said.

“The kids get physical activity as well as learn how to interact with other kids on the teams,” Graham said.

Feedback from parents has been very positive, Jarosz said. “They like the format of practice and games within one hour, and they feel the league gives a great athletic experience for the age group.”

Energy City Soccer’s success depends on the volunteer coaches at every level who dedicate their time to give young athletes a great soccer experience. If you would like to volunteer as a coach, contact Jarosz at nathanielj@bataviaparks.org.

The fall Energy City Soccer League season starts in early August for the older group and early September for the younger group. Registration closes July 18. Register at bataviaparks.org/program/soccer.

For more information on our Batavia Park District programs and events, call (630) 879-5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.