In the Fall, the Batavia Park District will be partners with Strikers Fox Valley Soccer Club of Geneva, to offer a developmental, recreational, soccer league for children ages four to nine.
“It’s exciting. This is the first time we are offering a soccer league through the Park District. This league is focused on bringing soccer back to the community level,” said Batavia Park District athletic supervisor Nathaniel Jarosz.
“This program fits with what both of our organizations strive to do: Focus on children and the community,” said Strikers’ executive director, Kevin Ward. “We want to engage and provide the right developmental service to kids so that they receive instruction and learn no matter what skill level they are at. Some kids want to focus on soccer and excel into high school or college, while others may develop and simply have fun and enjoy themselves. All are welcome,” Ward said.
Ward and Strikers’ president, Pat Feulner, will oversee this developmental league. Ward has vast experience in developing soccer players of all ages, and Feulner, who was a teacher for 30 years, has extensive soccer coaching experience at Fox Valley-area high schools. Marcus Lauria, assistant director of Strikers Fox Valley and past coach for several suburban park districts, will lead the professional training staff members.
Strikers Fox Valley Soccer Club staff will train youth players seeking an introduction to soccer and current players who want to gain foundational skills and make a transition to more advanced levels of play. Developmental teams will play competitors in their respective age divisions from the Tri-Cities area. Each week, the program will include one professional training session and a league game to be held Saturday mornings.
To register children for this new community soccer league the deadline is Friday, Aug. 6. The eight-week season will begin the week of September 6 and run through Saturday, Oct. 30. Volunteers are needed to assist during training and league games. No previous soccer experience is required. If interested in volunteering, contact Jarosz at nathanielj@bataviaparks.org or Ward at 630-262-0071.
“Strikers has a strong foundation and great people in place throughout their organization. We are excited about the possibilities and how this league can grow in the community, much like our other recreational leagues offered through the Batavia Park District,” Jarosz said.
For more information on our Batavia Park District programs and events, call 630-879-5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.
— Batavia Park District