Central Florida’s growing soccer scene: Where young players can start their journey to the pros

With the Orlando Pride’s historic win this weekend, it begs the question — are Orlando and Central Florida becoming more of a soccer region?

But to make it big, it takes years of training. Most of these players start out very young, and soccer happens to be a sport that works well for the littles to start on early, as well.

So if your little girl wants to be the next Marta, or your son wants to be the next Messi– where can they start?

There are all kinds of recreational soccer programs, but to one day play on the Pride level, your child will eventually need a little bit more intensive training and competitive play.

So here’s a list of competitive soccer programs in Central Florida:

Lake Nona Address: 12314 Suttner Ave., Orlando, FL 32827

Winter Park address: 825 Courtland Street, Orlando, FL 32804

Sofive Winter Park and Lake Nona is a full time school for elite students looking to develop a career as a professional soccer player. The Winter Park location has indoor and outdoor soccer facilities and the Lake Nona location is a fully air-conditioned indoor soccer facility with two soccer fields and enough seating for full field viewing.

Address: 825 Courtland Street, Orlando, FL 32804

FC America is a youth soccer club for young players who aspire to achieve excellence in their game. Their emphasis is player-centric with development the number one priority. They focus on the technical, tactical, physical and psychological development of players on a pathway towards maximizing their full potential.

Address: 1073 Willa Springs Drive, Suite 1049, Winter Springs, FL 32708

Florida Kraze Krush Soccer Club (FKK) is a youth soccer organization in Central Florida that emphasizes full player development. Each child receives age-appropriate and skill level based training by professional coaches and trainers.

Address: 845 Lake Markham Road, Sanford, FL 32771

Seminole Youth Soccer is a coed recreational soccer organization for boys and girls ages 3 to 18 developed for the advancement of youth soccer in Seminole County, Florida. Their mission statement states children should have the opportunity to better themselves physically while learning the concept of teamwork.

Address: 655 W. Church Street, Orlando, Florida 32805

The Orlando City Youth Soccer Network is comprised of the Affiliate Program, After School Program, Camps & Clinics, OC Tournaments, and OC Leagues. These programs allow children to explore their passion for soccer and provide scouting opportunities for individual players.

Address: 1050 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, Florida 32789

In I9’s Maitland/Winter Park youth soccer programs, coaches and instructors provide age-appropriate, quality instruction that’s both fun for kids and convenient for busy families. Team registration is available now. The Winter League is $174.99 and the Spring League is $154.99.

Address: 3280 Suntree Blvd. #105, Melbourne, FL 32940

The Viera Soccer Club has four programs: Explorers (ages 3-5), Challenge (ages 6-14), Academy (ages 9-12), and Competitive (ages 10-17). Play styles range from casual to competitive. This club also has a special program for children/adults with special needs.

Address: 2015 Shumate Drive Bartow, FL 33831

Bartow Soccer Club has various programs aimed at recreational soccer and competitive soccer camps. The upcoming recreational Winter Soccer Series is a 10 game season that runs from December to March.

Addresses: There are four main fields. Click here for their addresses.

Space Coast United hosts competitive and recreational soccer clubs, as well as soccer camps and tournaments. Their next upcoming soccer camp takes place between January 2nd and 4th.

Address: 700 Hull Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174

Ormond Beach Soccer Club is non-profit youth soccer organization whose mission is to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America’s youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.

Address: 5455 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast, FL 32137

Florida Elite Soccer Academy offers six programs for different ages: Future Stars (ages 2.5-5), Rising Stars (ages 5-6), Jr Academy Program (ages 6-8), Recreational Program (ages 4-19), Recreational Development Academy (ages 8-12), and the Competitive Program (ages 9-19).

Address: 700 S. Victory Way, Kissimmee, FL 34747

IdeaSport is a soccer academy that operates out of ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando with a mission to create a unique soccer experience.

Address: 1230 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont, FL 34711

Florida Rush is a nonprofit organization located in Central Florida. Professionally licensed coaches teach soccer fundamentals as well as life skills. The organization has community-based soccer programs for developmental players and top level leagues for competitive players.

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