Whether you have a mini Messi, a budding Beckham or a Wambach wannabe, Seattle’s hot soccer scene is a perfect place for kiddos to get onto the pitch. And if your little player is still clamoring for more soccer after the recent World Cup, then you’ll want to check out these four Seattle-area soccer programs. Before you know it, your wee one will be kicking and striking and you will be known as that soccer mom or dad.
Arena Sports – Lil’ Kickers
For the Littles, Lil’ Kickers is the place to be. The program is found at various Arena Sports locations throughout Seattle and caters to pint-sized soccer stars starting at age 18 months through 9 years old. Parents take part in the fun on the field in the Bunnies, Thumpers and Cottontails classes which are for the under 4 set. While Hoppers, Jackrabits and Big Feet are for players in the 3-6 year old crew. The best part of the Lil’ Kickers program, other than the fun your kiddo will have, is that classes are year-round and indoors, unless you’re one of the brave parents who chooses one of their outdoor satellite locations.
Helpful Hint: Looking to build your pint-sized player’s confidence on the field? Arena Sports also offers a Skills Institute for kids ages 5-12 who want to improve their soccer skills.
Mark Your Calendars: Fall classes run Sept. 2-Nov. 26, 2014
Redmond Arena Sports
9040 Willows Rd., Bldg. 102
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-885-4881
Online: arenasports.net/locations/redmond-facility
Issaquah Arena Sports
2115 N.W. Poplar Way
Issaquah, Wa 98027
Phone: 425-270-2030
Online: arenasports.net/locations/issaquah-facility
Magnuson Arena Sports
7751 63rd Ave. N.E.
Seattle Wa
206-985-8990
Online: arenasports.net/locations/magnuson-facility
SODO Arena Sports
4636 E. Marginal Way S.
Seattle, WA 98134
206-762-8606
Online: arenasports.net/locations/sodo-seattle-facility
Starfire Sports – Youth Programs
20 minutes south of Seattle you will find a soccer complex known as Starfire Sports. Kid classes begin at 18 months and go through age 6. The one-hour classes focus on fun and games and working as a team. Summer classes are already in session, but new players are always welcome and classes are pro-rated if your kiddo starts in the middle of a session.
If your soccer sprout wants a little more competition, consider signing him or her up for the Micro League. Classes start with a 20-minute warm up followed by a 30-minute game held on an indoor field, which means parents are protected from the elements. Score!
Helpful Hint: Not sure if your tot will enjoy dribbling the soccer ball as much as he likes dribbling his milk? Register for a free trial class before you commit to an entire season.
Mark Your Calendars: Fall classes begin September 2, 2014. Check their website for up-to-date information.
Starfire Sports
14800 Starfire Way
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-431-3232
Online: starfiresports.com/youth
UK Petite Elite
If your soccer loving squirt dreams of playing for the Sounders one day, then you gotta check out U.K. Petite Soccer—a fun way to introduce your tiny tot to the world’s most beautiful game. U.K. Petite Soccer offers 6-8 week classes for ages 2-6. Coaches teach the players about teamwork, individual ball skills and small scrimmages through games on the field that are fun and easy to understand. During the summer, classes are focused around week-long camps. In the fall, kiddos can play on a weekly basis.
UK Petite Soccer programs are found at various community centers. Check their schedule for a program in your ‘hood.
Mark your calendars: Fall classes start September 22, 2014.
206-455-1855
Online: ukpetite.com
Seattle Youth Soccer Association
The Seattle Youth Soccer Association caters to thousands of kiddos whose parents sign them up to play soccer in the fall and spring. These are the dedicated soccer moms and soccer dads who stand along the sidelines, wrapped in Gortex and fleece and clutching their triple venti mochas, as they cheer on their soccer stars.
Helpful Hint: Youth soccer programs begin at age 5. To find a club in your neighborhood, visit the Seattle Youth Soccer Association website and click on the “Find a SYSA CLUB” link.
Mark Your Calendars: Fall classes start around the same time school starts. Register online.
206-552-0723
Online: sysa.org
Does your little athlete have a favorite soccer program? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
–Natalia Dotto
Images courtesy of Arena Sports, Starfire Sports and Natalia Dotto Photography
