How to Support Local San Diego Businesses Right Now

by Amber GuetebierApril 3, 2020

Wondering how you can help the local economy and help keep your favorite spots in business? Make a purchase now that can be used at a future date by buying a gift card or membership! The following businesses offer online purchase options for gift cards or memberships. Click through our ever-growing list below to find out where to share some local love.

photo by Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo Safari Park

ZenTotz: Mindfulness & Yoga for Youth

Los Angeles

Activity Pop

California Science Center

Leanna Lin’s Wonderland

Norton Simon Museum

NHM/Tar Pits – Gift Membership

NHM/Tar Pits – Shop

Pretend City

Skirball Cultural Center- Gift of Membership

Skirball Cultural Center – Online Store

Soul & Roots Doula

The Wallis

Young Ninjas USA

PSST! Want us to add your business to this list? Fill out this short form and we’ll add you ASAP!

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Rose City Futsal’s New Indoor Facility in Tigard!

by Tinybeans TeamDecember 9, 2016

Register your kids for Soccer Stars, Portland’s #1 Youth Soccer Development Program. Classes make learning soccer fun while encouraging the holistic development of each individual child. Small class sizes keep the kids engaged while they learn skills from socialization to dribbling, passing and scoring. Register now at their East Portland location or their brand-new West side facility!

The Festival of Lights: The Best Hanukkah Happenings in LA

by Melissa HeckscherNovember 14, 2016

Do you know where you’re going to spend your Festival of Lights? It begins on December 24 this year. Whether you’re a Valley family or a brood in the South Bay, there are plenty of latkes and jelly donuts to go around. Here’s our rundown of hot Hanukkah happenings.

photo: BeBe Jacobs, courtesy of Skirball Cultural Center

The Valley

Hanukkah Family Festival: Light for the People
This year’s annual Hanukkah Family Festival at the Skirball honors “the light of creativity and hope.” Families of all backgrounds are invited to get into the spirit of the holiday through music, dance, printmaking, storytelling, and more. There will be live music, dreidel demonstrations, and songs. Visitors can also participate in a printmaking workshop and contribute to a community art installation. Tickets at $7-$12. Dec. 18 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
West LA
310-440-4500
Online: skirball.org

Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration at Sherman Oaks Galleria
Join the Chabad of Sherman Oaks in celebrating the first night of Hanukkah with fabulous (and free!) Hanukkah activities and treats. The Menorah Lighting will take place in Fountain Plaza in front of The Cheesecake Factory. Dec. 24 from 6–8 p.m.

15301 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
818-382-4100
Online: shermanoaksgalleria.com

Macabees, Miracles, and Magic! A Chanukah Celebration at Temple Judea (Tarzana)
Join Temple Judea’s JSTY Jr. for a Hanukkah celebration complete with a magician, cookie decorating, dreidel competitions and more. Presented by the congregation’s third through eighth grade students. Dec. 11 from noon-2 p.m.

Temple Judea
5429 Lindley Ave.
Tarzana
Online: templejudea.com

photo: Chabad of the Valley’s Facebook page

Hollywood/ Mid-City

Hanukkah at Universal Citywalk
Is this a concert or a holiday festival? It’s a little of both! Join Chabad of the Valley as they celebrate their annual Hanukkah concert at CityWalk—one of the biggest Hanukkah celebrations in Southern California—featuring a 1,000-pound menorah. Rock out to the music of Jewish rock bands Pardes Rock and 8th Day. While you’re there, pick up a few last-minute Hanukkah gifts from the fab CityWalk shops. Dec. 24 from 8-10 p.m.

100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City
818-622-9841
Online: citywalkhollywood.com or Chabad of the Valley’s Facebook page.

Hanukkah at the Zimmer Museum
Celebrate Hanukkah at this Miracle Mile children’s museum, where kids can enjoy special light & shadow themed exploration and activities for the holiday, including glow-in-dark paper dreidels and a special guest performance by Klezmer Juice. The museum closes at 4:30 p.m., so be sure to get there before the event so your kids can explore the two floors of hands-on exhibits and play space. Dec. 18 at 3 p.m.

