Sports and Recreation

Soccer

Cape Fear Soccer Association
6726 Netherlands Dr. #700, Wilmington
 (910) 392-0306

With more than 347 teams and 4,200 players participating in several divisions, Cape Fear Soccer Association (CFSA) is the leading soccer organization in southeastern North Carolina and the second largest in the state. CFSA provides players (men, women, boys, and girls) with the opportunity to play soccer at their own level of competition. Emphasis is placed on the development of soccer skills, participation, sportsmanship and enjoyment of the game.

Youngsters ages 4 to 8 play non-competitively, while scores and standings are kept for teams 9 years and older. Boys and girls play separately from U7 through U18. Teams are divided into Recreational, Challenge and Classic youth leagues. The Challenge league is comprised of teams from throughout North Carolina's southeastern counties. The Wilmington-based teams train with professional coaches twice a week in a structured “pool training” program. Classic league is the most competitive level offered within the youth league. Teams train with professional coaches three times a week and travel throughout the state to compete in games and tournaments. Both Classic and Challenge leagues hold tryouts in May to determine teams. Recreational teams are formed based on neighborhoods. The association supplies jerseys, shorts and socks for all recreational players, while the player supplies shoes, shin guards and a ball. Registration takes place in May for the fall season and in December for the spring season.

Adults ages 19 to 50-plus participate in recreational and competitive amateur adult leagues. The most competitive is the A-Premier, which is open to male and female players who have had experience on high school, college and/or professional levels. Additionally, CFSA offers the A-Open for male and female players who desire to play in a less competitive setting, and A-Over 30, open to male and female players of all skill levels. The adult league division of CFSA is a member of the North Carolina Amateur Soccer Association. CFSA provides referees, player passes and facilities for matches.

The Recreational B Co-ed division invites players of all skill levels to play in a low-impact setting. Male players must be older than 35, females must be older than 18. Registration begins in December, and the season begins in February.

CFSA hosts three youth and two adult tournaments each year, with teams from throughout the state and region competing. The Hanover Cup, held in the spring, is the association's season-end tournament for U9 through U18. In summer 2005 and 2006, CFSA hosted the Veterans Cup, a national adult tournament that draws teams from across the U.S.

Top Soccer, a special-needs soccer league, is open to anyone who is physically or mentally challenged. Soccer is a sport that can be enjoyed by all participants, regardless of developmental level. The building of self esteem and confidence that result from being part of a team sport is especially beneficial to challenged individuals. They practice once a week and play on Sundays. Call for more information visit the website www.capefearsoccer.com.

  Oak Island Recreation Department
3003 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island
(910) 278-4747

Adult Soccer is a spring league for all interested men and women ages 18 and older. The season begins in April, and all games are played on the Oak Island Soccer Field at Middleton Park.

Onslow County Parks and Recreation
1244 Onslow Pines Rd., Jacksonville
(910) 347-5332

Onslow County Parks and Recreation hosts a adult soccer league for ages 30 and older that plays from February to May, and an adult women's soccer league (ages 18 and up) that plays from August to October. Games are seven-on-seven. Teams can register for $225 and $8 per player, unlimited roster. Games are played at Hubert Bypass Park in the town of Hubert, convenient to the northern reaches of this guide's coverage.

Soccer Stop
5725 Oleander Dr., Ste. B-5, Wilmington
(910) 792-1500

Soccer apparel, accessories, player gear and even some field equipment can all be found at Soccer Stop. They offer discounts for registered local league players and are an official ticket outlet for the Wilmington Hammerheads. The store is in the Oleander Oaks strip mall across from Bert's Surf Shop and is open Monday through Friday 11 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 1 to 5 PM.