General
Can I join a class in the middle of a session?
Yes! We offer open enrollment so that you can join anytime and have your class fees prorated. This means that you pay only for the remaining number of classes and not the full session fee.
What should my kids wear?
Participants should wear comfortable clothes and indoor soccer shoes, cleats, or plain tennis shoes. We do not usually recommend shin guards to any child, although they aren’t a bad idea if you are registered for a Micro class. Lil’ Kicker uniforms are offered with purchase or renewal of your Lil’ Kickers membership. Outfitting your child in Lil’ Kickers garb is a fun way to make your child feel part of a team. Kids naturally appreciate looking like older uniformed kids and role models. Plus a uniform gives kids a sense of belonging because they look like others on the team. We also understand that some kids are picky about what they wear, so uniforms are optional.
How many girls and boys are in each class?
Classes are co-ed, so the mix of boys and girls is based on who registers. If you have five or more players and we have enough field space, we are open to creating a private class for you with your requested group of children.
What is the difference between a Hoppers and a Jackrabbits class?
Hoppers is a class for beginning 3 and 4 year olds that works on developing individual skills. Jackrabbits is an intermediate class, falling between the Hoppers (for total beginners) and Micro classes (for school age kids who have had previous experience). In Jackrabbits, children play more one-ball oriented games to help them transition from individual skills to team skills. Some small-sided, non-competitive scrimmages are also introduced in Jackrabbits.
If I register my child for a session, are we “guaranteed” a spot in the next session?
No, all registrations are first come, first serve basis.
What kind of instructors do you have? Are they all licensed by some organization?
All Lil’ Kickers coaches are carefully screened to ensure we provide quality, child-centered, high energy instruction. Each coach goes through a background check and a rigorous training process, which includes child development training. Instructors may or may not be U.S.S.F. licensed.
Why don’t they play more soccer in this program?
While many soccer programs are busy using traditional soccer skill drills to drive home the fundamentals of soccer, we approach coaching from a child-centered perspective. Because of this perspective, we know that our main goal is to make learning fun for kids. We do this by putting instruction into a context children understand, using special techniques designed around how kids naturally learn. Lil’ Kickers teaches your child the fundamentals of soccer, but focuses on developing the whole child. Our program helps develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills that result in our Lil Kickers becoming well-balanced and conscientious individuals on and off the soccer field.
Can I register online?
If you are a current customer, you can register online through MySam at any time of the day or night!
Costs
The cost for our program is $13/class with classes running once a week throughout the season. We like to take payment up from and do prorate the cost so you only pay for the remaining classes in the season. We offer make-up classes if you happen to miss a class or two. There is also an additional annual registration fee of $15/child or $30 for a family.
New Customer
What do I need to do before we arrive?
Please sign in to your Lil’ Kickers account where you’ll be promted to complete our online waiver. You’ll need to first look up your password using the email address you provided for us over the phone.
Do I need to check in?
If you’re not sure which field your child’s class is on, please see the front desk so that we may direct you. Your child’s class will remain on that same field for the duration of the session.
What does my child need to wear?
Your child only needs to wear gym shoes and comfortable clothes for class. Wearing a uniform is optional. We understand that some kids are picky about what they wear! Parents, if you are in a parent/child class (Bunnies, Thumpers or Cottontails), you may also want to wear comfortable clothes as you will play a big part in class. We do not usually recommend soccer shoes or shin guards to any child, although it isn’t a bad idea to have them if you are in a Micro 6/7 or Micro 8/9 class.
What if I can’t make it to one of my classes?
You are allowed to make up any missed classes within the session in which you are enrolled, subject to space availability. We typically offer many other class times, so usually this is not a problem; however, we cannot guarantee that space will be available. Please note that you cannot carryover make-up classes into later sessions.
Policy
What if I can’t make it to one of my classes?
You are allowed to make up any missed classes within the session in which you are enrolled, subject to space availability. We typically offer many other class times, so usually this is not a problem; however we cannot guarantee that space will be available. And note that you cannot carryover make-up classes into later sessions.
Can I drop my child off for class?
No, classes are 50 minutes and require a parent or guardian to be on-site at all times.
Can I register my child for just one class?
No, but we do offer one free trial class to new customers to see if their children enjoy the Lil’ Kickers experience.
What is your policy for allowing children with special needs into your program?
