Recreational leagues and age groups

The recreation league runs in four divisions: 3–4 year olds, 5–6 year olds, 7–9 year olds, and 9–12 year olds. Each division meets at its own scheduled time on Saturday mornings. Instruction comes through fun games and a progressive curriculum meant to challenge every player at an appropriate level.

Younger groups from ages 3 through 9 play modified scrimmages designed to maximize touches and success. In the 9–12 bracket, players move into competitive games against other teams within the same age band. Spring and Fall seasons each run seven weeks, with exact start and end dates set before registration opens based on weather and field availability.

Weekly session format

Practice and games are combined into a single Saturday session—there are no midweek practices. Players arrive at the time assigned to their age group and return to the same field each week. Sessions typically include about thirty minutes of skills-focused training, a short drink break, and roughly fifteen minutes of scrimmage play.

Scheduled session windows are: 3–4 year olds from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. (45 minutes); 5–6 year olds from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. (45 minutes); 7–9 year olds from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (one hour); and 9–12 year olds from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (one hour).

TOPSoccer inclusion program

SCSC also runs TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer), a US Youth Soccer community program for young athletes with mental or physical disabilities. Introduced locally in 2016, TOPSoccer sessions use adapted activities so every participant can learn and play at their own pace. TOPSoccer meets Saturdays from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m. (30 minutes) and is offered free of charge, including a club jersey, insurance, and six weeks of instruction with volunteer buddies.

Where families play

League sessions are held on the Bermuda grass practice fields behind Clayton Intermediate School at 86 Sorrento Drive, Clayton, DE 19938. The club partners with the Smyrna School District for field access and has previously used North Smyrna Elementary and Smyrna High School when needed. On-site parking and restrooms are available at the current site.

Registration and what to expect on day one

Families register online through the club’s Stack Sports registration system. New recreational players must complete a youth player form and bring it on the first Saturday of the season. Team assignments and field locations are confirmed at check-in on opening day, when players also receive a ball and t-shirt. Online credit-card payment is preferred; check or cash payments are collected only on the first Saturday—do not mail payments.

For Spring 2026, the season runs April 11 through May 23 with registration open through April 1. The club emphasizes keeping costs affordable and does not require purchased uniform packages beyond basic safety gear such as shin guards and cleats, which families can find at general retailers.

Coaching philosophy and community roots

SCSC was built to increase the number of children and volunteer coaches involved in soccer across the Smyrna–Clayton area. The club invests in coach education through handbooks, practice plans, and ongoing staff support so parent volunteers can lead teams even without prior coaching experience. Assistant coaches, team managers, and junior coaches from middle or high school are welcome.

How to reach the club

General correspondence goes to PO Box 893, Clayton, DE 19938. Email info@smyrnaclaytonsoccer.org for registration questions. Club leadership includes President Bill Schultz, Club Director Ryan Buchanan, and Director of Coaching Candace Wright. Follow field-status updates and weather cancellations through the club’s text-notification sign-up, league-wide email, Facebook, and the live field-status indicator for Clayton Intermediate School.