OT: 3 yo Soccer ?

[dsnygirl2006]

Hey everyone,
Just wondering if anyone out there signed their 3 yo's up to play soccer? I am thinking of signing my soon to be 3 yo to play indoor soccer at the YMCA in the fall......just wondering how it went? Did your kids seem to enjoy playing? Just some information or tips from those who may have done this, he is too young to play T-Ball or Baseball yet, but I would really like to get him started in sports? Thanks everyone

 

[goofyluva9293]

I was a board member for our local recreation soccer league and we've had soccer for 3 year olds for the past couple of years. Keep in mind this is outdoor soccer but I don't see where there would be a big difference. My own daughters are 12 & 14 but I coached my 14 year old's team and she sometimes helped with these younger teams. For the most part the 3 year olds had a blast. They just worked on lots of fundamentals but the kids loved it. There were a few who didn't like it but you'll get that at any age. If your son seems like he wants to play then I would absolutely sign him up. If he likes playing sports at home and with his friends then I'm sure he would love playing in a league. Even though I didn't actually experience having a child play at this age, many of my friends have and they all loved it. Good luck with your decision!

 

[sharongl]

My almost 4 year old is in soccer for the first time. He is enjoying it. There are a few boys younger than him, and they just kind of do their own thing, and really don't follow the coach. They do games/drills, and then they set up a net, and they scrimmage.

As long as you are fine if he doesn't truly participate, go for it!

 

[AllyCatTapia]

yeah my son will be a young three in Fall, but everytime we got to his sisters games (right now) he says "my turn? my turn?" so we are also considering it. maybe if we coach it since he is so young he will do better.

 

[PrincessNancy96]

Our soccer league starts that kids at 4.. they have talked about 3 but they haven't done it yet. At 4 they work on fundamentals of the game dribbling, shooting, corner kicks, throw ins, goal kicks.. There are no goalie in U-5 and U-6 so it's pretty fun watching the kids surround the ball and take it from one another..
My kids(5) all started playing when they were 4... having had older siblings play our youngest is pretty good and works well with the younger kids or those just starting out. Our coach is working more with our youngest after practice on skills to keep him excited. The coach as well as both my DH & I have told DS two goals and than you have to help your other team mates score or pass to them... He has done really well with this and doesn't complain.. However, he has a strong little leg..gives it a good pass and it rolls right past his teammate and scores even though he was trying to pass.

The kids love it.. you will have your "flower pickers" but they are out there having fun and that is what the game is all about until you go competitive...

 

[3littleHalls]

My 3 yr old has been in Kinderkicks since he was 2 3/4. So, just about a year now. He loves it. It isn't a league type thing, it is more of a skills thing. Kicking cones over with the ball, kicking the ball around cones,running games, playing team games, etc.

 

[audrey13]

My son is almost 5 and he just started soccer. I think doing indoor soccer is a good idea. That way the balls can't go too far out of bounds and the kids might be able to focus better without so many outdoor distractions. At my DS' first session, the coaches spent the first half of the session trying to get the kids to stay within the area they had blocked off with cones and not stray all the way across the field.

If he seems too young for soccer, you could try something that doesn't require so much team organization/cooperation. Our DS did gymnastics through our local rec & ed department this winter and he loved it. There were just as many boys as girls in the class and they did tumbling, vault, bars and beam (with lots of help and spotting from the teachers). He also took ice skating lessons last year. Our local rink starts classes at 3 years old.

Have fun!

Audrey

 

[mom2isaac&ella]

My DS did YMCA soccer at 3 & he liked it. He was the oldest & turned 4 during the season. Some of the younger kids cried & didn't want to play & some parents even dropped out b/c of this. My son had fun, but the coaches are all volunteers, so if you get a good dad or mom who knows how to work with the kids it can be good. You never know if you are going to get a good coach or not. For winter we went to a soccer club & played indoor. I think my son has learned so much from this type of program. The 3 & 4's play games which teach them soccer skills, they love it. The coaches are all past players or college students who play. So to sum up - if you want less cost, hit or miss coaches, & fun go YMCA. If you can pay a little bit more & want quality along with fun find a soccer club.