Millenium Soccer Club brings affordable access to youth soccer to Warner Park

By Dave Link, Eastside News

In an effort to make soccer accessible and affordable to elementary-age youth on Madison’s east and north sides, Millenium Soccer Club began offering play at Warner Park next to the community center building last fall and will again this spring starting April 26. Sessions take place Saturday mornings form 9:30-11 a.m.

The club began operations in 2001, mainly on Madison’s west and south sides. Its neighborhood-based programs focus primarily on providing basic instruction in the fundamentals of soccer along with giving participants an opportunity to have fun playing the game where cost is not a barrier. Fees are $15 for the fall/spring season. The cost for just the spring season is $7. Club president Haley Brisky said no child is turned away because their parents can’t pay, and scholarships are available. In fact, just under 50% of club members asked for a scholarship.

“Our goal is to remove any barriers so all youth have access to playing soccer,” Brisky said.

The decision to expand into Warner Park was made in part because of its ease of access by a large number of youths, as well as its community feel and park safety.

Helping foster Millenium’s Warner Park presence is former East High girls’ soccer coach Maggie Strader. Strader, Millenium’s vice president, used her connections as soccer coach and a teacher in east side schools to help the club expand.

For the 2023-24 season, Millenium reported 380 players, of which over 50% identified as Hispanic or Latino. The Warner location provides these families with another option for soccer.

“Soccer plays a huge role in so many people’s lives, especially in the international community,” Millenium President Haley Brisky said. “It’s special to the international parents to bring their kids out; it’s a great way to have that family connection.”

Coaches of Millenium’s squads are volunteers, and the club is always looking for more. High school soccer players are encouraged to volunteer. Saturday sessions involve skills and drills on a small-size field followed by a scrimmage.

For more information or to register for the spring season, visit millenniumsoccerclub.org.