Move over baseball, football and basketball, soccer is making its way into the hearts of youngsters all over the Pinecrest area.

These are the campers and coaches of the first ever South Dade YMCA Soccer Camp held at Coral Pine Park in Pinecrest.

With an overwhelming interest in the game of soccer, the YMCA of Pinecrest has expanded its programs and now offers clinics, camps and leagues. In charge of this task is Steve Butler a local Westminster graduate.

“We are expanding our horizons and accommodating the gross influx of interest in soccer in the Pinecrest area,” Steve Butler said.  Accommodating indeed, the soccer program has expanded to over 50 teams just in the Pinecrest area alone.

Looking for competitive play, the YMCA is offering its first annual five-on-five Christmas classic. Teams will consist of eight players and are guaranteed three games. Players must be between the ages of 4 1/2  to 14 and birth certificates or player ID cards are required. Age brackets are set up from ages 6 and under, 8 and under, 10 and under, 12 and under, and 14 and under. The tournament will take place on Dec. 18 and 19, with the deadline to register on Dec. 10. The cost is $80 per team.

“Basically we are offering a more challenging experience to the kids by allowing teams to come in together,” Butler said.

All kids will receive a water bottle, T-shirt and a holiday gift bag.

Swaying away from the intense competitive atmosphere, the YMCA offers League play.  An eight-game season allows youngsters to play the game of soccer for fun. The format gives kids game experience, without stressing winning and loosing.

“The environment is not a must win for the kids, so in the long run the kids get a better overall experience,” Butler said.

Scores are not kept for kids in pre-kindergarten to second grade, and the game is broken down into quarters to make sure youngsters get equal playing time.

Third graders on up play a little more challenging soccer, where score is kept and most coaches are licensed. Still winning is not stressed, although, a  lot more emphasis is placed on competitive play.

A jamboree is thrown at the end of the season and a picnic is given to all the players and families with trophies being awarded to every player.

Registration begins in mid December, and league play begins in early January. The fee is $95 for non-members and $75 for members.

A youngster looking to increase his fundamentals, build his skill, and learn from university coaches, United States Federation licensed coaches, and former pro soccer coaches, can sign up for the Soccer Instructional Camp.

The camp will take place on Dec. 20-24, at Coral Pine Park. The cost will be $75 for half day campers and $125 for full day campers. Camp begins at 9 a.m. and for half day campers runs until noon. For full day participants, camp runs until 3 p.m.  Campers should bring soccer equipment, such as, a ball and chin guards.

Lunch is not provided, so a bag lunch is a must, along with plenty of water. Depending on the interest level, a second week may be offered. Enrollment is limited.

“As soccer continues to grow in the Pinecrest area so will the programs offered through the YMCA. Kids will definitely get opportunities here that they may not get else where” Butler said.

If you’re looking for competitive play, league play, or just to have fun while learning the fundamentals of soccer, then the YMCA has the programs for you.

For more information, contact Steve Butler at 305-254-0310.