Springfield Area Soccer Association logo

Springfield Area Soccer Association

Springfield, Illinois

About

Springfield Area Soccer Association (SASA) is a nonprofit youth and adult soccer organization serving the Springfield, Illinois area. Programming spans introductory and recreational pathways, a Youth Academy for extra training with limited travel, the long-running SASA Spirits competitive program, adult league nights, tournament hosting, and add-ons such as indoor seasons and athlete performance support.

Programs and pathways

The recreational league emphasizes education, technical growth, and sportsmanship for players, coaches, and parents. Outdoor blocks typically run in spring, summer, and fall, with two indoor winter sessions that are games-only (no team practices) at an indoor facility in Springfield. Outdoor recreational play uses one weekday practice set by the coach and Saturday morning games. The Youth Academy targets recreational or newer players from about U4 through U12 who want staff-led training and Friday match play with limited travel; roster spots and mid-season adds are coordinated with the Director of Coaching. SASA Spirits competitive soccer, led by the Director of Coaching, serves U7 through U19 with training, league play, and tournaments across summer, fall, and spring, plus optional winter indoor blocks, camps, and a high school initiative. SASA also partners with Peoria FC United and FCCI for Central Illinois United elite regional training and competition. Sangamon Soccer League offers adult 10v10 play at the SASA complex. TOPSoccer (USYS) has a program director families can call for availability when registration opens.

Facilities and venues

Primary outdoor home is the SASA Soccer Complex at 4521 S. 11th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703 (west side of the University of Illinois Springfield area). The complex hosts IYSA-sanctioned tournaments, SLYSA league play, recreational league games, and other club events. Dogs are not allowed at the SASA complex. Winter recreational indoor games use Soccer World at 2700 W. Lawrence Avenue, Springfield (Chateau Village). SCHEELS Sports Park at 3751 Imagineer Drive, Springfield, is also used for club activities and field rentals. Mailing address: P.O. Box 904, Springfield, IL 62705.

Philosophy and family support

The mission centers on a total, well-rounded, positive soccer experience with emphasis on player education, technical development, and sportsmanship, plus ongoing coach education. Recreational coaching relies on parent volunteers; the club points coaches toward Illinois Youth Soccer coaching education, US Youth Soccer–aligned practice plans, and support from experienced directors. Competitive families may use scholarship, multi-child discount, refund, and work-exchange programs the club maintains under its finance policies. Office support is available by appointment weekday afternoons.

Registration and practical next steps

Recreational and competitive families register through seasonal SportsEngine events as each block opens; spring outdoor windows, indoor blocks, and competitive player placement toward the end of spring shift year to year, so confirming dates for the active season avoids missing a deadline. Youth Academy interest starts with competitive tryout registration or, after tryouts, a conversation with the Director of Coaching to schedule a free training evaluation. Adult Sangamon Soccer League registration runs through the club’s SportsEngine form; the league provides jerseys. For recreational questions, call 217-371-0053 or email rec@sasasoccer.org.

Explore more teams

Compare Springfield Area Soccer Association with other youth soccer options in your area before making a decision. These directory links make it easier to review local clubs, broader Illinois programs, and nearby team options in one place.

Frequently asked questions

What ages and program levels does Springfield Area Soccer Association offer?Recreational league runs in outdoor and indoor seasons for community players without travel to other towns. Youth Academy focuses on about U4 through U12 recreational or newer players who want extra staff-led training and Friday games. SASA Spirits competitive soccer covers U7 through U19. Sangamon Soccer League is the adult league. TOPSoccer is offered under USYS with a program director families can contact for current registration status.

Where does SASA train and play?The main outdoor hub is the SASA Soccer Complex at 4521 S. 11th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703. Winter recreational indoor games are at Soccer World, 2700 W. Lawrence Avenue, Springfield. Adult SSL games use Field 15 at the SASA complex. SCHEELS Sports Park at 3751 Imagineer Drive is also referenced for club events and rentals. Dogs are not permitted at the SASA complex.

When are tryouts, player placement, or seasonal registration?Competitive player placement sessions are scheduled toward the end of spring before the summer-through-spring club cycle. Recreational outdoor and indoor seasons each have their own registration windows; spring outdoor dates and indoor blocks are announced per season (for example, recent spring outdoor play ran from April into May and a winter indoor block from January into March). Adult Sangamon Soccer League posts season dates as they are set. Confirm the open registration period for the season you want.

What does adult league registration cost?Sangamon Soccer League has used a $70 per-player fee with jerseys included; a 10 percent early-bird discount has been offered with a promo code announced at registration time.

What is SASA’s mission and coaching approach?SASA is built around a positive, well-rounded experience with emphasis on technical development, sportsmanship, and education for players and coaches. Recreational teams use volunteer coaches with club-supported training resources and curriculum guidance; competitive training sits under the Director of Coaching with league play, tournaments, and optional camps and indoor sessions.

How can families contact SASA or the recreational and competitive directors?General soccer operations and complex questions often go to the Director of Soccer Operations at 217-891-4486 (text available). Office hours are by appointment Monday through Thursday, 2:00–5:00 p.m. The recreational director is reachable at 217-371-0053 and rec@sasasoccer.org. The Director of Coaching and tournament director is at 217-761-8743. Mailing address: P.O. Box 904, Springfield, IL 62705. TOPSoccer families can call the Top Soccer director at 217-433-5475.

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