Watching the youngest members of our club take their first steps into soccer with our U6 Grassroots Academy is both exciting and rewarding. As we continue to move forward, let’s take a moment to share our objectives for this season, set expectations, and remind you that every child’s development is a journey at their own pace.

Our Objectives

Locomotor Skills: At this stage, our primary focus is helping kids become comfortable with their bodies. Through various locomotor activities such as hopping, skipping, and jumping, we are working to connect important neurons that will pay off well into the future. There’s magic happening behind the scenes within their bodies that we may not see right now, but this foundation will be crucial as they grow. These seemingly simple movements are integral to their coordination and physical development.

Games and Fun: The soccer we play doesn’t resemble organized soccer just yet, and that’s by design. Instead, we’re focused on ensuring that the kids enjoy themselves and develop their ball skills through fun, engaging games like Red Light, Green Light, and Ice Monsters. They won’t even realize they’re learning to become artists of the soccer ball! Our goal is to instill a love for the game by making every session a positive and playful experience.

Development Takes Time

Player development drives everything we do. This year, we have a unique mix of young 3-year-olds alongside some more advanced 5- and 6-year-olds. While we’ve moved some players up to an older age group where it’s more developmentally appropriate, many of our youngest players are still finding their footing. And that’s completely okay. Remember, every child develops differently, and it’s normal for some kids to take a little longer to jump in. We encourage you to keep bringing them to sessions, even if they’re not participating fully right away.

Some kids may sit on the sidelines for a few sessions, while others might jump in for 10 minutes and then prefer to hang out with mom or dad. That’s all part of the process. Our sessions are designed to meet them where they are, and we go at their pace. We believe in a patient approach that allows each child to build confidence and become comfortable in their own time.

Trust the Process

Grassroots Academy is the backbone of our club. It’s the first program we started back in 2013, and it’s where we’ve built the foundation for everything else. Many of our best players at the older ages were once tentative 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. Over time, with consistent exposure and positive reinforcement, they found their stride. So, we encourage you to trust the process, have fun, and stay patient. Your child’s journey into soccer is just beginning, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.

Playing with your child at home with a soccer ball is another great way to help them feel comfortable. The more they engage with the game, even in small ways, the more they’ll grow to love it. We’re confident that with time, they’ll jump in with enthusiasm and excitement.

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to continue this journey with you and your child. Thank you for trusting us with their first soccer experience. Learn more about our developmental pathway. We post our Select Team schedule on our social media every Friday morning. Make it a point to bring your kiddo to one of these games so everyone can see what we’re working towards. 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you all at the next session and watching our little Eagles spread their wings!