When youngsters show up on an outdoor soccer field for the first time each year, they are often nervous or excited—and most importantly, looking to have fun.

And fun was certainly in evidence on a gorgeous day on May 12 when more than 400 boys and girls jumped onto the pitch at Crawford Green fields in Mississauga. The attraction was the beginning of the 2012 Erin Mills Soccer Club (EMSC) “Micro” and U5/U6 soccer program. The program is geared toward youngsters developing their basic physical literacy, along with getting a lot of touches on the ball—a huge part of their future soccer development.

To add to the excitement of “opening day”, the youngsters were thrilled to share the field with many members of the Mississauga Eagles Football Club (our MEFC pro team). MEFC is a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Canada’s longest-running professional soccer league. The MEFC team is affiliated with the Erin Mills Soccer Club, and many of the players on the professional MEFC squad played in their formative years in Mississauga—and specifically with Erin Mills. MEFC players enjoy giving back to their community, and that enjoyment was on display for all to see last Saturday.

Thomas Szczotka, Jose DeSousa, David James, Darragh Roe, Andrew Samuels, Christian Kusiewicz, Bryan Miranda and Joseph Filipic from MEFC’s First and Reserve Teams were among those working with the young future soccer stars. They conducted on-field sessions, shared tips and played alongside all the newcomers and returning players.

EMSC Mentor Coach John Moniz worked closely with the President of the Malton Soccer Club, George Jenkins, in delivering a great day for all. (Malton SC is an affiliate Club, and is a big part of the program’s ongoing success.) Long-time EMSC Technical Director Josef Komlodi was on hand, overseeing a great day.

The Micro and U5/U6 programs run through August 11. For more information on all of our Erin Mills Soccer Club programs, contact us at 905-820-9740.