Joy of the People

What is Joy of the People?
JOTP is a non profit organization whose mission is the building communities and health through skills mastery, and unstructured soccer play. It is the goal of JOTP to build mini, futsal and pick-up soccer courts at schools and parks across the United States. Joy of the People believes in and is committed to the idea that unstructured sport time is integral to the child’s social, physical and emotional health.

 What’s with the name?
Joy of the People derives from “Alegria do povo” and is an old brazilian saying expressing the happiness of soccer played with beauty and passion. The slogan became symbolic of their great right winger, Garrincha, perhaps the greatest dribbler who ever lived, he inspired Brazil to the 1958 and 1962 World Cups became the people’s favorite—the everlasting Joy of the People. We felt the name matched our passion and articulated our goals.

What is Free Play?
Free play is pick-up. It is time set aside for unstructued play, and is sport’s greatest gift back to us. It is time with our friends, a time to experiment, fail and succeed. Our goal is to bring back the lost language of free play starting at this center. The free play program begins December 1, when certain hours each week will be set aside to play pick-up. Those hours will be posted soon at www.joyofthepeople.com.

What is skills mastery?
The other missing ingredient to enjoyable, skillful soccer is the acquisition of skills through deliberate practice. By showing kids what they can do, they are ignited and inspired to try more and play more. Joy of the People will provide the best in skills programs as well as unique and cutting edge deliberate practice schemes. To learn more about our programs pick up a program guide.

Who can sign up for programs? 
Our programs and model are geared toward all kids,  players who play for clubs, players who want more, players who wish to better their skills.  Our training is individually focused, task specific, rigourus and fun.  If you want to get better, from beginner to pro, this is the place to be.

Who can attend free play? 
All may attend.  Free play is always an open format geared toward skill level, signed parental waiver is required.

What About Saint Paul Futbol Club?
SPFC is changing it’s name to simplify the mission and purpose. From now on we will be called Joy of the People. We will continue high quality skills and play programs. The name on the website will change 11/15.

What ages?
We have programs from U5-U18. Adult and preschool soccer will be announced soon.

Is it primarily soccer?
Yes, we believe in free play in all sports, and as often as possible are making our play areas convertible to other sports, but soccer is what we know.

Why the different courts?
Sand, turf, dirt, grass, asphalt, street and wood. The idea is to provide inviting spaces to ignite and simplify free play. A mini court can be used for 3v3 or 1v1, allowing more of a chance to find a game. It also follows the Brazilian philosophy of change the ball, change the surface. By playing on many different surfaces Brazilians become well rounded, resourceful players.

What is Joy of the People Soccer Center?
Formerly South St. Anthony Rec. Center Located at 890 Cromwell near University and 280, JOTP Soccer Center will serve as ground zero for building of spaces for free play and deliberate practice schemes for fun engaging training. By offering both, and tracking time and player development we hope to create the next generation of skill.

What are the hours of Operation?
Weekly hours will be on our website. 11/9-11/15 Monday –Thursday 12-2pm; 4-6pm. Friday 12-2pm; 4-8pm. Sat 9-6pm; Sun 12-8:30pm.

What is the program schedule?
Check the program flyer or our Website for details.

What else is happening here?
Full spring schedule, Full summer camp schedule (out January 1) , Membership and player assessment program, team retreats, and more!

 How can I help?
Give us your contact information, sign up on the registry, express your area of interest and we will contact you.