I'd love to hear from parents who's kids have participated in this sports. The pros, the cons. Did it take up all of your free time. Was it very competitive. What benefits did your children receive from it. How do we find out which league our kids we be in. What ages are appropriate, when do kids begin and for how long do they play? Do kids from other/private schools compete locally with kids from local public schools. Clearly, I need lots of advice.

Oakland Tot Soccer

I am thinking of signing my 2.5 year old up for the Tot Soccer offered thru the Oakland parks & recs. We didn't have much luck at the little kickers program in Alameda. My son is really focused on the ball and wasn't too interested in the other games they play (not many games with the balls). What was your experience with the class? I'm not sure if he's too young, he doesn't follow directions well yet. Soccer Mom

Piedmont Soccer

To the person that was interested in Soccer for their 5 yr. old. The city of Albany runs a soccer program on Sundays for this age group. There are 2 sessions that run for 6 weeks each. You can pick up a signup sheet at the Albany Community Center on Marin at Masonic in Albany. Our daughter will try it for the first time in the May session so I can't say how it is yet.

There's a California Youth Soccer Association, Inc., that I know of. Mr. Lynn Holland is 2nd Vice Chairman, Coach & Player Development, he could steer you in the right direction depending upon where you live etc... His telephone in Pleasant Hill, CA is (925) 372-9464, he gave me permisison to give this #. Good luck!

Jack London Soccer League

Goal Mexico

I wanted to recommend Phil Scicluna's Goal Mexico football club soccer camps. We just participated in his spring break camp at the Gilman (near the highway) soccer fields. Coach Phil is the Berkeley High varsity men's soccer soach. he also offers soccer clinics and through www.goalmexico.com soccer camps. I have two sons, ages 9 and 7. They both tremendously enjoyed the camp and learned a lot of new skills. Most days there was another coach present. The kids got a lot of individualized attention. Phil and his team have a great way with kids and know their stuff. My older son gets frustrated with himself easily. Coach Phil was attentive toward him and helped him develop resilience during the week. My younger son is a big soccer fan and didn't want the camp to end. We will definitely sign up for another one his camps. Irene

Norm Freidman

Re: Soccer for little kids
Soccer League - Norm Friedman has a wkd soccer program in Albany, you can track him down through the Albany Library or Community Center. Heather

There are still spaces available for teens ages 13-17 in the Pacific Soccer Training Camp coached by Teale Matteson, August 20-24 from 1-4 pm. The cost for this camp is $125 for the week. For more information call University Village Recreation at 510-524-4926 or email: uvrec at mail.housing.berkeley.edu.

Try the University Village in Albany Recreation Program. It runs soccer classes for young children at very reasonable prices. The classes are kid friendly and fun.