Inside Look
Early Kicks Youth Soccer Program
Hey Parents!
We asked one of our Early Kicks families about their experience with our Early Kicks Youth Soccer Program at STL Athletic Center, here’s what they had to say:
What makes Early Kicks unique?
I think it is unique because it allows preschool-aged kids to be introduced to soccer in a structured, yet age-appropriate environment.
They introduce key elements of soccer, like dribbling, stopping the ball, and shooting but incorporated within preschool games, such as red light green light. They can learn the basics of soccer while also getting to just be preschoolers, who like to run and be silly.
What is a typical Early Kicks session like?
They usually begin with an age-appropriate warm-up, where they run to a cone, and usually involves something silly like putting their foot on top of it or laying next to it. Just a few minutes of getting them active and engaged.
They then move into ball work with dribbling, trying to kick around cones placed in a big circle, putting their foot on top of the ball, or dribbling to a goal and shooting. All of this is age-appropriate and made into fun games!
They also ask questions like favorite ice cream, dinner, and what they did that day during drills to engage the kiddos while they play. It is structured yet feels like play!
What is the biggest takeaway from the program?
For us specifically, I really like the instructors.
For background, our son is 3.5 years old and on the autism spectrum. He is currently non-verbal for the most part and is unable at this time to communicate verbally with other kids or the instructors. He also tends to go off on his own and has trouble integrating with a big group.
Before we even told them this about him, they always were very inclusive and understanding of his differences. They have accommodated us in many ways.
The best part for me as his mom though, is that they treat him like everyone else.
They ask him the same questions, like what’s your favorite ice cream, even though he won’t answer. They encourage him even if he is doing something different than they have instructed. I just find it to be a very inclusive environment for him to be able to be around kids his age, being active, and learning soccer which is a big part of our family.
It has been a blessing to our family!
If you would like to get your child active and out on the field, you can sign up for next session:
– Sessions:
• September 5, 12, 19, 26, October 3 & 10
• Thursdays 11:00 – 11:45 am
• September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12 & 19
• Saturdays 8:00 – 8:45 am
• September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6 & 13
• Sundays 10:00 – 10:45 am
• All sessions are INDOOR at STL Athletic Center led by coaches from Scott Gallagher SC!
