Joy of the People

Joy of the People offers Rice & Beans (RXB) and Enchante, which is described as a signature player-development experience built on learning through playing. It also offers Powered by Joy (PB&J), FreePlay, fall programs that include skills, the JOTP In-House League, Girlz Rock, and Saint Paul Rec League, winter programs with futsal, spring programs with game-based training, and summer camps that combine soccer, FreePlay, games, creativity, and community.

Programs

• Rice & Beans (RXB) and Enchante — players five to college age · Signature player-development experience; club soccer version; built on learning through playing.
• Powered by Joy (PB&J) — players five to college age · Two skills sessions and one JOTP in-house game per week; during the fall, winter, and spring · Year-round community program open to all players, including players from all clubs.
• FreePlay — players five to college age · Every weekday afternoon · Unstructured play in a safe and welcoming environment.
• Fall Programs — players five to college age · Fall · Includes skills, JOTP In-House League, Girlz Rock, and Saint Paul Rec League.
• Winter Programs — players five to college age · Winter · Futsal and smaller spaces with opportunities to develop creativity, technical confidence, speed, and imagination.
• Spring Programs — players five to college age · Spring · Game-based training, joyful competition, and a supportive community.
• Summer Camps — kids · Monday–Friday · Summer camps combining soccer, FreePlay, games, creativity, and community.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• General schedule: Year-round programs; seasonal programs in fall, winter, and spring; camps in summer; FreePlay every weekday afternoon.

About the provider

Joy of the People was founded in 2009. Its mission is to create Joy-ful environments where children develop as people through movement, relationships, play, and soccer. The leadership team includes Ted Kroeten, Lioul Minas, Johanna Wehrman, and Brian Kallman. It has partnered with the City of St. Paul to take over the running of the South Saint Anthony Rec Center and provides more than 1,500 hours of safe, monitored FreePlay soccer time at no cost to participants each year.

Children learn best through movement, curiosity, relationships, and play. Play is the curriculum. Families can join at any point during the year. The environment changes; the philosophy does not. The organization encourages children to enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year.

Last updated October 18, 2026.