According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children ages 8 to 18 spend, on average, 7.5 hours in front of a screen for entertainment each day, 4.5 of which are spent watching TV. For children ages 11 to 14, average screen time tops 9 hours a day. Over a year, that adds up to 136 full days.
At Alexandria Soccer we’re on a mission to reduce youth screen time with access to fun, safe, accessible soccer or futsal programming. The Aspen Institute reports that “active communities are healthier” and “active children are less obese.” Here are a few tips and opportunities to turn soccer time into fun family time this summer — meaning that kids are active and families spend time together, a win-win!
- Get out and play! We know that summer days can get steamy…. Can you fit in 20 minutes of passing, dribbling and shooting in the mornings or evenings. You don’t need a ton of space or even grass. Around the world kids play street soccer! Grab a ball and head outside before work with your kids! The top soccer players in the U.S. talk about all of the time they spent with a ball in their backyard or at a local park…. Just playing for fun.
- Watch soccer together — we live in a HOTBED of professional and high-level soccer teams. Some of these teams offer free or discounted games throughout the summer for youth fans — check out Washington Spirit, DC United, DC Power FC, Loudoun United, and our very own Alexandria Reds. Hot tip — some venues let you bring in your own food, perfect for a family picnic!
- Coach Rec Soccer — technically Rec League soccer kicks off in the fall, but you can get a jump start by registering today! The majority of volunteer Rec Coaches don’t have soccer coaching experience but are ready to jump in and learn! Our team at ASA provides equipment, coaching attire and weekly age-appropriate activities — and the coach gets to spend quality time outside with their child throughout the season.
- Attend a summer camp — while technically not a family event, we have a whole host of summer soccer and futsal camps to help keep kids active and away from screens this summer! Click through to learn more about the camps.
Whether you’re new to the game or a die-hard soccer fan or player, get involved this summer so you’re ready for 2026….. when the FIFA World Cup comes to the United States!
Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established in 1970 in Alexandria, Virginia. ASA offers soccer programs for citizens of all abilities and ages in the city limits of Alexandria, though our programming is open to ALL city residents and non-residents. ASA programs are intended to develop good character, mental and physical fitness, and interpersonal skills through soccer activities. Sportsmanship, social skills, and self-esteem are developed by player participation and regular interaction with volunteer and professional coaches. Learn more at alexandria-soccer.org.
