What is the Cracovia Soccer Club?

The Cracovia Soccer Club is an all-volunteer organization that has been teaching children the game of soccer since 1980. It is estimated that during the span of twenty five years more than eight thousand youngsters and adults have participated in our programs. We offer spring and fall recreational leagues for children and adults that are open to everyone - interest and enthusiasm are all that is needed to participate. We encourage positive coaching, mutual respect and good sportsmanship.

When does the next season begin?

Our 2006 Fall Season will begin in August.

Who is eligible to participate?

All Blackstone Valley children and adults are eligible.

How and when do I register?

Information is available on the registration page.

When will I hear from my coach?

Coaches will contact players approximately a week before the start of play.

Can I choose my coach or team?

As a general rule, coaches and teams are assigned on a random basis. Exceptions will be considered in cases of special need. Siblings in the same age bracket can be assigned to the same team if desired. Children of coaches can be assigned to that coach's team if desired.

How often will we practice?

Practice schedule and location is up to the coach, although most teams practice once a week for about an hour.

Where and when are games?

All games are played at Renaud Field, at the end of Newland Avenue in Woonsocket (map). Games are held on Friday nights or Saturday mornings.

What equipment is needed?

Cracovia Soccer Club will provide uniforms including a jersey, shorts and socks. Players must provide their own shin guards, soccer cleats, soccer ball and water bottle

What can I do to help?

Cracovia Soccer Club is always looking for parents and friends to act as Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Team Parents. Even if you are not an expert on the game, we can still use your help. See the volunteer page for additional information

What is the history of the Cracovia Soccer Club?

Traveling Team - 1983

The Cracovia Soccer Club was founded by Halina and Noel Wolny in 1980 and incorporated in 1982. The club started with one team that participated in competitive leagues only. In 1982, Cracovia's U-21 team won the Pele Soccer Association Challenge Cup. The trophy was put on display at local banks and credit unions including Marquette Credit Union. Over the years Cracovia grew in number of participants, reaching a high of over six hundred players in 1999.

Fall House League - 1989

In the 1980’s a recreational summer league was run by the Woonsocket Youth Soccer Association, however, there was no house league available to youngsters in the fall. In 1988, with just a handful (55) of children, Cracovia started its first ever Fall House League at Cold Spring Park fields. After the creation of the Fall House League, the Woonsocket Youth Soccer Association joined forces with Cracovia to become one club.

Spring House League - 2003

For the past few years, our club has also run a Spring House League and we are hoping to have spring competitive teams in the very near future. All of the officers of our club as well as the coaches are volunteers, and we commend them for their hard work and dedication. Cracovia also wishes to thank its sponsors in the fraternal, social and business community. All of them have given tremendous support to the program and we want to recognize their contribution.

Today, Woonsocket's Cracovia Soccer Club is one of the oldest soccer clubs in northern Rhode Island. It provides the opportunity for hundreds of children throughout the Blackstone Valley to learn and enjoy the game of soccer. Pictures of some of Cracovia's early teams are available in the photo gallery.

Where did the name Cracovia come from?

The name Cracovia is Latin for Krakow - the historic city in southern Poland. The first team to use the Cracovia name was the Cracovia Football Club which was established in Krakow in 1906. This team won the Polish championship five times and was the first Polish team to win the soccer premiership in 1921.

Did You Know...

Before becoming a professional baseball player, Rocco Baldelli of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays played soccer with the Cracovia Soccer Club. Baldelli (standing, second from the left) can be seen in this 1991 picture of Cracovia’s championship under 12 boys.