The Marion/Rochester Youth Soccer Club is ending its first year and everyone from coaches on down to the youngest players has had a ball.

“It’s all about teaching the fundamentals of the game in a fun environment,” said Coach Jim Feen. “I’m excited to see how much enthusiasm my players brought to the field, and I hope that will lead to the club’s success in the coming years.”

Launched this spring, the new club took over a tri-town soccer legacy started by the Oceaneer’s Soccer Club. Eleven years ago, husband and wife Jorge and Tiffany Figueiredo founded the Oceaneers to provide a noncompetitive environment where kids could learn the sport.

The couple stepped away from the program after ensuring the Marion Recreation Department and the Rochester Parks Commission would continue the club’s mission.

After a successful season, the Marion/Rochester Youth Soccer has achieved that and more.

Marion Recreation administrative assistant Jill Pittman said the program added teams for boys and girls ages 3 to 5 years old. The program, known as Dinomites, introduces young players to soccer using stories, games and imaginative play.

“They learn the basics in a fun way,” Pittman said. “It’s not all about drills.”

While competition becomes more important for older players, coaches make sure games are treated as learning experiences – not World Cup matches.

On Saturdays, the ball fields at Dexter Lane are filled with teams chasing soccer balls and racing towards nets in the hopes of scoring a goal.

This is Feen's third year involved with youth soccer. Two years were spent with the Oceaneers where his daughter played.

As the coach for the U-11 girls and the U-12 boys travel team, Feen said participants benefit from having a choice of teams playing at different skill levels.

The club's travel teams provide that choice for players.

The Warriors, a girls U-12 travel team, found success during the 2015 Harvest Cup Columbus Day Soccer Tournament in Barnstable.

Jen Williams scored four goals and Catie Parks scored one goal across three games against teams from Braintree, Rhode Island and Barnstable.

The Warriors finished second overall. The games marked the first time the team participated in tournament play.

“They are a dream team,” said Pittman.

On the recreation teams, players have 30 minutes of practice and drills before taking the field against an opponent on Saturdays.

Above all, teamwork is promoted.

“Let’s see lots of passing. Lot’s of calling each others' names,” Feen told his team before a match.

The club’s focus on play and competitiveness provides a balance that players and parents seek, Feen said.

“By adding a little competition in a fun environment the player’s skills are allowed to flourish,” Feen said.

Registration is closed for this season, but spring travel tryouts will be held at Dexter Field on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

For more information on Marion/Rochester Youth Soccer, visit www.mryouthsoccer.org.