Click here to register by 9/14:  REGISTRATION

Cranford Soccer Club’s Recreation program offers a series of introductory soccer sessions aimed at children from Pre-K to 2nd Grade. The sessions are geared towards a fun soccer experience while introducing our most junior club members to the game and how it's played. These programs will provide a challenging, yet welcoming environmental suitable for all players regardless of commitment, experience or ability. Upon completion of the Rec program, players will be ready to advance into travel or intercountry.

Players are responsible to obtain their own shin guards, size 3 soccer ball, socks & shorts. Sneakers or soccer cleats (plastic with no front toe cleat) can be used.  Socks are to be worn outside of shin guards.  Shirts will be provided to all players on the first weekend session of the season.

Fall 2023 Season: All programs at Bloomingdale Ave School.  

See below for more details for each program, including make up days and FAQs.

U5 - birthyear 2019

U6 - birthyear 2018

1 hour of trainer led instruction per week focused on encouraging development of motor skills and relationship with the ball. Match play is 2v2 and 3v3.

(60-minute sessions each week)

Session Options:  9 AM or 10 AM either Saturday or Sunday. (Sat U6 boys sessions are full).

U7 - birthyear 2017

2 hours of trainer led instruction per week (one weekday and one weekend) focused on continuing the development of ball and motor skills while introducing team play concepts. Match play will be on weekends and will be 4v4 (trainers will determine team make-up the day of) to encourage touches on the ball and passing. Training time preference is not guaranteed and will be confirmed based on availability (please note a preference during registration)

Training Session Options:  

Girls:

• Monday: 5 PM (Girls) (60 min sessions). - only a few spots left!
• Wednesday: 4 PM (Girls) (60 min sessions).

Girls:

• Monday: 4 PM (Girls) (60 min sessions).
• Wednesday: 5 PM (Girls) (60 min sessions).
  

Boys:

• Tuesday: 5 PM (Boys) (60 min sessions).
• Thursday: 4 PM (Boys) (60 min sessions).
  

Game Schedule:  fall 23 rec schedules u7 and u8.pdf

FAQs

Q:   Why were the changes made to the Rec Program this year:
A:  The Rec program was changed to birth year programs to better align with the US Youth Soccer Player Development Pathway and to simplify registration for parents.  The move away from set teams for U7/U8 will allow a more consistent development program for all players,  more consistent playing time and better competition during weekend games.

Q:  If my child wants to play with the lower age bracket so they are with the kids in their grade, can they?
A:  Players born between 10/1 - 12/31 are eligible for an exception to play in the lower age bracket so they can play with kids in their grade.  If you would like that exception, please e-mail [email protected] before you register.


Q:  Do I need to purchase a uniform for my child?
A:  The registration fee includes a yellow or blue t-shirt for U5/U6 and a reversable vest for U7/U8.  Shirts will be handed out at the first weekend session for each age group.  If you are unable to attend that session, please contact [email protected] to arrange pickup at the next week.  


Q:  What will the weekend sessions look like for U7/U8?
A:  A schedule for the season will be sent out in late August.  Once the players arrive for their scheduled weekend session, the trainers will assign them to a team for the day.  The fields will be set up to play multiple games at the same time (4 games for 4v4 and 5v5 and 2 games for 7v7).  Players may be rotated between teams during the session.  


Q:  What are the MNJYSA festivals?
A:  MNJYSA (Mid NJ Youth Soccer Association) will be hosting 5 festivals for U8 players.  The festivals allow players to play teams from neighboring towns, and to provide a challenging, enjoyable and rewarding experience for players
in a 4v4 format. The program focuses on the overall enjoyment of the game rather than competition.  This 4v4 format will allow players to maximize their engagement with more touches on the ball, leading to improved game intelligence.  Players will play 3 15min games per festival.

Dates and hosting sites -
● 9/30 - Cranford, Bloomingdale Ave School, 200 Bloomingdale Ave, Cranford, NJ
● 10/7 - Princeton, Stuart Country Day School, 1200 Stuart Rd, Princeton, NJ
● 10/14 - Piscataway, Green Acres Soccer Complex, 445 Sidney Road, Piscataway, NJ
● 10/21 - Cranford, Bloomingdale Ave School, 200 Bloomingdale Ave, Cranford, NJ
● 10/28 - Piscataway, Green Acres Soccer Complex, 445 Sidney Road, Piscataway, NJ


Q:  Will there be an opportunity to learn more about the changes to the Rec Program?
A:  An information session was held on 8/2/23; presentation can be found here:    cranford soccer club rec ic overview - fall 2023.pdf

If you have additional question, please reach out  to:  [email protected]