Are you itching to be a Soccer Parent? You don’t have to wait for the wonderful world of weekend tournaments, pizza parties and participation trophies—the fun can start as early as age 12 months! All your tiny kicker needs is their first pair of cleats (or at least comfortable sneakers) and the happy smiles will soon follow. Scroll down to find a great list of Bay Area spots for the tiniest ones to get in on the world’s favorite game.

SFF Soccer Juniors

SFF Soccer

Top-quality coaches (including current and former collegiate players) lead soccer-based games to promote physical activity, develop confidence and improve coordination. Saturday morning classes are divided into four age groups with the youngest class helping kiddos become comfortable with a ball at their feet by using imaginative fun games, including obstacle courses. Heard of Tough Mudder? Well, at SFF Soccer, your kids can do a soccer-based Tough Toddler, wander through a soccer rainforest or go on a soccer treasure hunt. As kids get older, classes introduce fundamentals, build on basic skills and improve understanding of the game and team play.

Fun Fact: Kids can’t run off! All classes are held on a private gated field made of top-quality FIFA grade synthetic grass. After class, why not sip on a coffee (or maybe a beer or sangria?) and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks at Spark Social SF.

Where: 701 Mission Bay Blvd., San Francisco
Age: 18 months to 6
Website: sffsoccerjuniors.com

Super Soccer Stars

Super Soccer Stars

Small class sizes at Super Soccer Stars ensure each child gets individual instruction. Age-specific programs, starting with a Parent & Me class for children 12-24 months, features adorable puppets (Mimi & Pepe!) and allows tots to balance, run, kick and play. As kids age, they advance to dribbling and shooting activities using fun imagery. For example, one week, your child will help plant a garden, while the next, they may travel to space or have a firetruck adventure. By age 4-5, classes focus on body movement with the ball while the concepts of teammates and teamwork are also introduced.

Fun Fact: Super Soccer Stars also offer private sessions where coaches come to you, anywhere and anytime to fit your schedule.

Where: Various locations throughout San Francisco, East Bay, North Bay and South Bay
Age: 12 months to 12
Website: supersoccerstars.com

SF Tots

Nicole Findlay

Locally owned with various locations all over San Francisco (sometimes even at the Zoo!), SF Tots teaches a variety of age groups. Classes start at 18 months and teach fundamental motor skills, socialization and coordination through story-based games, including props (think colorful scarves, hula hoops and pool noodles). Kids progress into advanced motor skills, gain independence and learn basic soccer skills like dribbling and kicking. Eventually, they move to scrimmages and the rules of soccer.

Fun Fact: SF Tots also run a basketball program for children 2 1/2 to 6

Where: Various locations in San Francisco
Age:18 months to 6
Website: sftots.com

Lil' Spurs

Spurs FC

As a Lil' Spurs player, youngsters are introduced to soccer, develop a love for the game and understand the importance of being a healthy athlete. Young players also have a unique opportunity to grow within a club through a recreational or pre-competitive soccer pathway.

Fun Fact: Within the Spurs FC family, current Spurs FC players assist Lil' Spurs classes, thereby creating mentorship opportunities for older players while giving back to the community and ensuring a low coach-to-player ratio for the youngest players.

Where: Tassajara Park, El Cerrito
Ages: 3 to 5
Website: spurssoccer.com

Soccer Shots

Soccer Shots

This national organization has soccer programs in over 200 territories across 37 states and Canada. Soccer Shots focuses on skill-building, a healthy lifestyle and character development. One week, the focus may be respect, while the next—teamwork or confidence. Three programs are offered: Mini (2-3), Classic (3-5), Premier (5-8).

Fun Fact: The business is consistently recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as the #1 Children’s Fitness Franchise in the U.S.

Where: After a successful summer at Cedar Rose Park in Berkeley, Soccer Shots expanded to Montclair Park in Oakland and will soon serve sites in Marin and San Francisco.
Ages: 2 to 8
Website: soccershots.com

Soccer Kids

Peter Idowu on Unsplash

Whether you've got a youngster who wants to play soccer like their older sibling, or an older sibling not quite ready for a competitive team, SoccerKids’ year-round classes are just what you need. With a maximum class size of 15 kids, plentiful dates and times to fit any schedule and coaches' bios to check out, SoccerKids makes it easy to inspire your future Cristiano.

Fun Fact: SoccerKids also offers TeeBallKids and BasketballKids! Why not try all three?

Where: Various locations throughout San Francisco and Marin
Ages: 2 ½ to 7
Website: soccerkids.com

Lil' Kickers

Pabak Sarkar via Creative Commons

This program wants kids to be good teammates—on and off the soccer field. With three locations in the Bay Area, Lil’ Kickers truly focus on child development by using soccer to help kids tackle key developmental milestones. At 18 months, your little one will start in the Bunnies class, where they'll learn balance and coordination while also running, playing as a group and kicking the ball. Micro classes are offered at age four, and while they are non-competitive, they are geared towards intermediate players and progressively introduce proper soccer skills.

Fun Fact: The curriculum at Lil’ Kickers was created by child development experts who tailor classes to match how kids learn at different ages.

Where:
Bladium Sports & Fitness Club
800 West Tower Ave., Bldg. 40, Alameda

Burlingamer
864 Rollins Rd., Burlingame

East Bay Sports 2411 Old Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon

Age: 18 months to 7
Website: lil’kickers.com

Kidz Love Soccer

GraceFamily via Creative Commons

Winning and losing are a big part of American culture. Kidz Love Soccer offers an unconventional approach to sports based on sportsmanship, effort, learning and fun! Not interested in producing the next Lionel Messi or Mia Hamm, as their name suggests, Kids Love Soccer want their players to love  and be good at sports. Kidz Love Soccer teaches the fundamentals of the game through imaginative play and age-appropriate curriculum. The program starts with a Mommy/Daddy and Me class (2 to 3-year-olds) and progresses to pre-soccer and tot soccer. At age 5, classes focus on techniques, teamwork, skills and scrimmages.

Fun Fact: At Kidz Love Soccer, the score is always Fun to Fun!

Where: Brentwood, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Dublin, Mountain View, Pleasanton, Palo Alto, Newark, Concord, San RAMON, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Castro Valley, Lafayette
Ages: 2 to 12 
Website: KidzLoveSoccer.com

—Nicole Findlay

featured photo by the author

RELATED STORIES:

The Ultimate Guide to Kayaking around the Bay with Kids

Splash Down: The Bay’s Best Indoor Pools

Get Your Putt On at These Bay Area Mini Golf Courses

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

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