6505 Wilshire Blvd.
Miracle Mile
323-761-8984
Online: zimmermuseum.org

photo: Original Farmers Market

Hanukkah Celebration at The Original Farmer’s Market
Celebrate Hanukkah with live music, crafts and a special (LEGO!) menorah lighting ceremony at the Grove. Dec. 27 from 2:30–5:30 p.m.

6333 W. 3rd St.
Mid-City LA
323-933-9211
Online: farmersmarketla.com

Festival of Lights at the Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center
The JCC of Silverlake celebrates Hanukkah with woodworking workshops in Side Street Projects’ amazing repurposed school bus, plus special performances on stage. There will also be games and sports by Super Soccer Stars, T-shirt decorating, donut eating contests, shrinky dink making, face-painting and a bake sale. Kids 2 and up are $15. Adults get in free. December 10 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

1110 Bates Ave.
Silverlake
323-663-2255
Online: sijcc.net

photo: Shalom Institute via Facebook

Westside

Hanukkah Family Fun Day at the Shalom Institute
Looking to celebrate a summer camp-style Hanukkah? Head to the Shalom Institutute in Malibu, the 220-acre home of Camp JCA Shalom. The all-day event is broken up into two parts: Families can spend the morning at the Shemesh Organic Farm, with activities including crafts, tomahawk throwing, cider-making, farming fun for toddlers, tree planting, and farm animal encounters. Afternoon activities include archery, zip line, climbing wall, giant swings, crafts, and games, as well as Hanukkah cookie decorating. Admission is $10; kids 6 and under are free. (Fee includes all activities, snacks and kosher lunch.) Dec. 18 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

34342 Mulholland Highway
Malibu
818-889-5500
Online: shalominstitute.com. Tickets can be purchased online.

Menorah Lighting at the Third Street Promenade
Join local synagogues as their members celebrate the Festival of Lights and light a giant menorah on the Promenade every night after sundown. Dec. 24-Jan. 1 at Sundown.

Third Street Promenade (near Arizona Ave.)
Santa Monica
310-393-8355
Online: downtownsm.com

Menorah Lighting at Two Rodeo
The Chabad of Beverly Hills & Two Rodeo will host Beverly Hills’ annual menorah lighting event on Via Rodeo. Enjoy live music, Hanukkah food and more. Dec. 27 from 7:30-9 p.m.

Two Rodeo (located at the intersections of Rodeo Dr. and Wilshire Blvd.)
Beverly Hills
310-248-1015
Online: lovebeverlyhills.com/holidays

photo: Terranea Resort

South Bay

Hanukkah Dinner at Terranea Resort
Looking for an upscale spot to enjoy a Hanukkah dinner? Dress your kids in their December best and head down to the gorgeous Terranea Resort, where you can enjoy a traditional Hanukkah dinner that includes matzo ball soup and latkes (after dinner, be sure to grab a black-and-white cookie from the Sea Beans cafe before you leave). Take a walk around the grounds after dinner and enjoy the thousands of twinkling lights adorning the property for the holidays. Fixed price dinner is $36 for adults; $36, children 5-10; $20 for kids under 5. Dec. 24-Jan. 1, seatings from 5-9 p.m.

100 Terranea Way
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-265-2836
Online: terranea.com

Chanukah On Ice at the Toyota Ice Rink
Join the JCC of the South Bay for a community skate session celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. Enjoy kosher food, Jewish music, and special treats for the kids. Admission is $10 per person. Dec. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Toyota Sports Center
555 N Nash St.
El Segundo
310-214-4999
Online: jccmb.com

Menorah Lighting at The Point in El Segundo
Join Congregation Tikvat Jacob of Manhattan Beach for a public menorah lighting at the Point featuring Hanukkah-themed games, crafts, yummy snacks, photo opportunities (with Hanukkah props), a scavenger hunt, and festive music. Select Point restaurants will be donating special Hanukkah treats, while participating stores will offer coupons so Hanukkah shoppers can make sure they’ve got all eight nights checked off their shopping lists. Dec. 18 at 3 p.m.

