Celebrating a Successful Year: Our 2023/2024 Developmental Program

What an incredible year it has been for our 2023/2024 Developmental Program!

As the season came to a close last Friday, we reflect on the remarkable journey of our young soccer players. The final games were followed by a lively post-season party, where players and families celebrated the achievements of the season, enjoying games, food, and fun on the field.

The heart of our Developmental Program lies in providing a nurturing environment for brand-new soccer players. Our players, aged 5 to 13, are grouped based on their age and skill levels. This ensures that each child receives tailored coaching and support. Our coaches play a pivotal role in shaping young talents. They lead small groups, fostering skill development through fun drills and mini-games. The emphasis is on building a solid foundation and a genuine love for the game. On Fridays, intra-club games allow players to express themselves freely. With minimal coaching during games, they learn to enjoy soccer in their own way without unnecessary pressure.

While our games may be “lightly coached,” our coaches are anything but light on knowledge. They bring a wealth of experience and dedication to the field. Many of our coaches have competitive soccer backgrounds, having played in our Academy Programs or at the college level. Some have dedicated decades to coaching kids and sharing their passion and expertise.

This month, we spotlight two exceptional coaches from Apopka: Coach Avery (left) and Coach Heidi (right). 

Coach Avery took charge of our oldest group of beginners this season. With a competitive background in the Elite Club National League, she joined Central Florida Soccer Club as a coach three years ago. Her journey with soccer began at the age of four, and she has shared her contagious passion for the game with her players. For Coach Avery, it’s not just about winning; it’s about ensuring that her kids truly enjoy the process. Soccer, with its highs and lows, teaches valuable life lessons, and she instills this perspective in her young players.

On the other side of the field, Coach Heidi led the 10- and 11-year-olds. A former academy player for Central Florida SC and a soccer player since the age of nine, Coach Heidi is now pursuing her AA in business management. Despite her busy schedule, she continues to play indoor soccer and invests her coaching expertise in our kids. For the past two years, she has encouraged her players to work hard while remaining humble. Coach Heidi believes success should speak for itself, and this philosophy has paid off. Her players’ growth skyrocketed this year, and on game days, their parents cheered the loudest from the sidelines.

Although we are a soccer club, we believe soccer is more than just a sport. It’s a platform for life lessons. Coaches Avery and Heidi exemplify this ethos by teaching skills on the field that extend beyond the game. And it doesn’t stop there—our players actively contribute to the community through fundraisers and food drives. This year, our players rallied together, raising tens of thousands of dollars to support those in need. As we celebrate their dedication and the impact they’ve made, we look forward to more seasons of growth, camaraderie, and soccer magic!

This season may be over, but we’re already registering kids for the next season! The season runs from Fall ‘24 through Spring ‘25. More details about our developmental program can be found by clicking here. If you’re interested in a more advanced program, we offer a Bridge program—for kids who are no longer beginners but may not be ready for Competitive Soccer, as well as Competitive and Academy Programs. Our Indoor Futsal League is also upcoming. You can learn all about our programs on our website. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be notified of all upcoming programs and events and see highlights of our club. If you have any questions about our programs, we can be reached by email at Info@CentralFloridaSC.com or by phone at 407-613-2426.