Not all pre-K athletics are the same, but with more and more programs being offered across a variety of sports, how do you choose the class that’s right for your child? It’s probably safe to assume most parents aren’t setting their sights on raising a future professional athlete; rather, they’re looking for ways to keep their little ones active, social, and engaged. For parents who want to get their children moving and set the foundation for a healthy lifestyle, look no further than Super Soccer Stars!
When it comes to any extracurricular sports or activities, it is important to make sure the instruction your child will be receiving will meet not just your expectations, but the needs of your child. Youth programming of any kind has the potential to make or break your child’s enthusiasm and/or confidence, so it is crucial to start them off on the right foot! The foundation for any pre-K athletic program should be built upon an age-specific curriculum and imagery — essentially, providing instruction in terms toddlers can relate to and understand. If you witness an instructor lining up a group of 2- to 3-year-olds to take turns dribbling a soccer ball through a line of cones to shoot into a goal, that is a big red flag! You can’t expect these young children to wait in a line, let alone understand what “dribbling through the cones” means!
Right off the bat, let’s get rid of waiting in line, because, plain and simple, kids need to move! Give every child his/her own soccer ball to kick around to keep the class consistently running, kicking, and playing! Next, turn that line of cones into a pirate ship, a mountain range, a pumpkin patch — something the kids can recognize. The combination of relevant themes, familiar imagery, and consistent movement will not just motivate your child but also begin to introduce the fundamentals of the game week after week.
A strong curriculum can be the best around, but none of it matters if the person leading class can’t connect with the children. Leading an effective lesson takes much more than a technical understanding of the sport. When it comes to young children, body language, tone of voice, and positive reinforcement are crucial for keeping kids engaged. If/when a child picks up the soccer ball with his/her hands, there is a big difference between yelling across the field, “No hands,” and getting on the child’s level and saying, “Let’s use our feet for little kicks.” When it comes to communication with young children, consistency and patience are key! Instructors should show the children what to do and explain the directions in terms that children can comprehend. Super Soccer Stars coaches provide instructions and teach the underlying technical aspects of the sport by understanding where each child is in their individual development. Whether the child is struggling with balance or excelling with ball skills, each individual gets the chance to work at his or her own pace in a fun, non-competitive environment.
Super Soccer Stars offers regular weekly programming for children aged 2–7, with a pre-soccer and movement program for ages 12–24 months. Classes are held year-round, at indoor and outdoor locations throughout Greater Boston, with flexible programming options to meet any family’s busy schedule. With special offerings, including affordable private groups, birthday parties, special needs classes, and more, there is a Super Soccer Stars program for you!
Visit supersoccerstars.com or call 781-777-7171 to find your program today!
