By Katie Aponte

Our town’s youth soccer program is thriving like never before, with enrollment numbers steadily climbing across all age groups. Since Fall 2022, overall participation has grown by more than 50%, reflecting the community’s passion for youth sports and the dedication of our volunteer coaches and organizers.

The boys’ program has seen particularly strong growth, with enrollment increasing from 96 players in 2022 to 146 in 2025—a 52% rise. The largest jump is in the Grades 3–4 division, which grew by 87%, adding 32 new players. Middle school boys also showed solid increases, with the Grades 7–8 group growing by 50%.

The girls’ program is also expanding steadily, with a 25% increase in enrollment from 69 players in 2022 to 92 in 2025. The Grades 5–6 girls division led this growth, increasing by 43%. While the youngest girls’ division peaked in 2023 and slightly declined, it remains strong, and the middle school group shows some variability but continues to engage players.

This exciting expansion brings new opportunities and challenges, including the need for more coaches, additional field space, and thoughtful scheduling to ensure every child has a chance to play and grow. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, fun, and supportive environment where all players can develop their skills, build friendships, and enjoy the beautiful game.

Our soccer program’s remarkable growth brings exciting opportunities and new challenges, including the need for more coaches and additional field space. We are committed to fostering a fun, inclusive environment where every child can play, develop their skills, and build lasting friendships. To keep our soccer program thriving as a vibrant cornerstone of youth sports in our town, we invite families and community members to join us—whether as coaches, volunteers, or supporters. If you’d like to help sustain this positive momentum, please contact recreation@shirley-ma.gov.