Depending on your player’s birthday, you may have multiple programs to choose from. Please see below for descriptions of each program so you can make an informed decision on which program to enroll them in.

A couple of things to keep in mind:

• There is no pressure to choose the right program as we have a lot of flexibility with the young ones. If they are enrolled in a program that is not right for them (physically, emotionally, mentally), we can move them to another program (Playground/Schoolyard).
• We want your child to feel great about their participation. Everyone who works with these programs will be glad to answer questions to help your child have a great experience. Feel free to Contact Us.

Playground is a unique program designed to develop children by focusing on improving a child’s Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) in a fun, parent participatory atmosphere utilizing age appropriate activities. It is an 8 week soccer based skills development program for players ages 3.5-4 who would like to have fun in a soccer environment.

There are no teams in the Playground soccer program. There are no practices or official games. There are group activities one day a week.

The program will be run by South Coast Soccer Academy coaching staff. 
The coaches at South Coast Soccer are professional coaches and will provide your child with age appropriate, soccer-related drills and games to help your child develop their coordination, group participation, and listening to directions.

Parents are required to stay close by the playing field for these sessions and may be asked to participate if the coach determines a child would do better with parent participation. If your child is too shy to participate immediately, we recommend you allow them to watch the proceedings from the sideline while the coach encourages them to participate. Do not force a child to participate in any activity if they are having a tough time. Use patience and allow them to enter participation when they are ready.

The coaching staff will do their best to make the activities fun and engaging for the kids. Children will generally participate when they become familiar with the program and feel more comfortable. 

Not all activities will include a soccer ball. The goal of the program is to give your child a great first experience with the group and have FUN! 

Each coach will assess their group and introduce ball related activities based on their observations with each group. 
At the playground level, the group may or may not scrimmage at the end of their session. That will be determined by the coach. Some groups will not be ready for a scrimmage if they do not yet understand concepts such as, which goal to score in, which direction their team is going, out of bounds, or not using hands. This program will help the kids to begin understanding these concepts.

IS THIS THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR MY CHILD?
If you answer yes to these questions, Playground is probably a good choice.

• Are they just getting down their coordination?
• Do they have a short attention span?
• Do they love stories and fun more than strictly organized games?

In Schoolyard Soccer, children get to play soccer in an age-specific program, and you, the parents, get to participate with them! The program is designed for kids 4-5 and takes place for 45 minutes one day per week, there are no separate practices or official games. Schoolyard Soccer provides a fun introduction to soccer for our youngest players.

The program will be run by South Coast Soccer Academy coaching staff. The coaches at South Coast Soccer are professional coaches and will provide your child with age appropriate, soccer-related drills and games to help your child develop their coordination, group participation, and listening to directions.

Parents are required to stay close by the playing field for these sessions and may be asked to participate if the coach determines a child would do better with parent participation. If your child is too shy to participate immediately, we recommend you allow them to watch the proceedings from the sideline while the coach encourages them to participate. Do not force a child to participate in any activity if they are having a tough time. Use patience and allow them to enter participation when they are ready.

The coaching staff will do their best to make the activities fun and engaging for the kids. Children will generally participate when they become familiar with the program and feel more comfortable. Each Schoolyard session usually ends with a 15 minute short-sided scrimmage. The coach will determine if the players are ready.

IS THIS THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR MY CHILD?
• If you answer yes to these questions, Schoolyard is probably a good choice.
• Can they run and kick well?
• Do they have a short attention span?
• Do they tend to get anxious if they are away from mom or dad too long?

6U is a team-based, small-sided soccer program for kids 4.5-5 years old that practices a maximum of once per week (45 minutes) and plays a 30 minute game once a week with 4 or 5 players on the field for each team.

KEY POINTS

• Teams are led by volunteer parent coaches that we provide training and lots of ongoing support.
  
• 6U is two days per week (one practice and one game on Saturdays), practice days and times will vary based on the coach.
• LESS PRESSURE! We let them play their games with as little interference as possible. It's more important to have fun and get exercise and learn that sports are fun!

IS THIS THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR MY CHILD?
If you answer yes to these questions, 6U is probably a good choice.

• Can they run and kick well?
• Do you have time for a mid week activity?
• Do they have older brothers and sisters?
• Are they ok being away from mom or dad?