There are so many great programs out there for kids to be a part of these days. Often it is difficult to decide what to sign your child up for. I know I struggle with whether to put them in swimming, skating, soccer…maybe all of it, or even none of it at all. That’s why I love learning a little more about the great programs offered in the Ottawa area, and hopefully getting a little more direction about what might be the best fit for my kids.

So, I was thrilled when Megan from Little Kickers contacted me, offering my kids a chance to give their soccer program a try. Soccer is such a great sport for kids to participate in from a young age. It involves cardio, coordination, team work and very little equipment.

The Little Kickers program is part of a franchise that got its start in the UK and now operates in more than 20 countries. Megan and her partner (who are from the UK themselves) operate the Ottawa Little Kickers, and it is a fabulously run program that offers a number of different locations, days and times for participants.

The Little Kickers program runs classes for children starting at 18 months of age, and going until 7 years old. The classes have been specifically designed for early years with the help of child behaviour specialists. Kids don’t just learn soccer. The lessons incorporate listening, sharing, learning colours and body parts.

My kids Rowan and Lucas were pumped to try out the soccer class. Rowan was thrilled with the official looking uniforms offered to all the players.

The class she attended had three coaches for ten kids. The coaches were enthusiastic, engaged and very positive. Parents were welcome to join in along with their kids, or could choose to watch from the sidelines. Rowan was perfectly happy to participate without me, so I enjoyed watching and cheering from the side. There was great variety in the games and drills the coaches offered, and the 45 minute class flew by.

Lucas was watching throughout Rowan’s session and itching to get involved. The class for his age group followed with the same three coaches. Although only 4, Luke participated in the older 5-7 year old group, and there were some skilled players among the bunch. It was obvious that some of the girls and boys had been participating in Little Kickers for some time, and their skill set showed it.

It was great to see how the coaches progressed the games and drills to make them more challenging for the older kids. The coaches also did an awesome job of splitting up the group when needed to, and pitting the strongest players against one another, while the weaker players played together (thus allowing for more fairness and ball distribution come game play).

Both of my kids had a blast, and have asked me now to sign them up permanently. A great thing about Little Kickers is the soccer classes run throughout the year so there are no specified start and end dates. Your child’s enrolment will start on your first day of classes.

If you are interested in learning more about Little Kickers and where and when the classes are offered, check out their website HERE. And if you mention this blog ‘EMBRACING OTTAWA’ when registering with miniskip@littlekickers.ca , you will receive one free class.