FC Berna is a non-profit soccer club in New Jersey offering youth premier, travel, and recreational programs to players aged 4 -18 years with total enrollment of approximately 1,000 players. Incorporated in 1974 and established as a result of the merger of Somerset Hills Soccer Club and Ridge Mavericks Soccer Club, Berna combines decades of soccer tradition and expertise into a club that offers a program for everyone. Berna has a mission to provide challenging and fun soccer programs to all children within the area, allowing every player to develop their abilities to the fullest. This is accomplished by utilizing a soccer philosophy and curriculum, delivered by outstanding trainers, that is developmental and inclusive for all kids in every program.
FC Berna is the soccer club of choice for players in Basking Ridge, Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Martinsville, Bedminster, Far Hills and Peapack-Gladstone. FC Berna also attracts players from surrounding areas including Warren, Harding, Mendham, Long Hill, Berkeley Heights, Annandale, Tewksbury and Bridgewater, amongst many others.
We offer professional coaching for every program, employing top caliber trainers, with a Director of Coaching overseeing the trainers and all aspects of the soccer curriculum. FC Berna provides the unique opportunity to explore soccer at any level, while staying within the same club and community. This allows players to enjoy athletic experiences at any level desired, learning life lessons and making memories with teammates, friends, neighbors and classmates, and eliminates the need to continually "club shop".
FC Berna-Legacy Programs Offered
Legacy Premier Black & Gold
Competitive year-round program that runs fall through spring with indoor winter training and optional summer camp. This program requires attendance at a tryout or an evaluation for participation.
Legacy White
Competitive fall and spring program with optional indoor winter training and summer camp. This program requires attendance at a tryout or an evaluation for participation.
Legacy Development
Recreational program that runs in 8-week sessions throughout the year - fall, winter, spring and summer.
Legacy Futures
Program for our younger players in preparation for Legacy Black, Gold or White. Runs fall through spring with optional indoor winter training.
PEC
Program for players with special needs. Two sessions, fall and spring.
Futsal Program
This is a winter-only indoor program.
Mission Statement
FC Berna is a non-profit, community based organization that provides our children the opportunity to play soccer in a supportive and rewarding environment, emphasizing fun, enjoyment and skill learning at any level that fits the interest and ability of every child. FC Berna will create a challenging environment for all players as they strive to reach their full potential.
Objectives
- Ensure a safe environment both in practice and in play that promotes sportsmanship and respects the physical and psychological development of youth at different ages.
- Provide a breadth of professional training, development and coaching services that recognizes the differences in intent, desire, skill, physical development, psychological development and competitiveness.
- Offer avenues for challenging young athletes’ skill development in an appropriate competitive game environment.
- Operate the non-profit club efficiently in order to provide the desired high quality services at the most cost effective manner possible to maximize membership and maintain financial stability.
Soccer Philosophy
FC Berna provides a developmental and inclusive soccer curriculum, reflected in the programs and training we offer. With players aged 4 through 18 and quality levels from introductory to elite, FC Berna allows every player to discover the game, develop to their fullest potential, and find their place within the world's most popular sport.
The FC Berna curriculum and focus on development is applied consistently in every age group, regardless of the program. At FC Berna, we believe in building the ball skills that translate into success at the heart of the game: 1 on 1 encounters. These skills can only be developed when players have maximum “touches” on the soccer ball. From this foundation, players will begin to learn the smaller aspects of the team game, adding additional attacking and defending players over time, while continually working to master the skills that will translate into individual, team and game success. This approach allows players to gain essential skills for long term success, and develop a love of the game, rather than growing frustrated or bored by being placed too early into game situations that are not appropriate for their age or ability.
A successful soccer philosophy can only be delivered by high caliber trainers. FC Berna's Director of Coaching oversees all trainers within the club, and ensures that the curriculum is used effectively in all programs. FC Berna's size and stature ensures that the club can employ the best trainers available who share our connection to the community, belief in the curriculum, and passion for the sport.
New to the area or youth soccer?
Please view our "Start Here" page for an introduction & guidance on where to start.