Shakopee Soccer Association Testimonial Member Catherine Maya

SUMMARY: Catherine Maya shares her family's enriching eight-year journey with the Shakopee Soccer Association, highlighting its diverse programs that cater to all ages, from toddlers to competitive high school players. Beyond the game, Catherine values the strong friendships and personal growth her children have experienced, attributing their development as players, teammates, and leaders to the club's year-round training and supportive environment. Ultimately, Catherine highly recommends the Shakopee Soccer Club for its rewarding experiences, professional coaching, organized board, and significant value, emphasizing its ability to provide opportunities for every skill level and foster player advancement.

Shakopee Soccer Association Testimonial Featuring Member Catherine Maya

Read more about a member's experience at Shakopee Soccer Association, a soccer club in Minnesota.

How long have you been a part of Shakopee Soccer Association? What attracted you to the club?

My family has been a part of the Shakopee Soccer Association (SSA) for the last eight years. And what initially drew us to the club is just that there's an opportunity to play for anyone really at any different level, whether it's the toddler program for two and three year olds or the rec program that's for kids in preschool through middle school or the competitive league that will take you from elementary school through high school and beyond, there really is an opportunity for anyone to play and develop at SSA.

What has been your favorite experience at Shakopee Soccer Association?

It is honestly really hard to pick just one singular favorite experience that we have had through SSA. I would say that participating in the USA Cup would definitely be a highlight. That tournament is a really incredible experience, and seeing what a global unifier soccer really is firsthand is a really unique opportunity.

I would also say that year after year, we always look forward to doing the Shakopee Cup. That is hands down our favorite local tournament. It's really well organized. It's a lot of fun. It's a really good one to invite family and friends to, and we're really fortunate that it's just right here at home.

And beyond experiences playing soccer, I would have to say that the community that SSA has and the friendships that my family has been able to create through the club have been really wonderful. My kids have all made really good friends through their teams and the different camps and trainings that they've been able to participate in, and seeing their growth both as players, teammates, and individuals has probably been the best part of participating in Shakopee Soccer.

How has the club impacted your son/daughter? Share an example

Shakopee Soccer has had a positive impact on all three of our kids who have played for the club by giving them the opportunity to train all year long. Not only are they able to be physically active, but they're also learning how to set goals for themselves. They're learning how to be good teammates on and off the field. They're learning how to be good leaders and good communicators, and also how to deal with disappointments and setbacks. And the club also gives them an outlet to be social, and they've all formed really strong friendships on their teams.

What do you like about the facilities used by Shakopee Soccer?

SSA has really nice facilities for all of their different trainings and programs. In the spring, summer, and fall, we're very fortunate to have the Seventeenth Avenue Sport Complex that has some of the nicest, if not the nicest, fields that I have seen anywhere across the metro. It's honestly so well-maintained. It's very green. The complex itself has really nice amenities like the concession stand and spacious parking lot. It's a good-sized area, but it's not so big that you can't find where you need to go.

In the winter, we're able to utilize the different gyms in the schools across town for futsal training. And I know the club is actively working toward the goal of getting a dome in the future, but in the meantime, we're able to utilize facilities nearby for winter training, and that has also worked really well.

Would you recommend Shakopee Soccer to a friend or colleague? Why?

I have recommended the Shakopee Soccer Association many times in the past and absolutely will continue to do so in the future because it has been such a rewarding experience for my family to be part of the club. I have also seen firsthand that there is something for everyone here, whether you are the parent of a two-year-old and you're looking for a first-time sports experience in the toddler program, or you have an athlete playing at the highest level on the competitive side, there is something for anyone.

I have also seen how dedicated and professional the coaching staff is. All of them have very impressive resumes and are very talented in their own right. The board works very hard to make sure that the club runs smoothly and is well-organized. And, overall, the value of what you get at SSA is a really good deal, and the level of training and the opportunities here to advance to whatever level it is that your player is looking for, you can find that here at Shakopee Soccer.

Learn more about Shakopee Soccer