Soccer season has arrived for 50 Andover first through sixth graders. They are lacing up their cleats and headed out to Howard George Field at Blackwater Park. The first games begin the week of September 2.

This year, Andover will field four teams. Michelle Dudek will be coaching the first and second graders for the second year. She has quite a crew returning this year, as they work on their ball handling skills and basic rules of the game. She will practice with her players on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:30 AM starting on September 6. At the 1st and 2nd grade level, players practice and scrimmage in Andover and do not travel to other towns for interleague play.

Player grade three and up are required to wear shin guards, cleats, and a mouthguard. No jewelry is allowed to be worn during games.

The third and fourth graders will be coached by Heidi Murphy. Due to the number of players, the third and fourth grade team will be co-ed. Practices will be held on Wednesday nights, with games held on some Fridays and every Saturday. Heidi is hoping to work on dribbling, passing, receiving, and shooting the ball with her players, as well as basic team strategy.

When it comes to the fifth and sixth graders, we have two teams this year. The girls will be coached by Claudio Marcus, and the boys will be coached by Robert Koziol. Both of these coaches are veterans to soccer and have been around the Andover Soccer Recreation Program previously.

At this age, the level of competition increases, along with the field size. The team practices will be held on Mondays, with the boys playing games on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, while the girls hit the field on Thursdays at 5:30 PM. They also both have games on Saturdays through October 18.

Feel free to stop by the Howard George Field 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, visit MVSL.org. Here’s to a safe and enjoyable season!