Soccer Plus: Advancing the Game in Our Island Community

Advancing training for players. Essential support for coaches. Stronger soccer for our community.

Spring Session

March 2rd - May 13th (11-weeks)

Training Days

1st/2nd Grade COED
Tuesdays from 6-7pm (starting March 3rd, ending May 12th)
11-week program(1-day/week) is $135
Drop-in fee is $15

5th/6th Grade COED
Tuesdays from 7-8pm (starting March 3rd, ending May 12th)
11-week program(1-day/week) is $135
Drop-in fee is $15

3rd/4th Grade COED
Mondays and/or Wednesdays, 7-8pm (starting March 2nd or March 4th, ending May 11th or May 13th)
We’re offering a 1-day ($135) or 2-day ($235) a week training option for the 3rd/4th grade players ONLY. 
Drop-in fee is $15

Rec Plus is an advanced training program. Open to all players registered or not with the Rec Soccer program. Designed to support continued development and challenge the players in a more advanced training environment.

The sessions will be led by Lindsay Taylor and Kaitlyn Fitzsimmons. Both former Division I College Soccer Players.

The Skills Challenge

The Island Rec Center operates a fun-based Skills Challenge for our Rec Soccer players that provides participants with an opportunity to test their skills in a fun, competitive environment.

The Island Rec Center Skills Challenge is comprised of five simply structured challenges that measure technical ability in the following areas:

1. Dribbling
2. Turning
3. Receiving
4. Passing
5. Shooting

Click to view a written description and graphic of each challenge. The Island Rec Center strongly encourages all teams, coaches, parents, and players to download the challenges as part of their child’s ongoing individual development. Click to view the score card.

  • Rec Plus Soccer is an advanced training and development initiative from the Island Rec Center and Coach Lindsay Taylor, an A-Youth USSF License coach. Our mission is to provide local players with the opportunity to grow in a more fun and challenging environment while also supporting our volunteer coaches with the tools and education they need to succeed.

    We believe that by investing in our coaches, we strengthen the entire program. When coaches are supported, players benefit, and the whole community grows stronger together. 

  • Recreational soccer is the heartbeat of our community, but every team faces the challenge of different skill levels among players. Rec Plus was created to bridge this gap and prepare players for their next steps in their soccer journeys.

    - For players, it offers advanced training sessions led by professional coaches, designed to push them further and help them reach their potential.

    - For coaches, it provides structured resources and continuing education so they can confidently guide their teams and create positive, impactful soccer experiences.

    When coaches grow, players thrive.

Coaches Corner — A Hub for Volunteer Coaches

At the Island Rec Center, we are committed to pouring into our volunteer coaches. The Coaches Corner is your go-to resource bank for everything you need to run fun, effective, and educational training sessions.

Here, you’ll find:

- Training plans tailored for recreational players

- Session templates you can plug directly into practice

- Fun warm-up games and age-appropriate progressions

- Tips, articles, and videos

- Support to help you grow as a coach and leader

Visit the Coaches Corner Resource Bank

Fall Soccer Plus Season & Preseason – Parent FAQs

Soccer Plus is an advanced training and competition program designed for players who want more than recreational soccer but aren’t ready (or don’t want) the full club commitment. It serves as the bridge between rec and club soccer. The season ends with a soccer tournament November 7-8.

Do you have to tryout? YES. Register for the May 16th tryout here

2. How much does Soccer Plus cost?

The total cost for the Soccer Plus season is $450, covering August 8th through November 8th. Includes preseason camp, training sessions, uniforms, referee fees, and games/competitions. Soccer balls are not provided.

3. Is there a lower commitment option if we’re not ready for full competition?

Yes! We offer a Practice Player option (Development Track).

This includes:

  • All weekly training sessions

  • The same professional coaching environment

Best for players who:

  • Want to build confidence before competing

  • Have other commitments

  • Are still developing but ready for more structure

 Practice players do not participate in games or tournaments. Only a limited number of practice players will be available per age group.

4. How is Soccer Plus different from Rec Soccer?

  • Rec = 1 practice + 1 game/week, focus on fun and fundamentals

  • Soccer Plus = more training, professional coaching, higher-level environment

5. How is Soccer Plus different from club soccer?

  • No off-island travel for practices

  • More manageable schedule

  • Lower cost

  • Still high-quality coaching

 A club-like experience without the full club demands

6. Who is Soccer Plus for? Players who love soccer and want more touches, are motivated to improve and are ready for a more competitive environment.

7. Does my child have to try out? Yes. Tryouts help ensure proper player placement and balanced and competitive teams.

8. What age groups are offered? U8, U9/U10, U11/U12, U13/U14

9. How many days per week is Soccer Plus? 2 training sessions per week, including games and local competition opportunities.

10. Can my child still play Rec Soccer? Yes. Soccer Plus is designed to complement Rec Soccer, not replace it.

11. What kind of coaching will players receive?

  • Licensed, professional coaches

  • Structured, intentional training sessions

  • Focus on technical skills, decision-making, and game understanding

12. Will there be games? Yes, 5+ local games/friendlies and end-of-season tournament.

13. How much travel is required? Minimal. All of the training is on-island and limited off-island travel for games. 

14. What is the time commitment? More than rec, but less than club. It’s designed to be manageable for families.

15. What if my child is new to soccer? Soccer Plus is not for beginners. Players should have a foundation and be ready for a faster-paced environment.

16. How are teams selected? Based on: Skill level, Coachability, and Effort and attitude.

17. What are the benefits of Soccer Plus?

  • More touches on the ball

  • Better coaching

  • Increased confidence

  • Preparation for school and higher levels

18. Can Soccer Plus lead to club or school teams? Yes. It’s designed to prepare players for middle school, high school, and club opportunities.

19. Who is running Soccer Plus? Led by Lindsay Taylor (Technical Director), USSF A-Youth Licensed Coach, alongside Dana Powers (Director of Coaching), USSF C Licensed Coach, and other experienced and licensed staff.

20. What makes Soccer Plus unique?

  • Community-based (on-island)

  • Professional coaching

  • Flexible commitment options (including practice player track)

  • Clear development pathway

21. What happens if my child isn’t selected? They can continue in rec soccer and continue developing for future opportunities. Technical training sessions will be available during the fall for players that are looking for a professional training environment - these will be offered outside of the Soccer Plus team training sessions.

22. Will Soccer Plus continue to expand? Yes. We will evaluate the needs of the players and the program at the end of every season. The program will eventually grow into placing teams into SC Youth Soccer State league (11v11) and Carolinas Premier League (7v7 and 9v9 formats) or league equivalents.

Please reach out to Lindsay at lindsay.taylor@islandreccenter.org if you have any other questions.