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AYSO Region 18 Manhattan Beach & Hermosa Beach

Welcome to AYSO Kickstart - Where the Adventure Begins!


We are thrilled to introduce a pilot program called AYSO Kickstart, an exciting new opportunity designed specifically for our youngest athletes born between August 1 - December 31, 2022. This isn't just about soccer; it’s about sparking joy, building confidence, and falling in love with movement. Forget long lines and complex drills—this is discovery through play!

🌟 What is the Kickstart Experience?

Kickstart is built on the idea that children learn best through play. Our sessions are fast-paced, high-energy, and completely pressure-free. Every session includes:

  • ⚽ Fundamental Motor Skills: Activities designed to improve balance, skipping, and coordination (the building blocks of all sports!).
  • ⚽ Soccer Discovery: Fun, game-like activities that introduce ball control and dribbling without the stress of "doing it right."
  • ⚽ The Big Match: A modified, small-sided game (2v2 or 3v3) that gives every child the chance to score goals and feel like a star.
  • ⚽ Social-Emotional Growth: We weave in weekly themes like sharing, helping others, and teamwork.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why We Need You (Parental Involvement)

In Kickstart, you aren't just a spectator on the sidelines—you are part of the team! Because this is often a child’s first organized activity, having a familiar face on the field makes all the difference.

The Session: Each session is led by a Session Leader - for our program we are supported by the fabulous coaches from EVO Soccer Programs - the same team that leads our soccer camps.  Session Leaders will be looking for support from Volunteer Activity Leaders who will encourage the smaller groups as each session progresses.

Participation: Each player participates alongside a parent or guardian. You’ll be right there in the "grid" with your little one, acting as their personal cheerleader and guide.

Your Role Includes:

  • One-on-One Encouragement: Helping your child stay engaged.
  • Safety & Support: Providing a "home base" if they get overwhelmed.
  • Keeping the Flow: Helping "corral" balls or acting as a human cone to keep the smiles wide.

No soccer experience is required! If you can give a high-five, you’re overqualified.

Ready to Kickstart the Fun?

Join us for a season of croaking like frogs, chasing "bears," and scoring big goals.

REGISTER NOW

Come be a part of your child’s first soccer memories!

Expectations

  • Kickstart is not a coaching program.
  • The priority is the introduction and development of fundamental motor skills (FMS) and social and emotional learning (SEL) with a soccer thread.
  • Parental and community engagement.
  • A modified game format explicitly designed to maximize holistic development.

Physical Development

Generally speaking, Kickstart players can:

  • Bend over without falling.
  • Walk forward and backward.
  • Walk up and down stairs (alternating feet).
  • Climb (on anything!).
  • Stand on one foot (for approx. 5 seconds).
  • Hop.
  • Kick the ball forward.
  • Throw the ball overhand.
  • Catches a bouncing ball (most of the time)

 

Psychosocial Development

Generally speaking, Kickstart players:

  • Are interested in new experiences and adventures.
  • Can be shy.
  • Are inquisitive and ask lots of questions.
  • Can answer simple questions.
  • Become more creative in their fantasy play and storytelling.
  • Often cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality.
  • Can often have challenges sharing.

National Partners

Contact Us

American Youth Soccer Organization Region 18

P.O. Box 3597 
Manhattan Beach, California 90266

Email Us: [email protected]
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