If you’ve ever wondered where the great players in the game came from, you may be surprised to learn that many of the world’s best coaches share the same answer: the streets. Rinus Michels, FIFA’s coach of the century and the architect of "Total Football" said "My position is: street soccer is the most natural educational system that can be found - In Africa and South American countries, where the conditions for street soccer are favorable, you can immediately notice that youth players have a head start."

But how do we create the environment for street soccer in today’s culture? Luckily, we have an answer. Burke AC is committed to an ongoing street soccer system. We call it the BAC Festival.

The festivals are for our U7 and older players.  They are free and will be held on Friday nights and Saturday mornings at Burke School beginning on Friday, July 11th.  Friday nights will go from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and Saturday morning will go from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.  These will continue through Saturday, August 23rd. 

If you have not participated in the past, the festivals are organized street soccer games. Children play with other kids that are similar in age (they may play with kids that are a year or two older or younger) in a series of 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 games. Each game lasts about eight to ten minutes and we switch teams between every game. Also – there is no coaching. The festivals are designed to maximize number of touches on the ball for each child and to maximize their ability to be creative without adult interference. 

These are drop in situations. You do not need to attend every one of them and you are welcome to come late or leave early. Each player should dress appropriately for the weather (you do not need to wear a uniform) and must wear shin guards and cleats. Each player should also bring plenty of water.