ML Interest Tag: world-cup

House Call: 7 Cool Classes That Come to You

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Awesome! Your kid wants to take up tumbling (and be the next Nadia Comaneci…snatch!). Not so awesome—the closest in-gym lessons aren’t so close, and getting there involves creeping down the interstate during rush hour. Lucky for you, the D.C. area is full of instructors that will come to you. That’s right! Whether your little one wants to learn with her friends or go at it solo, these classes—from gymnastics to cooking—are taught in the comfort of your own home.

#1 Power Tots
Running, jumping, climbing, bouncing, tumbling—sound like your little one? Need a nap just thinking about how active Junior is? Fear not Mama (or Papa); Power Tots is here to channel your hype kiddo’s overabundance of energy. Certified gymnastics instructors will come to you and not only teach the little backflipper how to cartwheel perfectly and balance, but they’ll also learn fine motor skills, colors, shapes, muscle groups and the “power of a positive attitude.” Now that’s cause for celebration.

Ages: 18 months-12 years
Contact: 301-392-0187
Online: powertotsinc.com

#2 Tiny Chefs
Pint sized kitchen helpers aren’t always so helpful (hello, flour bombs) but they usually give it the old college try before getting kicked out. For those little chefs that just won’t give up, surprise them with their very own cooking class. Instructors at Tiny Chefs show up with their own supplies, food…even a portable oven! Kids learn how to measure, combine, sift, calculate and follow recipes so that sometime in the near future, your little Ratatouille can handle dinner while you enjoy a glass of vino.

Ages: 3 years and up
Contact: 301-841-7395
Online: tinychefs.com

#3 Breathing Space
If you find yourself chanting “omm” and wishing your kids would simmer down while you try and grant yourself inner peace, it might be time to introduce them to the calmer things in life. Don’t stress if you can’t quite gather up the brood for a formal yoga class. Breathing Space Family Yoga will bring the mats to you! Taught by certified yogis, your little ones will be doing pranayama and downward dog before you know it. Bonus: Breathing Space offers birthday parties and events so little ones can relax and you can have fun. Or is it the other way around?

Ages: 0 and up
202-599-0434
Online: breathingspacedc.com

#4 Happy Swimmers
For the lucky guppies with a built in pond, swimming every day is a treasure sure to be missed come winter. In the meantime, if your little fishy needs a few more pointers on keeping those fins above water, check out Happy Swimmers where your own fishbowl becomes ground zero for back floats, freestyle and vigorus games of Marco Polo. Happy Swimmers will have your little guppy graduating to a Marlin and jumping into the deep end before you know it. When the pond’s frozen over, you can just move your lessons to a nearby indoor pool and continue the fun!

Ages: 0 and up
Contact: 202-657-4124
Online: happyswimmers.com

#5 Tippi Toes DC     
Sometimes even Angelina Ballerina needs some dance lessons. Tuttis, leotards and legwarmers (they still have those right?) will help your little princess look the part, and Tippi Toes will make sure they can dance just like a real life ballerina. Whether your little dancer wants to learn ballet, jazz, tap, or even hip hop, Tippi Toes will ensure their footwork is footloose and fancy free so that they can twirl around and around and around. Bonus: they also do princess parties, so little fans of Angelina Ballerina and Sophia the First can feel like true royalty on their special day.

Ages: 18 months – 12 years
Contact: 202-527-9089
Online: tippitoesdance.com

#6 Excite Soccer
World cup fans will scream for joy when Coach Alan shows up at their door to kick the ball into the onion net (that’s soccer slang for goal). A former pro soccer stud with Sheffield Wednesday (just a skip across the pond), Coach Alan will help your little mid-fielder, goalie or fan to start playing “the beautiful game”. Tactics, techniques, rules and lessons from the pitch will have your little soccer star yelling “goal!” before the clock runs out.

Ages: 3 years-18 years
Contact: 703-845-0250
Online: excitesoccer.com

#7 Classic Tales ‘N Tunes
Book lovers and music enthusiasts rejoice! Classic Tales ‘N Tunes combines a love of music with a love of reading to teach little ones through the expressive arts. Kids will learn classic rhyming songs, American Sign Language, Spanish, and more via sing alongs, storytime, puppet shows, props (think tunnels, parachutes (!) etc.). Your house will be transformed into a learning zone, and the kids won’t even know it!

Ages: 0-5 years
Contact: 703-848-9808
Online: classictnt.com

Has your little one taken any neat in-home classes? Tell us about it in the comments section below. 

