'So Much Joy': Popular LI Kids' Soccer Program Celebrates 10 Years

NORTH FORK, NY — As a young working mom, Jennifer Sloat had a dream: The idea of creating a space where young kids could be introduced to soccer and see their skills, and self-confidence, soar.

Sloat is the owner and director of Central Suffolk Soccer Shots, a children's soccer program. "We aim to build character, skills and confidence while also having a whole lot of fun," she said. "Each of our three core programs teaches the right skills at the right age."

New this year is a program for ages 18 to 23 months; now, children from 18 months to 8 years can participate and learn. The new age group is very exciting, Sloat said. "Parents have been asking for it for years, and so, this summer, we are starting with some small groups in select locations and plan to expand that by fall."

Soccer Shots plays year-round, Sloat said, with summer seasons in all locations. "We also work with many local preschools and daycare providers year round, but especially in summer when they are looking to provide enrichment programs like ours to their summer campers."

Describing her journey, Sloat said the new business represented a major life pivot — daring to take a chance and pursue a deeply rooted dream. "Central Suffolk Soccer Shots was created in 2015. I was a news reporter at the time, and my vision was to create something positive that got kids moving and brought families outdoors."

The program, she said, caters to a young crowd. "Soccer is all we do, so our coaches are comfortable and experienced with the little ones — and all of them have a love of soccer and, of course, working with children." Many of the coaches are studying to be educators, physical therapists, or just have a love of the game that they wish to share, she said.

It wasn't long before the dream took shape and became a reality embraced by scores of families. "We are so excited to be in our 10th year!" Sloat said.

Central Suffolk Soccer Shots has locations though central and eastern Suffolk County, including Peconic, Riverhead, and Mount Sinai.

Soccer, she said, is more than just a game — it's a blueprint for life. "We truly hope to bring joy to kids and their families," Sloat said. "Soccer is often the first sport for a child to try. We want to create positive experiences for kids so that they are inspired to continue or try a new sport or activity. Parents are so excited when they step onto the field to watch their child play, especially parents of our two-year-olds. Watching parents interact that way with their kids is almost as fun as watching the kids."

Sports can instill lessons that can be carried throughout life, Sloat said. "Sports teaches children not to be afraid of challenges, or of something new that you are not an expert at yet."

And, she said, those challenges might not just be found on the field. "They're not just soccer skills — but also, saying 'hi' to your coach and connecting with a high five, talking to a new friend, being out in less than ideal weather and pushing on. When a child or person realizes they can do hard things, they persevere. We want to help build character through soccer."

Sloat credited her husband Andrew and her children Julia, 23, and Jack, 21, for giving her the wings to take flight with her new venture. "They inspired me to be bold enough to leave an established career and pursue a new business. I received so much joy from watching them play, being outdoors and connecting with other families."

She added: "My husband played soccer as a child and teen and gave it up as jobs and life became busy. He started playing again, with my encouragement, as an adult. The love of the game never left. You don't have to be the star player or relive your glory days to enjoy the freedom of pursuing something you once loved. The opportunity to become immersed in a game, or sport, or hobby is something I believe too few people pursue. We were meant to move our bodies — and everyone deserves to chance to play."

Reflecting on a life-changing decade, Sloat said: "There have been many fulfilling moments. Parents who have been kind enough to share their experiences with us and to tell us how we have helped their child to be less shy, more confident or how they can't stop talking about their favorite coach. Those are the things we remember as we leave childhood and enter adulthood. It is those memories that shape us."

And, too, Sloat said it was deeply gratifying as a small business to survive after the Covid pandemic. "We found new ways of doing things. We never gave up — and we found new ways to connect with families and get back out there."

Since launching the business, the response has been wonderful, Sloat said. "Parents appreciate that our trained coaches are experienced with working with the youngest players."

Looking back on how it felt to change careers, to move from writing and editing to helping to shape young lives, Sloat said her two passions often ran parallel. "My favorite thing as a writer was having the privilege of sharing the stories of everyday people. Those are the stories that need to be shared and told. It is what connects us."

She added: "Having embarked on a new path, I still get to see Long Island families in their everyday lives, smiling, laughing with their kids. I feel connected to the community when I can see families take time out of their hectic schedules to enjoy life for a while."

Sloat said she has a message for all her clients, old and new: "I love when the entourage of parents, grandparents, and siblings are on the sidelines. That's the lifelong impact right there. The grandparents recall watching their child's play on the field — and now their child is a parent, doing the same thing. It's such a family event and that's what they remember as the years go by. I have heard it said so many times that players may not always remember the score of the game, but they remember how they felt and how that one coach made a difference, a positive memory for them. That's what we hope to do."

To learn more about Central Suffolk Soccer Shots, and to find information about all locations and programs, click here.