Kids Will Get a Kick out of Playing Soccer
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.
Directory: Where to Play Soccer for Kids in Kalamazoo
Southwest Michigan offers a number of organizations and facilities for soccer teams, classes and camps:
sponsored listings
About Soccer at Soccer Shots Kalamazoo
Soccer Shots Kalamazoo is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development.
Our caring team positively impacts children’s lives on and off the field through best-in-class coaching, curriculum and communication. Our coaches are the best-trained in the business. Our expert-approved curriculum is age-appropriate and aligns with childhood education standards. In addition, we provide an exceptional customer experience and ongoing parent communication.
Soccer Shots Mini (Ages 2-3): introduces children to fundamental soccer principles, such as using your feet, dribbling and basic game rules.
Soccer Shots Classic (Ages 3-5): utilizes creative games to focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. We highlight a positive character trait each session such as respect, teamwork and appreciation.
Soccer Shots Premier (Ages 5-8): focuses on individual skill, fitness and sportsmanship, providing an opportunity for children to be challenged through fun games.
Locations: Oshtemo, Texas Corners, Schoolcraft, Paw Paw, Portage & Richland
AGES: Preschool, Grades K-2
OFFERING: Indoor Soccer, Soccer for Toddlers, Soccer for Kids, Youth Soccer, Soccer Classes
Kingdom Sports in Portage
Soccer Clubs, Soccer Teams, Soccer Leagues
About Soccer at Kingdom Sports
In 2004, Kingdom Sports’ indoor sports 60,000 square foot facility opened. Kingdom Sports has evolved to offer soccer, flag football, baseball, skateboarding and lacrosse leagues and classes.
Kingdom offers a wide range of youth soccer and flag football leagues and classes starting at age 2.
Kingdom also offers adult flag football and coed men's and women's soccer. Kingdom Soccer Club, ages 7 -18, is the best skill development Club in Michigan.
AGES: Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
OFFERING: Indoor Soccer, Soccer for Toddlers, Soccer for Kids, Youth Soccer, Soccer Classes
Soccer Leagues
AYSO | Grades Preschool – 12
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 | Grades Preschool – 12
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 | 2 – 8 yrs
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 3 – 8 yrs
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).
More to Explore
