The Cranford Soccer Club (CSC) offers a wide variety of Soccer Programs which cater to all ages, abilities and interests. Some programs are based on birth year, while others based on grade level (this will be noted in the program detail below).
CSC’s Junior Recreational program offers a series of introductory soccer sessions aimed at children from U5 to U8 . The sessions are geared towards a fun soccer experience while introducing our most junior club members to the game of soccer and how it's played. These programs will provide a challenging, yet welcoming environment suitable for all players regardless of commitment, experience or ability. Upon completion of the Junior-Rec program, players will be ready to advance into the CSC Recreational or Travel programs.
The U5 / U6 programs are 1 hour of trainer led instruction per week with 2v2 & 3v3 sided games focused on encouraging development of motor skills and relationship with the ball.
The U7 program is 1 trainer lead training session per week with trainer lead games on the weekends. Training will be focused on continuing the development of ball and motor skills while introducing team play concepts. Match play will be on weekends and will be 4v4 to encourage touches on the ball and passing.
The U8 Rec Program 1 trainer lead training session per week with trainer lead games on the weekends. Training sessions will be focused on the technical aspects of the game while preparing for travel or intercountry. Match play will be on weekends and will 5v5 and 7v7.
The U8 Pre-Travel Program is for players who are looking to make a bigger commitment to soccer. The program consists of 2 trainer lead training session per week with trainer or parent lead games on the weekends. Training sessions will be focused on the technical aspects of the game while preparing for travel or intercountry. Match play will be on weekends and will 5v5 and 7v7 and will be a mix of in-town and travel games.
All players in CSC's Recreational program will be assigned a team - teams will have volunteer Coaches and Team Managers for the weekly games. Teams will have one professional training session per week - some coaches may hold a 'coach' practice in addition to the scheduled training sessions.
U9 - U12:
Game play is supported by a 'local play' arrangement with neighboring towns/programs embracing U.S. Soccer's recommended guidelines for youth soccer - all within a 20-minute drive from Cranford. Games are targeted to be played on weekends. Age groups are U10 & U12 for boys and girls (note that if enough teams available, ages may be broken-out by year (i.e. U9 and U10). Each age group may have multiple "flights" to group teams based on skill level, so matches are more evenly played during the season.
There are no team tryouts and all players receive significant playing time (target at least 50%).
U13 - High School:
Game play is supported by SYSL-NJ, a semi-competitive league with players competing against neighboring towns - all within a 30-minute drive from Cranford. Games are targeted to be played on weekends. Age groups are U13, U15 & HS for boys & girls. Each age group may have multiple "flights" wherein the League attempts to group teams based on skill level, so matches are more evenly played during the season. Player age-group eligibility (birthyear based) is strictly determined by the league's governing body (NJYS) & its affiliated leagues.
There are no team tryouts and all players receive significant playing time (target at least 50%).
Travel soccer is CSC’s most competitive soccer program. Formal tryouts are held when forming teams, and players are expected to participate in both the Fall and Spring seasons. Playing time is determined by the coach and games are usually played on Sundays against club teams across the state. Travel player age-group eligibility (birthyear based) is strictly determined by our governing body NJYS & its affiliated leagues (MNJYSA, EDP).
Additional programs & offerings may be introduced throughout the year based on demand and player needs.
Middle School
Middle School Soccer is a program for 7th and 8th graders and is a partnership between CSC and the Board of Education.
TOPSoccer
TOPSoccer is a community based training and team placement program for young athletes with special needs. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any child. The emphasis of this program is on development, training, and meaningful participation rather than on competition. The goal is to enable these athletes to develop their physical fitness, technical skills, courage, and self-esteem, through the joy and excitement of playing soccer.
The Program is available to any Cranford child ages 4 and up that has special needs. Each child will be teamed up with one to two TOPSoccer Buddies. These Buddies are volunteers (12 years and older) from the Cranford community. Buddies participate with TOPSoccer players to enable player participation.