Where to Find the Best Places for Soccer Classes for Kids in SWMI
When my son turned five, he asked if he could play soccer.
Having played soccer myself, I offered to “help” with this newly discovered interest in kids sports.
Little did I know, “helping” meant that I would become his team’s head coach. While coaching was definitely not what I had envisioned when volunteering, I am grateful for the experience.
As he has gotten older, he has expanded his soccer horizons to new teams, new coaches, and soccer programs to work on his skills.
SWMI Families Have Many Options for Soccer for Kids
Soccer is BIG in SWMI; you don’t have to look far to find soccer classes, indoor soccer, summer camps, recreational soccer, and club soccer throughout the Kalamazoo area.
So where do you start?
You start here. As young as age two, local spots offer fun soccer classes for kids to kick off their soccer skills.
We’ve got all of the local soccer providers plus FAQs below:
In this Guide
• Featured Soccer Providers
• Soccer FAQs
• Soccer Leagues
• Soccer Classes & Clinics
• Futsal
Featured Soccer Leagues, Classes + Clubs in Kalamazoo
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Kingdom Soccer was established in 1995 and is the area's one-stop for all soccer classes, camps and Club for ages 2-18, plus adult leagues.
Kingdom Classes offer a great developmental curriculum for ages 2-18.
Kingdom Soccer Club, ages 7-18, is the best skill development Club in Michigan.*
*Kingdom Academy features birth years 2016-2017-2018, starting Fall 2023.
In 2004, Kingdom Sports’ 60,000 sq. ft. indoor facility opened. Kingdom Sports has evolved to offer soccer, flag football, baseball and skateboarding, leagues and classes.
Kingdom also offers adult coed men's and women's soccer and flag football.
$5 Toddler Indoor Drop-in - Monday & Wednesday - 10:30-11:30 AM (Sept. start)
$5 Adult Soccer Drop-in - Monday & Wednesday - 12:00-1:00 PM (year round)
Kingdom Classes offer a great developmental curriculum for ages 2-18.
Kingdom Soccer Club, ages 7-18, is the best skill development Club in Michigan.*
*Kingdom Academy features birth years 2016-2017-2018, starting Fall 2023.
In 2004, Kingdom Sports’ 60,000 sq. ft. indoor facility opened. Kingdom Sports has evolved to offer soccer, flag football, baseball and skateboarding, leagues and classes.
Kingdom also offers adult coed men's and women's soccer and flag football.
$5 Toddler Indoor Drop-in - Monday & Wednesday - 10:30-11:30 AM (Sept. start)
$5 Adult Soccer Drop-in - Monday & Wednesday - 12:00-1:00 PM (year round)
OFFERING: Indoor Soccer, Soccer for Toddlers, Soccer for Kids, Youth Soccer, Soccer Classes
AGES: Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
AGES: Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development!
Soccer Shots Mini (Ages 2-3): high-energy program introducing children to fundamental soccer principles, such as using your feet, dribbling and the basic rules of the game.
Soccer Shots Classic (Ages 3-5): utilizes creative and imaginative games to focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting.
Soccer Shots Premier (Ages 5-8): focuses on individual skill, fitness and sportsmanship, providing an opportunity for children to be challenged through fun games and team interaction. Children will also be introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Soccer Shots Mini (Ages 2-3): high-energy program introducing children to fundamental soccer principles, such as using your feet, dribbling and the basic rules of the game.
Soccer Shots Classic (Ages 3-5): utilizes creative and imaginative games to focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting.
Soccer Shots Premier (Ages 5-8): focuses on individual skill, fitness and sportsmanship, providing an opportunity for children to be challenged through fun games and team interaction. Children will also be introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner.
OFFERING: Indoor Soccer, Soccer for Toddlers, Soccer for Kids, Youth Soccer, Soccer Classes
AGES: Preschool, Grades K-2
AGES: Preschool, Grades K-2
TKO Premier SC is a non-profit club offering developmental play at all levels.
We provide players the best opportunities for training and the highest level of competition available in our area. We support and encourage the love of soccer, while providing life skills: Commitment, Character, Community, Sportsmanship and Teamwork.
