When I grew up in the 1950's and 1960's, kids played a lot more unorganized than organized sports. Yeah, there were school sports like soccer and basketball plus club sports like Little League baseball and Pop Warner football. However, the vast majority of playtime was spent in someone's backyard or at the school yard totally unsupervised. It was great!!!
In the summer of 2003, I started a program called Sandlot Soccer Swim at the Manchester Parks and Rec.. Every Wednesday evening, kids (grades 3-8) show up at the MPR looking for a game. They pick their own teams; ref their own games, and have their own fun. Afterwards, everyone jumps into the Rec pool to cool off and socialize.
In my opinion, kids need sandlot ball as a part of their overall childhood development. The 4 unwritten rules of sandlot soccer swim shows why.
- Kids Rule– Kids are definitely in the hot seat making all the decisions.
- 100% Soccer – There are no drills, laps, or lecturing coaches. John Dewey (a 20th century native Vermont educator) made famous the concept of “learning by doing”. Kids learn soccer by playing the game. Is there any better way?
- Everybody Plays – There’s no waiting to get into the game. If there are too many players, a second game is started to accommodate all. We've never met a kid who prefers bench time over play time.
- Winning has new meaning- Without adults and league standings, victories are counted in new friends made and having fun. If a game is lopsided, the players usually adjust the teams to be fair. In other words, kids bring a proper balance and perspective to the game that has been lost for decades.
As a result of sandlot ball, kids are more comfortable with making decisions, socializing with new kids, and being independent. Without the pressure of organized ball, kids just kick back and have fun. Many kids say they prefer this format over anything else. Who can blame them.
Respectfully - Coach Houseman
Video Clip
Sandlot Soccer Swim 10thAnniversary Slideshow