Programs
AYSO Kickstart
The Perfect First Step in Soccer
AYSO Kickstart is designed to introduce young players to soccer through active play, movement, and fun. Created specifically for beginning players, Kickstart provides a positive first sports experience that helps children build confidence, develop fundamental skills, and discover a love for the game.
Grounded in research on youth sports and early childhood development, Kickstart transforms traditional practice sessions into engaging, child-centered experiences. Through imaginative games, age-appropriate activities, and small-sided soccer play, children learn by doing while staying active and having fun.
Kickstart is typically offered for the youngest and first-time players and serves as the first step in the AYSO player pathway.
What Does a Kickstart Session Look Like?
Each session is designed to keep players moving, engaged, and smiling.
A typical Kickstart session includes:
- Fundamental movement activities such as running, balancing, hopping, or skipping
- Fun soccer-based games that introduce basic skills and decision-making
- Small-sided soccer play that encourages participation and plenty of touches on the ball
- Age-appropriate social and emotional learning opportunities that reinforce teamwork, sharing, listening, and helping others
The focus is on exploration, participation, and enjoyment rather than competition.
Why Families Choose Kickstart
Parents choose Kickstart because it:
- Provides a welcoming and low-pressure introduction to sports
- Focuses on fun, movement, and player development
- Builds confidence through positive experiences
- Encourages creativity, independence, and decision-making
- Supports healthy social and emotional growth
- Creates opportunities for parent involvement and encouragement
- Is delivered through the trusted AYSO program
For many children, Kickstart is their first organized activity. The program is intentionally designed to make that first experience positive, memorable, and rewarding.
Building a Foundation for the Future
Kickstart helps young players develop the skills and confidence needed for future soccer participation by:
- Introducing basic ball familiarity and movement skills
- Building comfort in a group activity setting
- Encouraging listening, sharing, and cooperation
- Developing confidence through age-appropriate challenges
- Preparing players for a smooth transition into team-based soccer
The goal is not to accelerate development, but to create a strong foundation for long-term participation, growth, and enjoyment of the game.
