Sports Saturday: Mountainside FC Set for Its Biggest Fall Yet

Mountainside FC will return to the field this fall with 216 players, a significant growth from the club's beginning with just 36 children two years ago. MFC started in the fall of 2024 with U8 and U9 travel teams. The club now includes a skills development program for 6, 7, and 8 year-olds, and its travel program extends from U8 through the high school level, according to co-founder and coach Whelan. With registration closed, the focus turns to the upcoming season.

The club also organizes adult pickup games for Mountainside parents to exercise and build community. "We've kind of built-up, going from coaching little kids to realizing that maybe even the parents need some exercise and some community," Whelan said.

MFC emphasizes child development over competition. "We put the kids number one," Whelan said. "We obviously, once you get to travel, there's an objective to win a game, but we really try not to focus on the scoreboard and focus on individual development, team development."

Roxy Becker, an MFC coach, board member, and administrator, said the club must maintain quality coaching while accommodating growth. "MFC continues to grow, and we are committed to maintaining quality coaching and providing the opportunities to meet players at every skill level," Becker said. She emphasized non-competitive results: "It's seeing kids have fun, develop, build friendships and make memories with their teammates and families, on and off the field."

MFC parent Lauren Delzotti has observed the club's impact on her two sons. Her older son, now 10, initially played soccer outside Mountainside but developed confidence and genuine love for the game after joining MFC. Her younger son has grown as both a player and teammate through MFC. "He has learned to stay positive, work hard, support his teammates and work together as a team," Delzotti said. "Those are lessons that go beyond the soccer field."

This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against source records.