850 S Sepulveda Blvd.
El Segundo
310-546-3667
Online: ctjmb.org

photo: Pretend City

Worth the Drive

Hooray for Hanukkah at Pretend City
Spin the dreidel and light the Menorah at Pretend City’s annual Hanukkah celebration. Little ones will learn about the holiday through fun activities, games, and crafts. Dec. 24 – Dec. 30, activities vary daily, check the website.

29 Hubble
Irvine
949-428-3900
Online: pretendcity.org

Do you know of any other cool spots to celebrate the Festival of Lights? Let us know in the comment section below!

—Melissa Heckscher

House Call: Classes That Come To You

by kim orchen cooperAugust 29, 2014

You can customize your coffee (we know you like your half-caf, almond milk, extra hot, wet cappuccino), your burger, your cold-pressed juice and your workout. But what about kids classes? They’re always at the wrong time, for the wrong age and on the wrong side of town. With these classes that come to you, you can ditch the drive and have it just the way you like it.

photo credit: smallSHOP

Artsy-Fartsy Fun

TuneLittle
Crafty kids mix it up with candle making, bubble painting and a myriad of materials, courtesy of the creative mind of local teacher Lonnie Martinez. Miss Lonnie will come to your home with everything you need. 1-hour lessons start at $150 for a group, $75 for individuals, and all and any ages are welcome. She also teaches song-writing and gives guitar lessons, so you can maximize your culture with a minimum of stress.

Website: tunelittle.com
Email: tunelittle@yahoo.com

smallSHOP
Ready to venture beyond finger painting and crayons? The working artists of smallSHOP encourage mini-Manets and pint-sized Picassos to express themselves with a variety of media, depending upon the ages and interests of the group. 60-minutes lessons for up to 4 kids (including materials) begin at $150; check with smallSHOP for options and times. Perfect for parties or recurring lessons.

Website: smallshopathome.com
Phone: 310-815-1669

Dance Till You Drop

Funky Divas & Dudes
Get a groove going with Funky Divas & Dudes, who bring all the accouterments and accessories for a myriad of movement classes, including cheerleading, breakdancing, fairytale acting, ballet and Broadway. Peewee personalities shine in the theme of your choice, while building coordination and self-confidence.

Website: funkydivasanddudes.com
Phone: 310-838-8387

photo credit: The BeatBuds

March To The Beat of Your Own Drum

The BeatBuds
The BeatBuds bring home the basics in ‘jam sessions’ designed for your own mix of mini musicians aged 6 months to 6 years. Using a combo of real percussion instruments, vocal technique and rhythm-making props, the band of pros give high-energy hands-on experience during 4- or 6-week sessions with a minimum of 8 kids.

Website: thebeatbuds.com
Phone: 818-642-7279

Kickin’ It In the Kitchen

Kitchen Kid
Concocting a meal is one of childhood’s purest forms of creativity. The culinary coaches at Kitchen Kid will help take it to the next delicious level, while sneaking in age-appropriate and super-fun science and math skills. Their thematic culinary adventures include ‘Books for Cooks’ and ‘Mom’s Night Off’, with countless possibilities depending upon the age and interests of the group.

Website: kitchenkid.com
Phone: 310-450-3462

photo credit: Kitchen Kid

The Sporting Life

Head Above Water
Head Above Water takes the stress out of learning to swim. Their roster of super-experienced instructors are known for their nurturing approach to teaching even the tiniest tadpole to float. Individual lessons or group options are available, with pool owners offered a discount for hosting. Prices for a 6-lesson Parent & Me session starts at $195 per person for 2 kiddos; contact Head Above Water to get specifics about group classes.

Website: headabovewater.net
Phone: 310-867-9282

photo credit: Super Soccer Stars facebook page

Super Soccer Stars
Kickin’ it with your best buddies is an awesome way to run off energy while learning cooperation and sportsmanship. The kid-friendly coaches at Super Soccer Stars bring it on at the time and place of your choosing, indoors or outdoors. Groups can be organized per coach, with a maximum number of kiddos, starting as young as 2. Or put together a tiny ‘team’ of at least 4 tots; rates depend upon age and each participant pays a set rate per class. See Super Soccer Stars’ website for full details.

