Indoor, youth soccer competition came to Union City High School on Sunday. Futsal Friendlies featured the Union City Soccer Club hosting the Cedar Stars Academy of South Hackensack, as a new partnership was born.
The new relationship features boys and girls competing indoors on a smaller playing surface with a smaller, weighted ball, allowing players aged 9 to 12 to develop their foot skills without having the soccer ball bounce.
The goal is for Union City to create a Futsal League for winter play, with more and more soccer academies from around the area joining, creating more competition and training for the young players.
During Sunday’s event, two games per age group were played simultaneously. A large crowd was in attendance at the free event, with family members on hand to cheer on their sons and daughters. The program has the full support of the Union City Board of Education, Mayor Brian Stack and the Board of Commissioners.
Several, former international soccer players received citations from the city and Senator Stack’s legislative office.
It was the beginning of a relationship which Union City hopes grows by leaps and bounds.