Soccer Shots: Get a Kick out of Learning Soccer
Does your child want to learn how to play soccer? Join Soccer Shots! Soccer Shots is an engaging program that teaches soccer to kids between the ages of 2 to 8 years old. There are locations in 43 different states in the US and in 2 provinces.
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Soccer Shots is a great program for kids to learn soccer. My son started when he was 3. He loved it so much that he is now in his eighth session of playing. The program is designed to make learning soccer a lot of fun for kids. It is now in its twentieth year!
What is Soccer Shots?
It is an instructional program for teaching children soccer while utilizing fun methods such as games. The program is led by soccer coaches rather than volunteers. The program is for kids ages 2 to 8 years old. It is divided up into mini programs for toddlers, classic programs for preschoolers and premier programs for kids ages 5 to 8 years old.
How long is one class?
Soccer Shots is held once a week and classes are between 30 to 45 minutes long depending on the age of the child. Sessions are usually 6 to 8 weeks long.
Ten Reasons I Love Soccer Shots
It is very engaging for kids. Each week there is a different theme and different games played with the kids.
Soccer techniques are taught in fun terms that kids can understand such as “Squash the Bug.”
Kids do not get bored since for the majority of each session each child has their own soccer ball that they are using. They also are each cheered on to “Score a Goal!” during each class.
Kids get a stamp or sticker on their hand at the end of each class.
Coaches tell parents at the end of each Soccer Shots session how their kids are doing with the different skills.
Every child gets a medal and certificate at the end of each session of classes.
Older kids have mini scrimmages at the end of each class where they practice doing a mini soccer game.
Each child gets mailed a Soccer Shot shirt that they can wear to the classes.
Different skills are worked on in each class and new ones are periodically taught such as dribbling and the Step Over.
If there are ever any class changes due to weather or issues with the soccer field we are always notified promptly via text and/or email. There are also detailed emails sent to parents throughout the season telling parents things such as what to wear, where to go, coach information and more.
Score a Goal! Everyone gets to score at Soccer Shots.
Is registration open for the next session of Soccer Shots?
Yes! Registration is now open for the 6 week session for Spring 2.0. Classes will start during the week of May 5th. Register now to get your spot before they fill up! Currently my son is in the Spring session of Soccer shots. If you have not joined yet it is not too late! If you sign up you can still attend the last few sessions and the price will be prorated.
How do I find a location near me?
Go to the Soccer Shots location finder. After entering your zip code you will then find location options close to where you reside. The location is usually followed by a link to the County website for where your Soccer Shots class will be held. After this you can select View Classes/Enroll. After entering your zip code and pertinent information such as the age of your child it is easy to find a class.
How do I register?
After finding a class click on See Details & Enroll. You can then add the class to your cart. You will need to make an account in order to register.
When is Soccer Shots offered?
There are sessions available throughout the year so it is easy to find multiple sessions when you may be available. My son generally likes to play in the Spring and the Fall.
What should your child wear and bring to Soccer Shots?
Kids just need to be in comfortable clothes and sneakers. They are welcome to also wear shin guards and cleats as well (though cleats should not be worn if it is an indoor location). Jerseys are provided once a year to each child when the annual registration fee is paid. Kids should also bring a water bottle to drink from during the breaks. My son loves to bring his Funtainer. In the colder months I also have my son wear a hat, gloves and coat underneath his jersey.
At the end of a Soccer Shots session sometimes it may be fun to give your child something such as a picture frame with a picture as a memento. Another option could be a soccer ball nightlight or soccer stickers. A medal holder can also be a fun way to display all of your Soccer Shots medals. We often have a celebratory meal with things such as mini tortilla pizzas that look like soccer balls or vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips to make it look kind of like a soccer ball.
Do parents stay with their children?
This is not a drop-off activity. Parents can watch from the sidelines. Our family often brings chairs or a blanket to sit on. If your child is 2 years old they will be registered for the Mommy & Me/Daddy & Me class where parents play with their children on the field.
How can you practice at home?
We were able to find small cones we use to practice different skills at home. It may also be helpful to get some soccer goals. A kid size soccer ball is good to have at home. We also bought an adult sized one from Five Below as well so that we could do things at the same time as my son.
Our Experience
We have been doing Soccer Shots with the Burlington County Soccer Shots Program in New Jersey. My son has been doing Soccer Shots since June of 2022. He is currently in his eighth session of doing Soccer Shots. A friend of mine lives in Florida and her kids have also loved Soccer Shots as well. They have also done it for multiple years.
Our classes have all been at the Moorestown location which has classes at either the Moorestown High School or Middle School on Thursday nights. Each of the locations had easy parking in parking lots. The High School also has an option park on the grass along the road in front of the soccer fields as well.
My son has had multiple different coaches and loved all of them. They were all great at interacting with the kids through games and friendly banter. His favorite coaches have been Coach Brian Gillepsie and Coach Anthony Taylor.
Each week the games are different and entertaining. The one week the kids were making a cake with different ingredients. Another week they were feeding an alligator. And a third week they were trying to hoard the most pirate treasure (soccer balls). This keeps things interesting, especially for kids in the younger age bracket. Different soccer skills are taught with fun phrases to make them easy for kids to remember. Cheering on teammates and working together are things that are promoted in this program.
One of my son’s favorite aspects of the program are Superhero week. He has liked dressing up like Superman and Iron Man while he played soccer. He also likes doing the Soccer Shots! cheer at the end of each class. He proudly shows us the stamp or sticker he receives as well. He is also very proud of his medals that he receives at the end.
Be sure to register your child for Soccer Shots while spots are still available!