Website: la.supersoccerstars.com
Phone: 310-998-0010

– Kim Orchen Cooper

Do you have a favorite class that caters to your kids and schedule? Let us know!

Goal! 5 San Diego Soccer Programs for Kids

by Leah R. SingerAugust 13, 2014

September is only a few weeks away, which means fall sports are slowing creeping up! But it isn’t just a time for pigskin practice and Monday night football. Fall is also the season when kids traditionally play soccer. San Diego is home to several beginning soccer schools designed for kids before they enter the competitive world of club sports. These five programs will get your kiddo on the field for some soccer fun and scoring goals in no time.

Photo credit: Supper Soccer Stars

Super Soccer Stars
What really sets this group apart is their low child-to-coach ratios, which allows coaches to provide individual attention and positive reinforcement to every player. For example, it’s only a 4:1 ratio for little kickers who are 2- and 3-years-old. Every coach has a background in soccer or early childhood education. For ages 2-4, each class follows and fun and educational theme to capture the young players’ attention and imagination. One week might be going to “soccer space” while the next might be to create a “soccer garden.” Supper Soccer Stars aims to use the sport to nurture, build self-confidence, and develop teamwork in every class.

310-998-0010
Online: supersoccerstars.com

Photo credit: Leah Singer

Kidz Love Soccer
Kids will not only develop a love of soccer, but they won’t be able to get enough of this program. The classes are focused on teaching kids about sportsmanship and developing the fundamentals of the game. Kidz Love Soccer starts with a Mommy/Daddy and Me class for 2- and 3-year-old players. From there, they offer pre-soccer and tot soccer. Starting at age 5, class sessions focus on techniques and teamwork, skills and scrimmages, and match play. Unlike other soccer programs, Kidz Love Soccer welcomes kids through age 12, making it a great option for kids who love to play the game, but haven’t joined the super-competitive world of club soccer.

408-774-4629
Online: kidzlovesoccer.com

Photo credit: Little Rascalz Soccer Facebook page

Little Rascalz Soccer
This soccer school has one of the largest offerings of soccer classes throughout San Diego County. Their focus is primarily toddlers (2 1/2 – 5 years), but they do offer classes for the veteran players (4 – 6 years) and advanced (6 – 7 years). The classes are designed to be fun, silly, and provide a high-energy experience for little ones. Kids learn to participate in a group, follow simple instructions, cooperate with peers, develop gross motor skills, and of course, burn off energy! For kiddos who aren’t quite comfortable leaving mom or dad behind, check out the Soccer & Mommy ‘n’ Me program too. If you have multiple players in the family, Little Rascalz offers a 30% sibling discount. They also give a 20% discount to military families.

619-309-9626
Online: littlerascalzsoccer.com

Photo credit: Soccer Shots Facebook page

Soccer Shots
Little kickers ages 2 – 8 years are encouraged to learn about soccer with Soccer Shots with classes that meet weekly at daycare centers, schools, and parks throughout the city. What makes Soccer Shots unique is the staff and coaches they employ. Every class is taught by a collegiate-level soccer player who has been positively affected by soccer and want to change the world with their two feet. Their deep commitment to soccer led to a partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Together the two organizations raise funds and awareness for kids living in underserved communities throughout the country and cannot afford to otherwise play the sport. Soccer Shots offers free demo days where kids can try out a class for free before signing up. Check their website for a list of free offerings in your neighborhood.

Online: soccershots.org

Photo credit: SoccerKids Facebook page

SoccerKids
These coaches offer classes to kids ages 2 1/2 – 7 years in the Carlsand and 4S Ranch communities all year long. What makes these classes unique is they are taught by the SoccerKids founder, Coach Jaime, who started the program in the San Francisco Bay Area. This means kiddos area learning from the person who designed the curriculum from scratch. Coach Jaime believes in fostering a positive atmosphere where having fun, trying your best, and good sportsmanship are way more important than winning a game. The final score of a SoccerKids game is always “Fun to Fun!” And the classes are affordable, running about $125 for an eight-week session.