—Hilary Riedemann

Photos courtesy of Hilary Riedemann, Breathing Space DC via Facebook, Power Tots via Facebook, Classic Tales ‘n Tunes via Facebook, Tippi Toes DC via Facebook

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Four Soccer Programs Your Kids Will Get a Kick Out Of

by Natalia Dotto

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

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Get Your Kicks With Soccer Classes For Kids

by Lisa Finn

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

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Drive a Dump Truck at NJ’s New Diggerland USA Theme Park

by jeff bogle

West Berlin, New Jersey might not seem like the hippest day trip destination within a 90-minute drive of Manhattan, but the brand new construction vehicle inspired theme park Diggerland USA is a childhood dream come to life, for boys and girls alike. Once there, you’ll realize you’d have gladly driven twice as long to have so much fun. Where else can your child operate heavy machinery, race mini-Land Rovers, drive dump trucks, climb a 4-story ropes course and take a spin on a one-of-a-kind carousel? Here are 13 reasons why Diggerland USA is worth the drive down the Turnpike.

Welcome to Diggerland USA

With an open-air indoor arcade, rides for kids of all ages and lots of shady spots for parents to rest, the just-opened Diggerland USA is bound become a must-visit destination in the Tri-State Area. You'll also love that wristbands allow for all-day reentry, which means you can leave the park's expensive food concessions behind to cool off at a local restaurant (we recommend Victory Sports Bar & Grill (795 New Jersey 73), located just 5 minutes down the road, with big screens showing all the World Cup matches and other games. Bonus: Kid's eat for $1.99 on Sundays and 2 kids eat free with each adult diner every Tuesday!)

Keep flipping through the photos to learn about the park's top rides and attractions.

Go: Diggerland USA
100 Pinedge Dr., West Berlin, Nj

Ages: All ages are welcome, but the park is best for kids who are at least 36 inches tall (the shortest height requirement for rides, though some require kids to be 42 or 48 inches tall). Shorter and younger kids can still enjoy the Kid Zone playground.

Cost: Full-day tickets to Diggerland USA are $29.95 online ($34.95 at the gate), with free admission for guests under 36″ tall and over the age of 65.

Hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily through Labor Day (weekend-only hours begin in September)

Have you checked out this one-of-a-kind theme park yet? Tell us about your trip in a Comment. 

–Jeff Bogle

All photos by Jeff Bogle

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

by alina adams

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

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Family Fun at a San Jose Earthquakes Game

by Erin Lem

Bay Area soccer is a big deal. Check out the Marina Green Park any Saturday in the fall or spring and you will see hordes of peewee teams. The parks are often packed with older kids and adults on the pitch, in leagues or just playing for the love of it. When a World Cup is in action, flags fly, kids miss school and parents work, and often the city is at a standstill. Think about it and you’ll realize, there’s no better activity around which to build a fun family day out!

If your family is hankering for a great Bay Area spectator sport experience and tickets to the Giants, Sharks or 49ers are sold out or too steep, why not consider catching a San Jose Earthquakes professional soccer game?The Earthquakes are an Major League Soccer team. The MLS is a league that comprises top level teams from Canada and the US and includes many top tier players.

Most games are played at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, although for some special occasions such as the 4th of July Firework festivities, the team plays at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto.

Many families, including lots of kids dressed in soccer gear flood the grounds for pre-game festivities and once in the stadium you could feel the roar of the crowd as the kids certainly gave the earthquake stamps their all. The team’s tag line is: San Jose Earthquakes: Did You Feel That? Taking your little ones to an outdoor game is a great way for them to get out some of that pent up energy and use those outdoor voices you’re perpetually trying to quell. During the game a rumble begins and then a stampede and it really feels like a temblor as fans stamp their feet in syncopated rhythm to get the excitement going!

The Earthquakes’ schedule runs from May through October and tickets run from $20-$50, with VIP tickets that go for much more.  San Jose Earthquakes games are very kid-family with tons of kiddos in the stands roaring and cheering on their team. Get into the team spirit and flaunt that teal blue and black — you can even try some fun face-painting before the game to show your family’s team pride!

There were a ton of free giveaways, Frisbees, soda, and posters, all of which will certainly keep your kids engaged. The pace of the game suits kids too. With only two 45-minute halves and a 20-minute break or so for halftime, it is a manageable outing for those little tykes with waning attention spans!

Parking is easy, although be ready to pony up around $20.  The bugs are nippy and it gets chilly when the sun sets so be sure to bring a jacket and layers!

Ole Ole Ole Ole!

Upcoming Games:
Sat. Jul 30 Earthquakes v D.C. United at the Buck Shaw Stadium 7:30 pm
Sat. Aug 6 Earthquakes v Timbers at the Buck Shaw Stadium 7:30 pm
Full Schedule: sjearthquakes.com/schedule

– Darya Mead

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