New Soccer League Arrives In Detroit For Fall Play
DETROIT (WWJ) - The city of Detroit has a new soccer league. And as WWJ's Stephanie Davis reports, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan was on hand for the launch of the new Goal Detroit the city-wide soccer league for elementary students.
A former soccer coach himself, Duggan was a natural on the field with the kids Thursday at Henry Ford Academy.
"Soccer has lots of things you can do ... if you ask them what was the best part - do you know what they'd tell you? They would tell you the friends they made, that they played with, that are friends for the rest of their lives
Duggan said soccer is important , "and this is just a step in the right direction. Seven hundred kids that we'll have playing this fall - hope it's over a thousand by the spring and I hope we continue to add to these kinds of recreation opportunities because this is what the city should be doing."
Opening day is September 27 and games will be played at four city parks including Coleman Young and Farwell parks.
The new league is in partnership with PAL (Police Athletic League) which will manage the league of 44 teams.
Goal Detroit soccer league is open to all public, private and charter elementary schools.
How do students register?
Students and coaches can register by contacting the Detroit PAL Office at 313-833-1600, Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or email Shay Lewis at slewis@detroitpal.org.
What PAL will provide:
• Half the cost of registration fees
• Transportation
• Uniforms (Jersey, Shorts & Socks)
• Coaches Training
• Shin Guards
• Player Clinic
• Equipment (balls, ball bags, cones)
• Game Day Playing Fields
• Soccer goals & maintenance
• Awards and Trophies
• Referees
Individuals who commit to serving as a team coach for the season will receive a $500 stipend through the Mayor's office.
What schools will need to provide:
• Team manager to serve as a contact person (this can also be the coach)
• Practice Space
• Coach
• Registration fee for team (The Mayor's Office pays half of the registration fee)
$250 for 1st& 2nd Grade teams – You only pay $125
$350 for 3rd& 4th Grade teams – You only pay $175
$350 for 5th Grade teams – You only pay $175
The results of the league games will be posted on the City of Detroit website.
