Grand Rapids Public Schools

GRPS Athletics Bringing Soccer to Elementary Students

The Grand Rapids Public Schools Athletics Department announced a new addition to their elementary sports program. Beginning this fall, students in 3rd through 5th grade will be able to participate in a developmental soccer program aimed at providing an opportunity for students to be introduced to the skills of the game of soccer. This will provide students with a new opportunity to stay physically fit while building confidence, teamwork, and soccer skills through a fun sport environment.

To achieve these goals, the program has been built to maximize the number of touches each player has on the ball. By creating this type of environment, each player has the maximum opportunity for skill growth and success. GRPS has committed to having more soccer balls at practice and a very low player to coach ratio of no more than 12 to 1. In addition to the number of balls and the low coach to player ratio, GRPS has chosen a specific set of game formats. Each Saturday, teams of four will play several 5 minute games on small fields allowing for maximum opportunities for each player to actively participate with the soccer ball. Games will be played in multiple formats, which have been specifically designed to test the players in different ways.

Practice begins the week of September 17th. The first games will be played on September 29th. The season ends November 3rd.

As with all athletics programs, GRPS relies heavily on a volunteer staff, which will be trained to be highly qualified to coach the students. If you have any experience playing or coaching soccer and are willing to learn and teach the world class methods this program upholds, please visit the GRPS athletics web page at www.grps.org/athletics to register as a volunteer.

For more information visit www.grps.org/athletics or contact athletics@grps.org or 616.819.2010.