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Overview

Soccer for kids ages 18mo – 9yrs

Step onto the field during any Lil’ Kickers class and you will find a transformed world created just for your child. Our well-trained coaches will thrill your child with 50 minutes of highly creative, high-energy and age-appropriate activities that serve as a great introduction to soccer. They will help your child master developmental milestones, appropriate for their age.

Child Development

Because Lil’ Kickers is primarily a child development program, our purpose is to help children mature on all levels. Our program focuses on helping children build strong physical, intellectual and emotional skills that will help them be successful on and off the soccer field. We believe in teaching children in ways that suit their developmental level, so you won’t see adult-like skill drills in our classes, but you will see teaching methods specifically designed to create an atmosphere that is effective and fun. You will also see happy, confident and sweaty kids who are eager to learn and want to keep coming back for more.

Whether your child is new to soccer or has already developed a love for the game, the progressive nature of Lil’ Kickers offers a place for children at every level. Our convenient class times provide families options to accommodate multiple children and busy schedules. Enrollment is always open, and classes are pro-rated!

Class Descriptions

Which is right for your child?

Not sure where to place your Lil’ Kicker? We have a variety of choices for ages 18 months to nine years.

Bunnies

18-24 Months – Parent/Child
Bunnies classes introduce toddlers to soccer with games that allow them to run, play as a group and kick a ball. Geared toward a toddler’s unique way of learning, they learn balance and coordination.

  • Bunnies classes are 50 minutes long
  • Parent participation is required
  • The ratio for Bunnies classes is 12:1 with parents on the field

Thumpers

2-3 Years – Parent/Child
Thumpers and their parents play organized games together to develop listening skills, balance, cooperation, sharing, ball skills and foot-eye coordination. Thumpers is the ideal next step for Bunnies veterans who are not yet old enough for the Hoppers level, and a perfect introduction to Lil’ Kickers for new players.

  • 50-minute class
  • Parent participation is required
  • Child/coach ratio: 12:1 (with parents on field)

Cottontails

2.5-3.5 Years – Parent/Child
Cottontails is designed for children who are ready for more of a challenge than a Thumpers class, but who are not quite ready to be on the field without a parent or caregiver. The Cottontails curriculum is designed to build fundamental skills such as balance, coordination, and ball kicking in addition to helping build a sense of independence. As children progress through the session and become ready for more independence, parents can choose to transition to a less active role in the class.

  • 50-minute class
  • Parent participation is required
  • Child/coach ratio: 12:1 (with parents on field)

Hoppers

3-4 Years – Beginner
Hoppers classes are fun and fast-paced, focusing on improving balance, coordination, and fundamental soccer skills. We utilize creative games to help kids develop listening skills, cooperation, and teamwork. Hoppers classes are the first class where children participate independently.

  • 50-minute class
  • Child/coach ratio: 7:1

Jackrabbits

3-4 Years – Intermediate
Jackrabbits classes are designed to help transition children into non-competitive team play. Children learn basic soccer skills (dribbling, passing, trapping, scoring) and are introduced to more one-ball- oriented games and scrimmaging. Scrimmages focus on building teamwork and helping players understand how to apply skills in different situations. Some non-competitive soccer games are introduced.

  • 50-minute class
  • Child/coach ratio: 7:1

Big Feet

5-6 Years – Beginner
Big Feet classes are for five- and six-year-olds who have not played a lot of soccer before, or who respond better to a low-key environment. Classes build basic soccer skills (dribbling, passing, trapping, scoring) and develop a sense of confidence on the field. Players will also learn sportsmanship and team play. Some small-sided, yet non-competitive soccer games are played to enhance learning how to apply skills in game situations.

  • Big Feet classes are 50 minutes long
  • The ratio for Big Feet classes is 12:1

Micro Classes

4/5, 6/7, 8/9 Years
Micro Classes are developmental and non-competitive for intermediate players. Proper soccer techniques are progressively introduced and as kids grow and master various skills, they are introduced to more complex soccer skills. Micro Classes are for kids who have played soccer before either in Lil’ Kickers or another program.

  • 50-minute class (15-20 minutes of instruction; 20-25 minutes of scrimmaging)
  • Teams for scrimmage field a maximum of four players at a time
  • Everyone gets equal playing time
  • No goalies, no scorekeeping, no league standings
  • Child/coach ratio: 12:1

Skills Institute

5/6, 7/8, 9-12 Years
Take the next step with Skills Institute – a soccer development program. Our players have fun learning and improving technical and tactical soccer skills while tackling key developmental milestones.

Class Schedules

Mark your calendars

San Jose Winter Session Dec 2nd – Mar 16th, 2025

  • Priority Registration opens Oct 26th
  • Registration opens Nov 2nd
  • NOTE:  No classes Dec 21st – Jan 2nd

Class Registration

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Ready to register for one of our current or upcoming sessions?  Sign up using the button below!

Free Trial Class

This one’s on us

Not sure if your child is ready?  Want to see how things work before signing up?  No problem!  Sign up for a trial class using the form below – at no charge!

Enrichment in Motion

Our program, your venue

Are you looking for a fun, child-centered sports program which fosters physical, social, cognitive and emotional growth?  Lil’ Kickers at The Plex now offers a new Enrichment in Motion Program perfect for before and/or after school, or part of your physical education program!

Email lilkickers@gotoplex.com for more information!

Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it

Aly Wagner
Aly WagnerFormer Pro Soccer Player, Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, & Mother of 4
“I love that Lil’ Kickers combines soccer and child development principles. The fun, non-competitive classes are a great way to nurture children’s love for the game while supporting important milestones in their growth & development.”
Matthew Trujillo
Matthew TrujilloYouth Pastor, Family Community Church - San Jose, CA
“For the last couple of years we had the Lil’ Kickers Program come in on a Sunday Morning to work with our children and it’s been such an exciting time. When they come in the kids always look forward to it, because the coaches bring an energy and excitement with them and they do such a great job working with our kids. We couldn’t be happier and we look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

Questions?

We’ve got answers

Need more information?  Have questions about something not covered here?  No sweat – use the button below!