Where to Find the Best Places for Soccer for Kids in SWMI
When my son turned five, he asked if he could join a soccer team. After completing his registration, I discovered that they needed volunteers that season.
Having played soccer myself, I offered to “help” with his team.
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 classes to work on his skills.
Southwest Michigan families have many options for soccer for kids: soccer classes, summer camps, recreational soccer, and club soccer. We’ve rounded up all of the locations in Kalamazoo to get your child on the field.
Is soccer on your radar for kids sports this year? Read on for all of the local providers to get your child on the field.
Featured Soccer Leagues, Classes + Clubs in Kalamazoo
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Soccer Shots Kalamazoo in Calhoun & Kalamazoo Counties
Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development!
Soccer Shots Mini for ages 2-3 is a high-energy program introducing children to fundamental soccer principles, such as using your feet, dribbling and the basic rules of the game. Through fun games, songs and positive reinforcement, children will begin to experience the joy of playing soccer and being active.
Soccer Shots Classic for ages 3-5 utilizes creative and imaginative games to focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. We also highlight a positive character trait each session such as respect, teamwork and appreciation.
Soccer Shots Premier for 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.
Find a program near you at soccershots.com/kalamazoo!
Soccer Shots Mini for ages 2-3 is a high-energy program introducing children to fundamental soccer principles, such as using your feet, dribbling and the basic rules of the game. Through fun games, songs and positive reinforcement, children will begin to experience the joy of playing soccer and being active.
Soccer Shots Classic for ages 3-5 utilizes creative and imaginative games to focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. We also highlight a positive character trait each session such as respect, teamwork and appreciation.
Soccer Shots Premier for 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.
Find a program near you at soccershots.com/kalamazoo!
Kingdom Sports in Portage
Kingdom Soccer was established in 1995 and is the area's one-stop for all soccer classes, camps and Club for ages 2-18. Kingdom Soccer Club, for ages 7 -18, is the best skill development Club in Michigan.
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.
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.
TKO Premier SC in Kalamazoo
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.
All About Soccer for Kids
Parents often wonder about the details of getting kids started with soccer.
This Q&A section will answer some of the frequently asked questions about getting your child started in this sport:
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 may require travel).
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 do 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).
Directory: Where to Play Soccer for Kids in Kalamazoo
Soccer Leagues
| AYSO Preschool – 12th grade |
| 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 & Clinics
| 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 & Calhoun County 2 – 8 yrs |
| YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 3 – 8 yrs |
More to Explore
Dan Bulley Soccer School is another great option with camps and Sting club in the KALAMAZOO/ Portage /jackson areas!