Home / Youth Programs / Skills Institute

Skills Institute

Skills Institute Ages 5 – 12 years

Not just footwork, but life work.

In the Skills Institute program, our goal is to educate, develop, and inspire all while having fun. Our program is specially designed for kids ages 5 – 12 years old who love the game and want to improve their skills.  Rooted in child development theory, our classes are not just about soccer—they’re about helping children grow and succeed both on and off the field. Players enjoy 30 minutes of age-appropriate instruction and 20 minutes of small-sided scrimmaging. Classes meet weekly for 50-minutes.

 

 

• Level 1 – Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9 – 12 

With our focus to Educate, Develop, and Inspire, Skills Institute Level 1 classes start with the fundamentals of player development: dribbling, passing and how to effectively use them in a game situation. This level then takes players through a progression of 1v1’s and 2 v 1 attacking to foster a sense of confidence and begin their journey of developing a high Soccer IQ.
AGES 5/6, 7/8, 9 – 12

10:1 CHILD-TO-COACH RATIO

• Level 2 – Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9 – 12

Designed for those who have completed Level 1 or have played on a soccer team, our Skills Institute Level 2 focuses on advanced dribbling, introduction to finishing, and then progresses into 2v1 and 2v2 attacking. Players will increase their ability to beat opponents on the dribble, push their decision making under pressure, and capitalize on shooting opportunities.

AGES 5/6, 7/8, 9 – 12

10:1 CHILD-TO-COACH RATIO

• Level 3 – Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9 – 12

Skills Institute Level 3 brings it all together by progressing from 2v2’s to 3v2 attacking with an emphasis on maintaining possession. Decision making, creating space, combination play, and rapid transitions from defense to offense are all part of this level’s development path. We help players continue to develop their Soccer IQ and be inspired to play at their next level.

AGES 5/6, 7/8, 9 – 12

BY RECOMMENDATION ONLY

10:1 CHILD-TO-COACH RATIO

Find the class that is right for you!

Level 1 Milestones

Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12

Level 1 Milestones

• Players have some soccer experience from recreational teams, school, or Lil’ Kickers. Some players, especially those aged 9-12, may have no prior experience.
• All participants usually have a basic understanding of how soccer games work and show a strong desire to learn more about how to play soccer.
• Players will benefit from focused instruction to improve their fundamental skills, such as dribbling under control and passing accurately.

 

Level 2 Milestones

Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12

Level 2 Milestones

• Most players have prior experience in a Level 1 class. Some players are new to Skill Institute but have played on a soccer team.
• Players have a solid foundation of dribbling and passing and are ready to work on more advanced ball control and shooting.
• Level 2 players work well with teammates. They show readiness to accept challenges and eager to be coached.

 

 

Level 3 Milestones

Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12

Level 3 Milestones

• All participants must have prior experience in a SI Level 2 class or have been invited to join a Level 3 class.
• Level 3 players consistently use proper technique for dribbling, passing and shooting. 
• Players work hard to keep possession and quickly retake possession if they lose the ball.

 

---

Latest News

Youth Programs

---

#LOSTNATION

Follow us on Instagram