415-608-2608
Online: sd.soccerkids.com

Did we miss a soccer program in your neighborhood? Tell us where your kiddo plays and what you like about it in the comments below!

– Leah R. Singer

Four Soccer Programs Your Kids Will Get a Kick Out Of

by Natalia DottoAugust 7, 2014

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

Get Your Kicks With Soccer Classes For Kids

by Lisa FinnJune 27, 2014

Once you move on from drooling to dribbling, it’s time to enroll your budding Beckham in a soccer class. Don’t take a shot in the dark and choose just any class; you want to match your kid’s personality with the right coach and philosophy so they learn to love the game. While your little defender is at work with the coach in one of these mom and kid approved classes, you can sit back and watch him pass…out on the way home, that is. Score!

Socceropolis
Coach Milton is the kind of soccer coach that kids – and parents – love. Before starting Socceropolis, he was a semi-pro soccer player in Los Angeles. So, he’s pretty much “that guy” when it comes to getting your kid ready for the next level. Milton personally teaches 150 kids a week, getting them soccer-ready with skills ranging from trapping and passing to shooting and goal-scoring within the 6-week class. The best part is that he puts importance on balance, confidence and coordination, all in a non-competitive environment. At Socceropolis, getting your 3-10 year old ready for the big league is easy; having him come off the field after kickin’ it with Coach Milton proves to be a little more difficult. And that’s just how you want it.

Found: In and around West LA
Online: socceropolis.com

Soccer Kids USA
Only in LA will you find a soccer class that throws a little yin and yang into the mix. At Soccer Kids USA, owners Julie and Justin score big with parents who want to nurture the whole child when it comes to soccer skills. The goal is for the 2 1/2 to 6-year-old player, who takes the 40-minute class, to understand there is no “I” in team. Each class – at every level – is taught through play and imagination, focusing on cooperation with each other and coordination with skills and drills. Parents and kids get their kicks when the coach yells “Freeze the Action!” to correct what’s happening during a non-competitive scrimmage. Julie and Justin make sure to balance the playing field with an equal dose of kicks and kindness.

Found: At parks and facilities around West Los Angeles
Online: soccerkidsUSA.com

LA Sports Kidz
The 3-6-year-old crowd goes wild for Coach Akeim Kelly’s soccer classes. Focusing on the “fun” in fundamentals, Coach Akeim’s parks and rec programming background meshes perfectly with little soccer enthusiasts. He has a creative approach to soccer at this young age; introducing the basics with a fun twist on things like dribbling, passing and kicking. He solicits a giggle and grin from every kid when he replaces traditional soccer lingo with words like cookies, spaceships and planets. Being the ultra cool cat that Coach Akeim is, he returns all phone inquiries within 24 hours. No wonder 90 percent of his business is referral from pleased parents.

Found: In Calabasas, Studio City & Torrance
Online: la-sportskidz.com

Super Soccer Stars
Get your game on at Super Soccer Stars with summer classes designed around a timely World Cup theme. Building self-confidence and soccer skills is the goal in these low-ratio child-to-coach classes. The 2 & 3 year olds have 1 coach to every 4 kids, while the 5-7 year olds have 1 coach to every 8 kids. The coaches on staff have a background in early childhood education and soccer, which means if your little girl cares more about looking cute in her pink cleats than kicking and running, they’ll know just what to say to get her back in the game (love that!). Super Soccer Stars also caught our attention because of their Shine Program, which uses soccer to teach life skills to children with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Found: At centers and parks in San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles
Online: supersoccerstars.com

Soccer Shots
This company calls the shots when it comes to its classes – there are no camps or leagues offered at Soccer Shots, just 1-hour soccer classes geared to the 2-8-year-old bunch. They combine fancy foot work and soccer rules with songs and imaginative play for the little ones, while the older players focus on dribbling, passing, shooting and team work. While Soccer Shots is run in a non-competitive environment, its goal is to lay the foundation for competitive league-play once kids hit 8 years old. Soccer Shots holds a weekly class, but then breaks the players down into scrimmage groups of 4. These mini teams get a feel for what’s it’s like to play in an organized soccer league – great for those kids who think the field grass might be greener on the other side.