Children with special needs are welcomed in our program as long as we are equipped to assist them accordingly. Please contact your Lil’ Kickers Coordinator for more information.
Can we pay as we go during the session?
The entire session must be paid in full at the time of registration. Because we offer open enrollment, class fees may be prorated.
How many free trials can a child take?
The free trial policy is usually limited to one free class per child. However, in special circumstances a Lil’ Kickers Coordinator may offer an additional free class to a child, particularly if it’s been a long time since the last free trial class.
Can I get a Lil Kickers discount for both of my children?
Yes! We offer a sibling discount of $30.00 for each additional child registered.
Can I sign up for multiple days a week?
Yes, though you will need to register and pay for the additional class sessions separately. And don’t forget that we offer a $15 session discount for any child who attends multiple classes per week.
Can we come on any day?
No, in order to maintain class ratios and consistency within the program, we schedule children for specific times and days. When registering, be sure to first determine which day best suits your schedule. Of course there may be an occasion when a make-up class is needed. In that situation, you can schedule a make-up class for any day in which class space is available. If your schedule changes during the session, and you need to switch days, we will try to accommodate your needs to the best of our ability. However, changes cannot be guaranteed and are based on space availability.
What if my child is not feeling well?
If your child is showing the following symptoms of illness, or if they have been diagnosed with any infectious diseases, we ask that you keep your child home. Examples of symptoms include: A fever within the past 24 hours, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, a constant runny nose or cough not caused by allergies, or a rash that has not been checked by a doctor. Once your child has fully recovered, please call to schedule your make-up class.
Program
What are 18 month old children going to do in the class?
Classes for this age group focus on building important basic skills such as balance and coordination. A variety of sensory activities such as blowing bubbles, playing with parachutes and noodles and building towers made out of cones are presented in a sequence that promotes skill development and cognitive mapping.
If my child is struggling in a class without parents on the field, such as Hoppers or Jackrabbits, is it okay for me to be on the field to help my child?
In this situation, we normally suggest placing the child in a Cottontails class. Cottontails classes are methodically structured and specifically designed to deal with a child’s separation anxiety and to promote child autonomy. We have found that these classes provide a successful, long term solution for dealing with separation anxiety.
Classes
How long are classes?
Each of our classes lasts 50 minutes with a water break about half way through. Between classes there is a 10 minute break.
What are the child-to-coach ratios for each class?
Ratios vary depending on several factors including the mobility of the children in the class, whether parents are participating in the class, and the level of technical instruction required. You can find exact ratios in the class descriptions.
How long are your sessions?
We offer four (4) sessions a year that break down into approximately 13 week cycles.
Progression
If my daughter has a birthday during the session should she move up to the next class?
If your daughter is both physically and emotionally ready, the option of moving up is always available, subject to the recommendation of a Coach. However, changing classes in the middle of a session because of a birthday is unnecessary.
I think my son is advanced. Can he move up a level to the next class even if he’s not old enough yet?
Yes, if it is both physically and emotionally appropriate for him. Our coaching staff will determine whether moving up is appropriate based on our experience with kids of similar age with similar abilities.
When should my child move up to the next class?
Advancing to the next class really depends on the child and how they are doing in the current class. Our philosophy is that sports played at younger ages should be mainly about overall emotional and cognitive development and the social experience of playing in a group or on a team. The exercise and growth of a child’s physical capabilities is of lesser importance; so prior to moving a child, we consider not just the child’s physical needs, but also their emotional, cognitive and social needs. This approach helps create a successful learning environment for children who are ultimately well developed in all areas. Your child’s coach can help you evaluate and determine which class is most appropriate for you and your child’s needs.
Even if my son is not old enough, can he be put in the same class with a sibling?
Our classes are developed to be age and skill appropriate, so normally siblings of different ages are not in the same class. However, if a younger child has advanced ability as determined by our coaching staff, then an exception may be made. Note that our class schedule normally offers classes for different ages at the same time, which often accommodates those families who want to simultaneously schedule their children’s classes.
Can I make sure a specific child is not in my class?
If a child is well-suited for a given class, we will not otherwise restrict that child from that class. However, we normally offer several times and days for each class, so it shouldn’t be difficult to personally schedule your child so that any unwanted pairing does not occur.
My child’s coach last session was great! Can I request the same coach again for the next session?
You can request a specific coach; however your child’s placement with that coach will be first come, first serve, and determined by space available. So, register early!
