Detroit youth looking to get outside and stay active this spring can now sign up for the most popular sport in the world. The City of Detroit Parks & Recreation Department opened registration for its youth spring soccer league Monday, and its third year, the City is looking to build on the success from the last two years.
The co-ed Soccer in the D league costs $35 for the season, and includes shin guards and team uniforms. Shay Lewis, manager of athletics for Detroit Parks and Recreation, said this year, the league for 3- to 13-year-olds has been expanded. to include 14 year-olds. That means that kids who aged out last year can now play one last season.
“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback on the Soccer in The D program, and we’re excited that so many children want to continue to come back and play,” Lewis said.
Lewis said she thinks the soccer league is so popular because kids want to “get out, run around and play.” She also said kids get the chance to learn something new and different if they’ve never been exposed to the game of soccer before.
We “work really hard to run a fun and organized soccer program so the kids participating can have the best playing experience possible,” Lewis said.
Though some parents might be concerned over the high number of COVID-19 cases in the city, Lewis said Parks & Rec is being safe when it comes to sports like soccer.
“We have COVID safe protocols in place for our sports programming that we have consulted with the Detroit Health Department,” she said. “We also provide PPE at each game location.”
Lewis said the league is “always looking for coaches,” and the City will provide a coaching stipend. Lewis said you don’t have to be an expert to sign up.
“We provide coaches with training sessions for those who are not as versed in the game of soccer as they would like to be, but are enthusiastic about coaching kids, making a positive difference for the youth in our community and providing a fun playing experience,” she said.
The City is also bringing other sports to Detroit youth in 2022. The Detroit Parks and Rec Athletics team offers flag football, basketball and T-ball. Lewis said a variety of other sports clinics and training programs will also be available throughout the year.
Want to register for the soccer league? Visit www.detroitmi.gov/soccer or call 313-224-1100. The Detroit Parks and Rec Department encourages folks to sign up quickly, as spots fill up fast. Are you interested in coaching? You can email DPRDAthletics@detroitmi.gov or call (313) 224-0006.