Soccer season has arrived for 60 Andover kindergarten through sixth graders. They are lacing up their cleats and headed out to the Howard George Field at Blackwater Park. The first games begin the week of September 5.
This year, Andover will field four teams. Lindsey and Scott Allenby will be coaching both the kindergarten team and the first and second graders for the second year. They will be assisted by first-time coaches Abigail Webster and Peter Hattan. They have quite a crew returning this year as they work on their ball-handling skills and basic rules of the game.
They will practice with their players on Saturdays. The kindergarten group will work from 8 to 9 AM, while the first and second graders will practice from 9 to 10 AM, with the first practice on Saturday, September 10. At the first and second grade level, players practice and scrimmage in Andover and do not travel to other towns for interleague play.
Players in grades three and higher are required to wear shin guards, cleats, and a mouth guard. No jewelry is allowed to be worn during games.
The third and fourth graders will be coached by Michelle Dudek and Heidi Murphy. Due to the number of players, we will be able to host two third/fourth grade teams. Practices will be held on Wednesday nights, with games held on some Fridays and every Saturday. Michelle and Heidi would like to work on passing, receiving, and shooting the ball with their players as well as basic team strategy.
Due to a shortage of both boys and girls in the fifth and sixth grades, we only can field one co-ed team, coached by Dan Mori and Phil Hackmann. At this age, the level of competition increases, along with the field size. The fifth/sixth grade team games are held Tuesdays at 5:30 PM and on Saturdays at noon.
Feel free to stop by the Howard George Field at Blackwater Park during a game to cheer on the young players. It is the policy of the Merrimack Valley Soccer League to always keep the games positive and encouraging for the young players. For more information regarding the Andover schedule, visit MVSL.org. Here’s to a safe and enjoyable season!