Found: At centers and parks in San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles
Online: Soccershots.org

-Lisa Finn

Where do you and your pint-sized Pele hit the field? Let us know in the comment section.

Photo credits: Super Soccer Stars, Socceropolis and Mrs. Flinger via Creative Commons

Kicks for Kids: Top Soccer Spots to Bend It Like Beckham

by alina adamsJanuary 10, 2013

In New York City, it often feels like every week, not just January 16-20, is Soccer Coaches Week, as boys and girls starting as young as a year old can be seen chasing that recognizable, black and white ball in the parks, on the street, and at specialty classes, camps and teams all over town. Don’t want your kiddo left behind? It’s not too late! Check out some of Red Tricycle’s favorite spots to master the internationally beloved game of soccer mere days after you first get the hang of that walking upright thing:

Super Soccer Stars
Various NYC locations
You know you’ve seen the multi-colored T-shirts, but did you know that Supper Soccer Stars, which hosts lessons, games and birthday parties, also offers a Pre-Soccer class for toddlers between the ages of 12 and 24 months? (Thought we were kidding about that learning to kick while learning to walk thing, didn’t you?) Kick & Play is a movement program for parents and their tots, exploring the new notion of self-propelled physical activity… while also developing early soccer skills, of course.

Chelsea Piers
23rd Street & Hudson River Park
Right behind Pre-Soccer is Micro-Soccer. Future David Beckhams between the ages of 2 and 3 can begin learning to Bend It in a promised supportive and nurturing environment… with Mom and Dad by their side. Children age 3 and up who can separate without problems then have the option of moving into a Spikes class, where preschoolers run, play, improve muscle coordination and learn the concepts of teamwork and cooperation.

Kids In Sports
Various locations in New York City and Connecticut
When is a 1 year old not just a 1 year old? When he or she is actually a Tiny Athlete! At Kids In Sports, Tiny Athletes are introduced to a cross-section of physical activity in a Multi Sport format, where three consecutive weeks of learning soccer fundamentals share space with Baseball, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Football and Volleyball. Open to kids up through 7, although all individual classes are grouped by age.

Soc Rock
Various locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens
2 and 3 year olds can also kick the ball around at Soc Rock, where founder and frequent instructor James Christie is a former pro player and current personal trainer. Unlike other programs, his focus is on overall strength training and conditioning (yes, for 2 year olds, too) and on teaching skills that promote success in both sports and life.

Soccer by Coach Fher
Various locations
What better way to celebrate Soccer Coaches Week than by checking out a class by a coach proud enough of his methods to turn his name into a brand? Argentinean native Shadrach Gonzalez Fher (see why the kids just call him Coach?) is certified in both sports training and Child CPR. His classes are non-competitive, focused on fun, and offer the option of playing inside or outside (which means you get to decide where you want to sit and watch).

Carlos Oliviera Soccer Academy
Various locations in Manhattan and Queens
Another coach confident enough to stamp his name on the product, Carlos Oliviera teaches soccer the way it’s played in, to quote the very enthusiastic World Cup announcer in 2002, “Brahziiiiiillll!” Open to boys and girls ages 2 ½ and up, COSA has just expanded its unique methodology and approach into the NYC public schools.

Not sure if soccer is the right sport for your family? A multi-week commitment can be a bit much, especially in the winter, when just getting your little guy or girl into a snowsuit and out of the house can be considered ample exercise for the day – if not the lifetime.

In that case, consider trying out a class that’s one-time only, warm and, most importantly, free. In the summertime, the NYC Parks & Recreation Department offers regular, hour long Tot Soccer Classes in Riverside Park for anyone age 5 and younger. Make a note on your calendar and try to catch one in a few months.

Where do you take your budding soccer stars to practice their kick, shots, and passing?

— Alina Adams

photos courtesy Alina Adams and of the respective company’s facebook pages

ML Interest Tag: soccer-stars

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