Week 1: What Your Child Was Really Learning in Soccer Class

Did you and your child join us on Soccer Island this past weekend? You might have been a returning family or brand new to our program. As parents, we all have expectations of how activities might go for our children, but usually, expectations go out the window. Every child is different. Maybe yours stayed close to you or the coach during class. Maybe they sat and watched a majority of the class, or needed extra reminders to listen. Perhaps they cried a lot or were more focused on picking up the ball than playing the current game. It can be easy to wonder, “What do toddlers learn in soccer class?” The answer may surprise you. And the best part is, you are not alone.

Week One: Feeling Safe in New Environments

Before Tiny Troopers can focus on dribbling, kicking, or playing games, they need to feel safe, comfortable, and confident in a new environment. For your child, the first week of class was learning about who their coach was, what the routine looks like, the transitions the coach uses, and that the space was predictable and supportive. Young children thrive on routine. In soccer class, toddlers learn a sense of safety, which is the foundation for everything that comes after.

Week One: Hidden Skills Practiced

This is often the part of class that surprises families most when they start to understand what toddlers learn in soccer class beyond kicking a ball. While your child may not have practiced the soccer skills presented in the lesson plan, they were still learning and developing other skills in the meantime.

1. Listening to a New Adult: The first adults that toddlers learn to listen to are prominent adults in their families. Learning to listen to their coach is a new skill. They have to learn the coach’s voice and tone, and also their expectations.
2. Navigating transitions: Your Tiny Trooper had to learn all of the transitions that occur in class. There are transitions to new activities, transitions back to the yellow cone, and transitions to water breaks. They had to learn the signals that start and end transitions.
3. Being Part of a Group: For some toddlers and preschoolers, this is the first time they may find themselves part of a group of children. They are learning to share space and wait for their turn. They are also watching the other kids to see what they are doing, which is part of what toddlers absorb in soccer class.
4. Trying Something New: Some children jump into new activities right away. Others prefer to stand and watch first. Watching is still learning. Their confidence grows, and they engage when they are ready. Many families have told us that while their child likes to watch during classes, they can do the skills at home in their own backyard!

Familiar Games and Repetition Matter

You may have noticed that coaches repeat the same games and activities during classes. For example, they might have practiced dribbling skills and then played a game that also worked on dribbling. This is intentional. Toddlers and preschoolers love repetition. It helps them build confidence, reduces their anxiety, helps them know what to expect, and allows them to focus on simply participating. When Tiny Troopers recognize a familiar game or song, they’re more likely to join in and play. This is part of what toddlers learn during soccer class.

What You Can Do to Support Your Tiny Trooper

Your role matters, even when you’re not on Soccer Island. You can help reinforce what your child is learning in class as they learn and grow.

• Talk positively about soccer, but keep it short and simple.
  • “You worked hard today!”
  • “I loved your dribbling today!”
• Focus on effort
  • “You did a great job listening to your coach!”
  • “You tried toe taps today!”
  • “I loved seeing you kick the ball into the goal!

Trust the process. Learning is rarely ever linear. It’s normal, and it’s okay!

Looking Ahead

As your Tiny Trooper becomes more comfortable with the routines found on Soccer Island, you’ll likely see longer attention spans, more participation, increased confidence, and stronger connections with their coach and fellow Tiny Troopers. Soccer skills will follow, but confidence and safety come first. We’ve had many players begin as shy 2-year-olds, only to evolve into completely different players when they exit the program as 4 or 5-year-olds. It’s a journey of learning that unfolds gradually.

We’re excited to grow alongside your child this year, one small step at a time. Are you ready to join us on Soccer Island, or know a friend who would love to sign their child up? Find your location and get started today!