From Cougar Soccer Club:
After a summer spent watching the world’s best players compete on soccer’s biggest stage, many local children are eager to get on the field themselves. Registration is now open for Cougar Soccer Club’s Fall 2026 Academy Program for Pre-K 3 through 2nd grade players, where children of all experience levels can learn and grow through training led by professional soccer trainers.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Academy soccer is that it is only for highly experienced players. In reality, Cougar Soccer Club’s Academy welcomes children with a wide range of soccer backgrounds and experience levels.
The Academy is designed to help young players develop age-appropriate soccer skills in a fun and encouraging environment. Some players join having never played organized soccer before, while others arrive with several seasons of experience. The program is built to meet players where they are, helping every child develop skills, confidence, friendships, and a love of the game.
Every Academy session is led by professional soccer trainers who specialize in youth player development. Through age-appropriate training activities and small-sided games, players learn fundamental soccer skills such as dribbling, passing, receiving, movement, and teamwork while building confidence and having fun.
For children inspired by this summer’s World Cup, the Academy offers a chance to experience the excitement of the game firsthand. For returning players, it provides an opportunity to continue developing their skills and deepen their understanding of soccer in an engaging and supportive environment.
“Our goal is to create an environment where every player can learn, improve, and enjoy the game,” said Mike Connolly, Cougar Soccer Club president. “Whether a child is new to soccer or has been playing for years, we want them to feel supported, challenged, and excited to come to the field each week.”
Beyond the field, Cougar Soccer Club is deeply rooted in the local community. The club is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors made up of local parents and community members. This volunteer leadership helps ensure that the club remains focused on providing high-quality, accessible soccer opportunities for area families.
The combination of professional training and community-based leadership has helped make Cougar Soccer Club a trusted part of youth sports in Maplewood, South Orange, and surrounding communities since 1965. The club’s mission is simple: create a positive environment where children can learn the game, make friends, stay active, and develop a lifelong love of soccer.
Registration for Fall 2026 is now open. Families with children in Pre-K 3 through 2nd grade interested in learning more about the Academy Program can visit the Cougar Soccer Club Academy registration page.
