From the outfields of Four Peaks South to the comfy confines of Four Peaks North and now to the vast expanse of Desert Vista, Fountain Hills Soccer Club has offered local players and those from neighboring communities a place to enjoy the world’s most popular sport for 20 years.

“I think the FHSC has done a tremendous job of keeping things fun for the kids, which I know keeps them coming back,” said longtime Director of Soccer Training Mark Lincir.

“I’ve been with the club for 16 years, and the focus has always been on the players enjoying the game and growing as people and athletes.

“Most of the trainers and the referees that the club uses are current and former FHSC players and I think that says a lot about the impact the club continues to have on the Fountain Hills community and surrounding areas.”

The club’s impact is felt at the middle school and high school soccer programs where a large percentage of the players are current and former FHSC players.

In 2002 the boy’s high school team shared the state title with a team largely made up of FHSC players.

The girls high school team went to the state final just a few years ago and lost in a heart-breaker to Tempe Prep with a squad made up of mostly FHSC players.

The girl’s middle school has had tremendous success as well, with a team made up of many current and former FHSC players.

But more importantly, the Fountain Hills Soccer Club continues to develop soccer players who enjoy the game and look forward to their practices and competitions.

“Over the years we have added more programs,” Lincir added.

“For the first time ever, this past summer we offered indoor soccer for our younger players. Between our regular season and the off-season programs that we run, the club offers something for our players 10 months a year if they want to take advantage of the opportunity to have fun and play.”

Lincir added that he is proud of the club’s players, who continue to have soccer play a positive role in their lives.

“The impact our club and the game has on the kids goes well beyond the field,” Lincir said.

“We have former players who are nurses and run their own businesses and some who are studying to be doctors and others who are teachers. We have former players who continue to come back to the club and help work with the kids as coaches or referees. We always aim to provide a positive experience for the kids. It’s not about winning and losing, it’s about enjoying the experience.”

As with any such club, Lincir said that FHSC truly is a success due to community support.

“Many volunteers have put in countless hours over the years to establish the club and then keep it going year in and year out,” he added.

“It doesn’t just happen automatically, and I truly appreciate all the voluntary efforts that have gone into keeping the club moving forward for all these years. It is critical to continue to provide the experience we offer to the kids in town and the surrounding areas. Everyone who has been involved with the club in any aspect over the years should be very proud of their efforts.”

Celebration

The Fountain Hills Soccer Club will hold a special event in honor of the organization’s 20th anniversary on Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Desert Vista Soccer Fields.

Free activities include a bouncy house, soccer agility games, kick speed contests, face painting and more.

There will be a rock climbing wall, food trucks, Kona Ice, a DJ playing music and hosting contests, raffles, additional vendors including Sports Authority with giveaways, coupons and soccer gear for sale, book signings by Coach Mark, an exhibition soccer game and more.

For those interested in helping with the event, contact registrar@fhsoccerclub.org.

Otherwise, simply show up, have some fun and support the local Soccer Club.