By Charley Kale – Kale Creatives
At the Soccer Association of Boca Raton (SABR), we offer a supportive, fun-first environment through our youth recreational soccer program. As the largest soccer club in Florida affiliated with the US Soccer Federation, our mission is to help every child grow both on and off the field.
Team Structure and Age Groups
Our rec program is built to meet kids where they’re at—on the field and off. We group teams by birth year so everything feels fair and age-appropriate.
For players ages 5 to 8, we focus on small teams (4v4 or 5v5), more ball time, and building a love for the game. No scores, no pressure—just fun, movement, and growing confidence. Everyone gets a trophy!
Ages 9 and up move to bigger teams (7v7 or 9v9 or 11v11). They’re introduced to real soccer positions, season standings, and trophies for the top two teams. It’s a little more competitive, but still centered on teamwork, progress, and enjoying the game.
SABR builds skills through age-appropriate soccer drills and gives kids room to grow, one practice at a time.
Match Length and Practice Schedule
Game length grows with the kids. The youngest teams, ages 5 to 8, play quick, low-pressure matches, usually around 20-minute halves. As players get older, ages 9 and up, the games stretch out, eventually reaching the full matches you’d see at the high school level!
Most games happen once a weekend—Friday, Saturday, or Sunday—but every now and then a team might have a makeup game midweek or a doubleheader during playoffs like the Tom Cherubin Cup.
Teams practice once a week. The day and time depend on the coach and what field space is available, as well as the age of the youth soccer player. Practices are run by volunteer coaches, often parents, who get support and resources from Soccer Association of Boca Raton to help keep things fun, focused, and age-appropriate.
Life Lessons and Community Beyond The Field
At SABR, we care just as much about who your kid is off the field as on it. Through youth recreational soccer, kids learn more than just passing or scoring—they’re building teamwork, confidence, and learning to be part of something bigger.
This isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about giving kids a place to move, make friends, and grow—without all the stress. And honestly, what’s better than just running around and kicking a ball with your besties?
Whether you’re just starting your search for a local soccer league, curious how many kids play on a team, or looking for a program that feels right—SABR is here. We’re all about the community that comes along with soccer.
