5 Things Every New Family Should Know

Starting a new activity with your toddler or preschooler can bring up some questions. Will they participate? Will they listen to the teacher or coach? Will they have fun? After working with thousands of toddlers and preschoolers over the past decade, Tiny Troops Soccer has come up with 5 things every new family should know before stepping onto Soccer Island for their child’s first soccer class.

1. Watching is Okay

Many families worry when their Tiny Trooper prefers to spend their first class or classes observing instead of participating. To adults, it seems like “just watching”. For a toddler or preschooler, observation is their way of gathering information. They are learning about the coach, the activities, the other kids, and the space around them. This lets them determine if they feel safe and comfortable enough to join in. While many Tiny Troopers do jump right in, others prefer to take their time. Both approaches are normal.

2. Progress Doesn’t Always Look Like Soccer

When families enroll in our soccer program, they likely think about the progress their Tiny Trooper would make. This includes daydreaming of the little one dribbling, kicking the ball, and scoring goals. However, coaches are looking at progress from a different angle. They’re looking at the little accomplishments. Perhaps this week it’s a Tiny Trooper walking onto Soccer Island by themselves after needing their grown-up for the past couple of weeks. Or maybe it’s a little one who finally tries to kick the ball instead of standing and watching. Maybe it’s giving the coach a smile and a high five on arrival, instead of tears. The little wins often happen before the soccer skills.

3. Repetition is Intentional

As you watch your Tiny Trooper’s classes, you’ll notice familiar games that show up again and again. You’ll see the skills practiced throughout the month, usually with a new spin on the story. This is not because we ran out of ideas. Rather, it’s because we know that young children learn best through repetition. Not only do familiar activities help them feel comfortable and ready to participate, but they also give children opportunities to practice skills without learning new rules every week. When young children feel confident about a skill or activity, they are more likely to participate and practice. It may feel repetitive to adults, but it’s a reassurance for young Tiny Troopers.

4. Every Tiny Trooper has Their Own Timeline

Some join in right away from the very first class, while others watch from the side or only participate with a grown-up. Both are welcome on Soccer Island. Toddlers and preschoolers arrive with different levels of readiness. Comparing your Tiny Trooper to others can steal the joy of watching your Tiny Trooper’s progress unfold. The most meaningful comparison you can make is where your Tiny Trooper is today and where they were a few weeks ago.

5. Fun Matters More Than You Think

Some families might worry that a class looks too playful and not focused enough on soccer. There are silly games and imaginative adventures. Sometimes there are sharks to hunt or berries to collect. Tiny Troops Soccer knows that young children learn best when they are having fun and using their imagination. When children enjoy an activity, they are more likely to participate and return excited for the next activity or class. The fun is what makes learning possible.

What This Means for Families

If you’re new to Tiny Troops Soccer, focus on the small victories during those first classes. Enjoy watching your Tiny Trooper take their first steps onto Soccer Island. Watch for growing comfort and confidence. Most importantly, celebrate participation in whatever form it takes. The first few classes are not about doing things perfectly. Rather, they are about helping children build positive experiences. Everything else grows from there.

Ready to join us? Find a class and enroll today!