Futbol Club of Santa Rosa

The Futbol Club of Santa Rosa (FCSR) is a soccer complex located just 12 miles north of Pensacola in Pace, FL. The complex contains 23 soccer fields, 3 pavillions, offices and ample parking. FCSR has the largest soccer complex in West Florida with availability for 150+ teams with one venue and ODP coaches present. The organization has recreational soccer for ages U-6 through U-18 for boys and girls, an Academy program, tournaments, an adult league, and also a select program called the Revolution. The main soccer season is in the fall, but winter and spring seasons are offered also.

The primary objective of the Recreational Program is to instill a love of the game within each player so that every player enjoys him or herself and, hopefully, returns the following season. This positive experience can have far reaching effects on young children and has immeasurable value for players.

The Academy is a developmental program designed to help young players further develop a passion for the game while simultaneously learning the skills needed to play soccer at the competitive and high school level.

Tournaments are exceptional at the complex. The main tournament, held the first weekend in September is the Annual Labor Day Classic. 2009 makes the 11th event.

The Adult Soccer League at FCSR is generally a summer operation played early June to mid-August. Registration is completed in person or online. The registration fees for adult leagues cover the costs for referees (U.S. Soccer Federation certified), registration with US Club Soccer (the adult league affiliation), and player passes.

FCSR competitive program is for ages U-13 to U-18 and runs August through May. It is geared toward players who have outgrown the recreational program and are looking for a more challenging soccer environment. The competitive philosophy is to provide each player the opportunity to play soccer in a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment, and skill learning at a level that fits his/her interest and ability. Players are required to go through a tryout process and if selected, players and parents alike have team responsibilities with costs involved, such as uniform and tournament fees, as well as a monthly fee.

FCSR’s goal is to develop each and every players soccer skills, character, and self-esteem to his or her fullest potential in a safe, enjoyable, competitive environment. Their goal is to put the development of each individual player above winning. FCSR is built on the emphasis of the club as a whole not on any individual team. FCSR focuses on promoting the very finest soccer education for its players and coaches.

History

FCSR first originated in 1996 with 11 teams. The original name was the Pace Soccer League (PSL) and played all of its home games at the Pace Athletic and Recreation Association (PARA) complex on Woodbine Road. With so few teams, PSL had to play "friendship" schedules with other local leagues on the road as well as home games. It was started by local soccer enthusiast Barry Shuck and was a recreational-only league for children U-8 through U-15. Shuck, a 10-year soccer coach and high school soccer referee, was on the board of the only soccer league in North Santa Rosa County at the time--Milton Optimist, which involved both Milton and Pace players. PARA wanted another revenue venue and approached Shuck about starting a new league for Pace residents. Milton Optimist soccer was spearheaded by longtime Santa Rosa soccer guru Dan Millham. The charter season had several girls' teams, a first for the Pensacola area. Until that time, all female players were placed on boys teams. The first season the PSL played its games on three fields: two baseball outfields plus a football field. The PSL was the first to offer night games, had an in-house concession stand and held a tournament for U-8 and U-10 teams from Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze and Pensacola. After two seasons and the league underway, Shuck stepped down and the husband and wife team of Charles and Donna Kimsey took controls. The Kimseys relocated the league to outlining fields and left PARA. Later, grants were obtained from the county to relocate to its present location on Chumuckla Hwy.

website: fcsantarosa.com; 3360 Joppa Dr., Milton, FL 32571