We must never forget we are organizing soccer for kids. They must love to play in order to continue to play. If they have the talent to progress to a high level it should be encouraged as part of an overall growing up process. Soccer must be enjoyed. The game is everything. It should not be treated as a technical process without remembering why kids want to play in the first place. The operative word is PLAY. The wise in the soccer world preach copying the street soccer played in the past. Kids organised that themselves. Now young players have better facilities to enjoy. That should not come with the price of adults taking over all decision making. Kids must be encouraged to make good soccer decisions. They should not be afraid to fail as a path to learning. The beauty in soccer is creativity not being robotic. To prevent kids burning out allowing them to enjoy playing and being kids is what they want and respond to. Structuring can encourage freedom of expression if it is not always with the sole aim of constantly telling kids what to do and judging them on everything they do. This is the kids time to be kids and achieve their own dreams and not simply for coaches careers nor parents to push their dream. The kids youth can never be wound back.
Our aim is to provide a pathway to allow each kid to be as good as they can be. We want coaches and parents to enjoy that journey.
Our competitive soccer program has grown at an amazing rate. We have fielded Classic/Challenge teams annually since 2008/09 and have grown to over 20+ teams.
This has been a fantastic expansion in such a short time. Many of our teams are now proving to be equal to the best in the city of Charlotte. We are also competing well with the best in the STATE.
Our program is now recognized for helping develop very good players and well focused young kids. While it is very important to concentrate on individual player development, it is also pleasing to watch so many of our teams winning. A large number of players introduced to soccer at Strikers are now playing in College soccer programs.
It is great testimony to all the hard work over the years, of our programs, the coaches, and most of all the players. We appreciate the confidence shown in us, by our many returning players and their families. We WELCOME the new players who have decided to come join us. It does not get any better than watching the efforts of all these youngsters.
Our philosophy is to create a healthy environment that will inspire young players to learn the technical, physical and mental aspects of the game of soccer. Players are encouraged to develop the habits and attitudes of champions in an atmosphere where learning and enjoyment go hand-in-hand. In turn, players will attain the knowledge it takes to play at the highest level and cultivate a passion that lives beyond the playing of this wonderful sport.
We believe in individual development as well as grasping the concept of team play. Winning is not everything but we have been delighted by the marvelous achievements of our teams. Our teams are asked to win and lose with the same degree of respect for their opponents.
Our program was developed to provide local youth, in the North Charlotte and Lake Norman Area, a chance to play at the Challenge or Classic level with a very high professional level of coaching. And we WELCOME NEW PLAYERS who choose to come and join us.