Several youth soccer teams getting back on the field during coronavirus outbreak

Many athletic organizations across the Triangle have postponed or canceled their sports seasons, but some club sports are carrying on despite the pandemic.

Several local youth soccer teams are revving up for the fall season.

According to NCFC Youth leaders, hosting sports during the fall season is at the discretion of each individual organization and if they have the logistics to make it happen.

NCFC Youth said they have the resources to keep their athletes and staff socially distant as they ease back into playing soccer games.

When it comes to soccer clubs across the Triangle, there is one goal in mind - keeping young athletes active while ensuring a safe environment.

“Every drill, we stand 6 feet away from each other. We have to put extra cones down to make sure that we’re standing 6 feet away. No contact play yet. I think we’re starting a little bit next week, but right now, no contact – just passing drills," NCFC Youth player Andrew Hornada said.

NCFC Youth and Wake FC both require athletes to wear masks until it’s time to play.

“I think, to try to play soccer in a mask would really be impossible or borderline dangerous," said Claire Phillips, a Wake FC/FC Cary soccer mom.

Coaches and other staff on the field must wear masks at all times while making sure the players don’t get too close.

“I felt like all of the adults were being very responsible, and they were making sure and being vigilant that the kids were staying apart as much as possible. They had very specific entry and exit guidelines and principles for getting on and off the field. None of the parents were allowed on the field," said Phillips.

NCFC Youth said social, mental and physical benefits for athletes are what pushed them to keep going.

The organization sent a statement that said:

“We have run thousands of kids through socially distant, no-contact training and continue to do so this week as we transition toward small group play. We will continue to focus on the off-field measures we can take (social distancing, mask wearing, sanitizing, health screenings, etc.) to mitigate risk for players, families and coaches.”

"I think they’re doing the best they can, and they’ve given us the option as parents to participate or not based on what we’re comfortable with. So, it’s going as well as it can go," said Phillips.

While some parents and athletes are ready to play, some parents wonder how the sidelines will look with social distancing once games start.

The club sport organizations still have details to work out while players patiently wait to hit the field running again.

“I’m ready to play whenever, but I feel like we’re on a steady path, a good path to get to playing at a safer time.," said Hornada.

Next week, NCFC Youth will move from no-contact to allowing small groups to play against each other.

It hopes to continue loosening restrictions and work its way towards playing actual games by Sept. 12.