Two-Year-Old Soccer Classes: Expectations vs. Reality
Soccer is a great way to introduce physical activity, structured classes, and socialization. The benefits of starting soccer at two-years-old are numerous. But it is very different from what most people expect when they think of soccer. At two, soccer should be all about movement, creativity, confidence, and most importantly, fun! It should not be about competition, rules, and drills.
Here is what adults can expect from a two-year-old soccer class:
Gross-Motor Skills Development
The most important part of a soccer class is assisting in the development of a toddler’s gross motor skills. The Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines emphasize the importance of motor development through both structures and unstructured play. The movement focus for a two-year-old should be:
- Running and stopping
- Kicking
- Changing directions
- Jumping
- Balance
- Foot/Eye coordination
How HappyFeet Classes Facilitate Growth
Our classes focus on individual skills and growth. Each player is given their own soccer ball so they can get as many touches as possible. Our curriculum focuses on simple soccer moves that encourage their gross-motor skills. Each skill is broken down into easy steps and children are given lots of opportunities to try, fail, and try again. Our coaches encourage attempting over succeeding. You will hear our coaches encourage our HappyFeeters to say things like, “I did it!” or to use their “brave muscles” to try a hard move.
Social Development
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, at this age, children are learning to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts. These are important milestones that will help children with social interactions throughout their lives. Soccer offers a safe environment to learn and practice these skills. Social skills at this age include:
- Noticing the emotions of others
- Parallel Play
- Helping with simple chores, like cleaning up
- Ability to copy peers and adults
- Learning the names of their peers
How HappyFeet Classes Encourages Social Skills
HappyFeet coaches are highly trained in facilitating important developmental milestones. We will provide lots of chances for children to play alongside and communicate with their peers. At age two, it’s about simplicity. Simple interactions start the building blocks for complex social dynamics. Our coaches start by asking each child simple questions, such as: what is their favorite color, favorite animal, or favorite food.
Our coaches provide chances for our two-year-old HappyFeeters to help each other, take turns, and interact with their peers in safe, age-appropriate ways.
What a Two-Year-Old Soccer Class Might Look Like
A two-year-old class might involve a lot of chaos, silliness, and distractions. At this age, we expect and even welcome this behavior. Your child might play for a few minutes before finding a flower, or sitting in the grass. Any participation is good participation. There might be more touching the ball with their hands, throwing it, or ignoring it completely. That is okay!
At two, we are starting a foundation for healthy bodies, healthy minds, and Brave, Creative, Leaders.
Coach Kevin explains what a two-year-old class looks like in the video below.
How HappyFeet Classes Turns Play into Learning
Our unique curriculum uses familiar ideas and objects to introduce movements and skills. Instead of asking a two-year-old to do a “pullback” we might help our friend “Bob” get away from a sleeping dinosaur. By keeping it simple, relatable, and silly, we keep our HappyFeeters engaged in the “story.” This unique approach provides a chance for two-year-olds to learn soccer and life skills all while thinking they are just playing. Because for a two-year-old, play is the most important thing.
Our goal at Seattle HappyFeet is not creating life-long soccer players, but creating happy, healthy, and well-rounded children. We believe that introducing a sport, such as soccer, is a great way to hit important developmental milestones while introducing a love of sport in a safe, fun environment.
