
World Cup buzz may be dying down, but plenty of local kids are just getting started. Peninsula Soccer League (PSL) Director Ryan Carruth likes the international competition’s aftermath. “Within our organization, I’ve seen a lot of kids really on fire with soccer,” Carruth said. “Just having the opportunity to be around and watch the World Cup stimulates kids to play. It’s exciting for them. It’s hard to watch the World Cup and not have it evoke some kind of emotion.” Carruth helps bring soccer to Robb Field in Ocean Beach every week. PSL continues its 40-year tradition with the 2010 Fall League kicking off in mid-September, but time is nearly expired for players from 3 to 16 years old looking to join. Interested parties should contact PSL immediately. “We are still looking for kids in certain age groups, but we need to get those in as soon as possible,” Carruth said. PSL operates with the goal of providing recreational youth soccer for kids of all ages. “We are an organization that has a commitment to development, the right way, and establishing a culture within the community that is supportive of the kids without over emphasizing on winning,” Carruth said. PSL Under 8 and Under 10 teams play in-house, against other league teams. The Under 12 and Under 14 teams compete against teams from Pacific Beach, Coronado, Mira Mesa and La Jolla. For the youngest of soccer stars, Albion Juniors (formally known as PSL Micros) play in-house in a non-competitive setting. Players 3 to 7 years old will be placed in the Albion Juniors program, under the leadership of director Chris Cesa. “We keep development in mind, and we have a unique culture within our families and community. Our sidelines are very positive and encouraging compared to some youth soccer,” Carruth said. “I think it’s because we put a lot of energy into coaching and parent education. In terms of a place for kids to get started in soccer, I think it’s one of the best places around.” Albion SC competitive soccer club also falls under the organization’s umbrella. “The big advantage of our organization is that we have Albion, one of the best competitive clubs in Southern California.” Carruth said. “And then we have Peninsula Soccer working side-by-side. We have both avenues, which is important.” Both Albion and PSL strive to be a top-to-bottom organization. In addition to his PSL director role, Carruth is an Albion coach and works in the capacity of a college guidance counselor for high school aged players — building a school list, understanding the college admission and recruiting process, communicating with college coaches and more. For more information on registration, contact Carruth at (858) 334-9558, or e-mail PSLDirector@peninsulasocc er.org. For more information, visit www.albionsoccer.org.
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