In the 18 years Lee Ice has been involved with Lawrence Parks and Rec, he has seen steady growth of the Kaw Valley Soccer Association as well as the growth of indoor soccer. This year 325 players are participating in the Parks and Rec indoor soccer leagues.

Indoor soccer is played in the fall and winter months, which allows the participants to continue to develop soccer skills so they are prepared when the outdoor season resumes in March.

Ice said that over the years the enrollment had gone up and down, but the kids still had a great time.

“From what I see is that kids really enjoy soccer,” Ice said, noting that the kids get to experience team atmosphere and camaraderie, sportsmanship and social aspects, such as making new friends. Teams also get to enjoy snacks after games, and each participant receives a trophy at the conclusion of the season.

Nine-year-old Sage Bostwick began playing competitive soccer last year, and one of his biggest draws in playing the sport was the fun of playing more games.

Nine-year-old Leah Romero is in her fifth year playing soccer. She said she began playing soccer because it was something she enjoyed doing with her brother.

“I just like soccer,” she said. “Me and my brother – we always used to kick balls to each other.”

Romero said that while she had a lot of fun of playing indoor soccer, she preferred a little bigger field of play.

“I like the outdoor better, she said. “It’s a lot cooler and a lot bigger for running.”

While Romero favored a bigger place to play, like the fields at Youth Sports, Inc., playing indoors had some advantages.

Games are played five-on-five on a basketball court, and the teams play with a slightly heavier ball. Because of the close dimensions, the games are often played at a fast pace, which can make it tough for a goalie, but fun for each team’s offense.

Indoor soccer rules are also similar to basketball and some of the terminology is the same. The kids have to learn to pass, dribble and shoot – but must do so with their feet.

Romero said that in the five years she had played soccer, the competition could sometimes be pretty tough.

But she wanted to participate in indoor soccer in future seasons, and hoped to achieve some personal goals.

“I want to continue playing and keep winning to get more trophies,” Romero said.

And Ice said that being able to give the kids that chance is something the organization hoped to do in the years to come.

“To continue to have indoor sports to provide them an opportunity to have fun,” Ice said.