Thumpers is a class designed specifically for the needs of two and three years old. The classes use fun games, activities, and sensory tools to help the older toddler learn how to integrate into a group learning environment and build fundamental social, cognitive, and physical skills. To maximize learning, adult participation is required.

Cottontails is a class 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 skills. Cottontails classes also offer another component—helping your child 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.

Classes require adult participation. The idea is to gradually wean children (and sometimes parents) from needing to have one-on-one supervision on the field during class. Of course, if a child is having an overly difficult time, adults will be encouraged to participate. The adult participation schedule is as shown in the following table.

Hoppers classes build fundamental social, cognitive ,and physical skills in three and four-year-olds. As in all Lil’ Kickers classes, Hoppers meets the child where they are developmentally which means this class is fun, fast-paced, and taps into the child’s imagination. We use highly creative games to capture their attention so they can develop overall coordination, balance, and strength and build teamwork, cooperation, listening, and of course, soccer skills.

Each week Hoppers classes will work on a specific area of focus. What parents will see is the development of a budding soccer player. What the children will gain are essential life skills that translate into a high self-esteem, becoming team players, school readiness, and strong physical capabilities.

Children who are ready to be on the field without a parent, thrive in this class. If a child who has recently turned three is uncomfortable being on the field without his or her parent, a Cottontails’ class may better suit their needs. This will allow them to develop a stronger sense of independence. Children who are four and have had other experience in class settings may be further along in their development, so a Jackrabbits or Micro 4/5 class may be more appropriate.

Jackrabbits classes equip children with essential skills for both on and off the soccer field. Children will develop soccer skills and build physical coordination and agility. But more importantly, they will acquire social interaction skills and skills for school readiness.

Designed for children who have already been through the Hoppers curriculum, this class focuses on listening, following directions, and sharing while cultivating a sense of teamwork—what it means to be a part of a team and what it means to work as a team—helping them progress from a “me” view of the world to a “we” view of the world.

As the session progresses children will be given an opportunity to practice these skills through participating in more one-ball oriented activities where players learn to share the ball which will lead up to scrimmaging later in the session. Scrimmages are non-competitive and teach players the value of effort, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. The goal of Jackrabbits is to help put children on the path to becoming confident, well-rounded individuals who are team oriented and have a strong foundation for learning. 

Big Feet classes introduce five and six year olds to the game of soccer helping them to develop the emotional, social, and physical readiness to play soccer and other team sports.   This class provides an ideal setting for those players who are new to the game, who are a little less coordinated, who are shy, who have a less competitive nature, or who just aren’t ready to engage in team soccer.  Big Feet classes use fun activities to develop basic soccer skills such as dribbling, passing, trapping, and scoring while helping players build confidence and develop a better understanding of teamwork.  Some non-competitive scrimmages are played to enhance the learning process. 

Micro classes are for children who are four and five years old, who have had previous soccer experience, and are ready for more of a challenge. Classes are designed to physically, emotionally, and socially prepare children for team soccer. Creative, fun activities are combined with non-competitive scrimmages to teach players fundamental skills as well as help them develop an understanding of the team concept.

Micro 6-7 classes use a combination of creative games, skill drills and scrimmages to help prepare players for league play. Classes focus both on building fundamental skills, such as dribbling, passing, trapping and shooting, and on teaching players how and when to use apply these skills in game situations. Coaches will also work to instill a strong work ethic and a strong sense of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Micro 8-9 classes are designed for children in this age range who have little experience playing soccer or who are not ready to play competitive soccer. The goals of this class are to help players develop fundamental life and soccer skills and teach them how and when to apply them in a game setting.