We provide players the best opportunities for training and the highest level of competition available in our area. We support and encourage the love of soccer, while providing life skills: Commitment, Character, Community, Sportsmanship and Teamwork.
OFFERING: Youth Soccer
AGES: Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
AGES: Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Soccer Classes for Kids FAQs
This Q&A section will answer some of the frequently asked questions about getting your child started in this sport:
FAQs
How Do Kids Get Started With Soccer?
A great way to try soccer for kids is with a class or summer camp. Kids can learn the fundamental skills and game rules before joining a team. Classes are offered as young as two years old.
When ready to join a team, recreational soccer is the best way to start, as all abilities are welcome. As skills progress, club soccer may be the right fit for your child.
What Age Does Youth Soccer Start?
Soccer classes can start as early as age 2; team soccer usually begins around 5-6 years old.
When are Soccer Sign Ups?
Registration typically opens in the Spring (May) for the upcoming Fall season.
Where Can My Child Play Soccer Without A lot of Experience?
Recreational soccer like AYSO invites players of all abilities and experience levels to play soccer for kids. This is a great place to start before considering club soccer.
Additional options: soccer classes or summer camps are offered to all abilities as well.
What is Club Soccer?
Club soccer is a more competitive level of soccer for kids, where players try out for team placement.
The costs are higher than recreational soccer and families can expect to attend tournaments (which will require travel).
What is Futsal?
Futsal is a version of indoor soccer, typically played five versus five players on a hard surface, like a basketball court.
Unlike traditional indoor soccer, walls are out of bounds and the soccer ball used is smaller and has less bounce.
How Much Does it Cost to Play Soccer?
Recreational soccer fees average around $100 dollars for the year (Fall + Spring seasons), plus equipment costs.
Club soccer families will pay more; fees can be $500 or more annually, plus equipment and travel expenses.
Many organizations offer payment plans or scholarships.
What Equipment is Needed for Soccer?
Depending upon age, you will likely need to purchase soccer cleats, a soccer ball, soccer socks, and shin guards. If your child is under the age of 5, confirm whether they need soccer cleats (running shoes may be okay).
The coach or league will tell you which size soccer ball to buy.
Tip: Try a consignment shop for cleats; most kids outgrow them quickly so they likely will have little wear.
If playing on a team, the uniform, socks and shorts are typically provided (this may or may not be included with your registration fees).
Note: Outdoor and indoor soccer will have different shoe requirements. Outdoor cleats will damage indoor fields; confirm which shoes are needed for your location.
Soccer Leagues
| AYSO Preschool – 12th grade |
| Dan Bulley Soccer School (269) 924-8704 7+ yrs |
| Kalamazoo Soccer Club 901 S Drake Rd, Kalamazoo MI 49009 6 – 19 yrs |
| Kingdom Sports 8151 Merchant Place, Portage MI 49002 4+ yrs |
| Let’s Play Sports – Portage 7187 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage MI 49002 7+ yrs |
| Let’s Play Sports – Oshtemo 6255 Technology Dr, Kalamazoo MI 49009 7+ yrs |
| Portage Soccer Club 4422 Bishop Ave, Portage MI 49002 7+ yrs |
| Red Arrow Soccer Club PO Box 533, Mattawan MI 49071 7+ years |
| TKO Premier SC PO BOX 19293, Kalamazoo MI 49019 Preschool – 12th grade |
Soccer Classes for Kids & Clinics
| Dan Bulley Soccer School (269) 924-8704 4+ yrs |
| Kingdom Sports 8151 Merchant Place, Portage MI 49002 2+ yrs |
| Next Level Performance 12733 N. US 131, Schoolcraft MI 49087 7 – 12 yrs |
| Soccer Shots Multiple locations in Kalamazoo County 2 – 8 yrs |
| YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo MI 49008 3 – 8 yrs |
Futsal
| Kalamazoo Portage Futsal WMU Student Rec Center 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49008 admin@kpfutsal.com |
More to Explore
Dan Bulley Soccer School is another great option with camps and Sting club in the KALAMAZOO/ Portage /jackson areas!