Clifton Park Soccer Club

 We wanted to share some good news about the adult side of our club — and an open invitation.

Our Walking Soccer program, which launched in spring 2025, has picked up some terrific local media attention over the past couple of weeks. The Times Union and Spectrum News have both covered our Monday evening games at the Clifton Common, and we've also been listed by WalkingFootball.com, a UK-based directory that tracks walking soccer clubs worldwide. They found us on their own — which tells you something about how the program is growing.

Links are at the bottom if you'd like to read and watch.

If you haven't heard about Walking Soccer, here's the short version: it's soccer with one rule change — no running. That one change opens the game up to just about everybody. Our coordinator Bill Sofko describes it as pickleball for people who love soccer, and that's about right.

A few things worth knowing:

It's genuinely fun. That sounds like the kind of thing you'd expect us to say, but it's true. You will get a real workout, and you will spend most of the hour enjoying yourself.

The social side is the best part. The group is friendly, welcoming, and there's real camaraderie on and off the field. Several of our players say the conversation after the game is as much of a draw as the game itself.

Beginners are genuinely welcome. We have a handful of players who are brand new to soccer and learning as they go. If you've never played, or haven't played in thirty years, you will fit right in.

We play Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Clifton Common. Attendance has been strong and consistent, and we'd love to grow it further.

To join or ask questions, contact Bill Sofko at coordinator@cliftonparkadult.soccer, or visit cliftonparkadult.soccer. Registration takes just a few minutes.

Please pass this along to anyone you think might enjoy it — a spouse, a neighbor, a former teammate, a parent who's spent years on the sideline watching their kids play and wouldn't mind getting on the field themselves.

In the coverage:

Times Union: https://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/walking-soccer-clifton-park-2026-fifa-world-cup-22293918.php

Spectrum News: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/capital-region/news/2026/07/31/walking-soccer-clifton-park

WalkingFootball.com listing: https://walkingfootball.com/walking-football/clifton-park-walking-soccer/

Hope to see you at the Common. 

Clifton Park Soccer Club (CPSC) is proud to announce the appointment of Steven Appleton as the club’s new Director of Coaching, with an expected start in May.

Appleton brings extensive international experience in player development, coach education, and program leadership. A UEFA A-licensed coach, he has worked in professional academy environments connected to clubs such as Liverpool, Everton, and Stoke City, and has coached and mentored players and coaches across multiple countries. 

His appointment marks an important step forward in the continued growth and development of Clifton Park Soccer Club.

Strengthening Player Development Across the Club

As Director of Coaching, Appleton will oversee and support player development throughout the club. His role will include coordinating tryouts, leading CPSC’s summer camp, mentoring and supporting coaches, observing and guiding training sessions, and refining the club’s coaching

framework to ensure players are developing appropriately at each age level.

In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Appleton will directly coach the U12 and U14 Evolution teams and will play a key role in strengthening and growing the club’s girls program.

Known for his energy, professionalism, and ability to connect with players, Appleton has built a reputation for helping young athletes improve, gain confidence, and enjoy the game while supporting coaches in delivering high-quality training environments.

A Strategic Step Forward for CPSC

Clifton Park Soccer Club has continued to grow and evolve in recent years, and the addition of a dedicated Director of Coaching reflects the club’s commitment to long-term player development and a consistent, high-quality experience across all teams.

Appleton’s experience building and managing structured player development environments will help strengthen coaching standards, support player progression, and reinforce the club’s vision for the future.

Looking Ahead

Coach Appleton is expected to begin with the club in May and will be active across trainings, events, and programs throughout the year. Players and families will have opportunities to meet and work with him as he begins his role within the CPSC community.

Clifton Park Soccer Club is excited to welcome Coach Appleton and looks forward to the impact he will have on players, coaches, and families.