Dave Pepper never played soccer as a kid.
When his daughter Emily began playing at four years old, Pepper did not know much about the sport. This did not stop him from trying to coach his daughter.
“The (Centre County Soccer Association) was my first experience with soccer,” said Pepper, 47, of State College. “I have coached nine years since then. At one point I was playing and coaching all three children (in the association.)”
Pepper has three children, Emily, 14, Eric, 12, and Zach, 10, all who have all played in the Centre County Soccer Association. Though he has not yet registered, Pepper and his two sons plan to play again in the spring.
Registration is ongoing for soccer, which includes leagues for an age range of four years old to adults.
The two remaining registration date are:
1) Saturday, Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Mount Nittany Middle School
2) Monday Feb. 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Park Forest Middle School
Those who have played Centre Soccer before may print a registration form online and fill it out on their own. Printed forms still have to be dropped off at the above times, but can be requested through e-mail at the following link.
“You need to come out and register,” said program director Sue Matalavage. “(The soccer leagues) usually end up being a big deal for most people.”
The Centre Soccer Association spring program is split up into two types of leagues, “in-house leagues” which are open to everyone and “travel and classic leagues” which require tryouts.
“All leagues are great exercise for the kids,” said Matalavage. “Both adults and kids get to meet people from all over State College.”
The “in-house” leagues are as follows:
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“In-house” co-ed, ages 4 to 8
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“In-house” girls, ages 6 to 18
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Intermediate League co-ed, ages 8 to 14
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U15-18 Pickup Leagues, ages 15 to 18
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Adult Leagues, ages 18 and up
“We do not have tryouts for the Intermediate League,” said Matalavage. “But you have had to play organized soccer before and need to understand the rules and basic concepts of soccer.”
Matalavage suggest that anyone interested in playing or coaching come out and try the league. Pepper, a league veteran, suggests doing both.
“Coaching forces me to leave work and get out with my kids,” said Pepper. “It is easy to play and with your kids, no matter what your age is.”
