Fall is here. Kids are back in school and getting to know their new classmates and teacher. For many kids, this is also time to go back to the soccer field.

Rohnert Park Youth Soccer League (RPYSL) operates during the fall season and provides exercise and entertainment for those involved. They organize numbers of kids into age group divisions and then by team. RPYSL has age ranges beginning at Under-6 all the way up to Under-19.  Each team is headed by a volunteer coach and assistant coach who engage the kids in practices for at least a month before games begin. Soccer games started after the Labor Day weekend and will continue through October.

Soccer is an excellent way for kids to stay fit, sharpen their mental agility, and learn about discipline. Coaches can implement a number of exercises to get their players prepared for games and working well together.

The most common techniques taught by coaches are dribbling, passing, and scoring. Scrimmages or practice games often conclude each practice and are a good preparation for games.

Aside from physical agility, mental agility is requisite in playing soccer. Kids learn to strategize about how to make goals, defend their own, and work together as a team. With regular practice, specific drills, and repetition, kids become disciplined and learn to respect their coach.

Soccer is an all around healthy sport. As Coach Riccardo of the Under-8 Boys’ team “Hot Wheels” says, “I like to share my love of soccer with kids. Soccer is very important for a kid’s physical, mental, and spiritual growth. It is good for them to interact with other kids in a team environment.”

Soccer is also an exciting spectator sport, as many parents can attest. Often, the parents end up shouting louder than the coaches because they are so involved in the game. If you are looking for a fun source of entertainment, a soccer game is the way to go. If you want to get involved with the league, meetings are held every fourth Tuesday of the month at Sally Tomatoes.