What does it mean to play soccer at the YMCA?
The YMCA youth soccer leagues not only focus on building strong soccer skills but also instills core values that go beyond the game. When kids join the YMCA soccer leagues, they become part of a community where the emphasis is on fun, sportsmanship, and fair play. With the YMCA’s age-appropriate rules, the program ensures that children of all skill levels can develop their soccer abilities while learning important life lessons. These leagues provide a welcoming space for children as young as 3 to start their toddler soccer journey, gradually progressing through developmental programs and more competitive play as they age through soccer.
Soccer Tips
The goal of becoming a top athlete is a long road for anyone to achieve. Many factors go into developing Houston soccer players that compete at the highest level but a key aspect can start with simple everyday habits as child. Everyone shines in their own way, at their own time. That’s the beauty of soccer; it builds people for whatever comes next in life.
Training Tips
Practice makes perfect! That begins with a good warmup to focus training players to get as many touches on the soccer ball and increase their heart rate to help prepare them for practice and soccer clinics with technical activity, creating an environment where players can get as much repetition of a skill as possible. The more a player practices, the better they’ll get!
Coaching Tips
Coaches who engage in active listening guarantees clear, mutually understood communication makes players more willing to talk to the coach as well as promotes a more meaningful relationship between the coach and player. Communicating with purpose by being aware of posture, eye contact, facial expressions, distance between the coach and the player, distracting behaviors and voice quality is crucial in addressing players and understanding their questions and quandaries.
Practices and Games
Each week, your soccer league player will participate in one 60-minute practice and one exciting game. For our youngest players, aged 3-5, the Tiny Tots soccer program combines practice and game into one session, making it a fun introduction to toddler soccer while keeping things simple and stress-free. Throughout the season, children will learn the importance of teamwork, fair play, and perseverance. The program not only develops their athletic skills but also teaches sportsmanship, fitness, and discipline.
Parents and family members are encouraged to get involved, whether by cheering from the sidelines or even volunteering to coach. The YMCA is always looking for dedicated volunteer coaches to help shape the next generation of players. Coaching provides an opportunity to bond with your child and contributes to their growth both on and off the field. All coaches receive the support and resources needed to ensure that they can make a meaningful impact.
Focusing on More Than Soccer Balls
In addition to building skill development and ball skills, the YMCA’s focus on character development means that every game in the kids’ soccer league begins with a Youth Sports Pledge, promoting respect, teamwork, and responsibility. With one practice and one game per week, kids receive consistent coaching, allowing them to grow as players and as individuals in their social skills.
The emphasis on positive competition helps players of all skill levels and age groups feel included and supported, encouraging family involvement throughout the soccer season in Texas. Whether it’s a practice, a game, or time spent with their team, every moment is an opportunity to reinforce the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith.
Seasons – Vary by YMCA location
Additional Information
In order for your child to be registered for YMCA of Greater Houston soccer programs, please complete and sign this liability waiver and concussion waiver.
PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING SPORTS SEASON AT DICK’S SPORTING GOODS!
The YMCA of Greater Houston and DICK’s Sporting Goods have partnered to help remove barriers to youth playing sports. As the Official Sporting Goods, Retail Sponsor of our league DICK’s Sporting Goods will be offering discounts on items in the store: 20% off March 28-31
If they don’t have an item you’re looking for you can place an order (in-store with a team member). Free shipping and receive your item in 3-6 business days. View the coupon here.
The program’s inclusivity extends to volunteer coaching opportunities, allowing parents and community members to get involved and make a lasting impact through youth soccer training near Houston. Coaches receive training and resources, ensuring they can support their teams in a positive and meaningful way, providing a fun environment, and helping children gain confidence both on and off the field.
Uniforms
YMCA Youth Sports uniforms are ordered directly from the YMCA vendor by each participant. The purchase of a game jersey (basketball or multi-sport depending on the sport) is required for each participant and there are also optional shorts available for purchase.
A multi-sport jersey is required for soccer.
YOUTH SPORTS SEASON DATES:
| SEASON | REGISTRATION DATES | PRACTICE STARTS | GAMES START |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPRING | February 3-March 17 | Week of March 24 | April 5 |
| SUMMER | April 14-May 26 | Week of June 2 | June 14 |
| FALL 1 | June 23-August 11 | Week of August 18 | August 30 |
| FALL 2 | September 8-October 20 | Week of October 27 | November 8 |
Volunteer Coaching Opportunities
We’re seeking volunteers interested in coaching youth sports. Our coaches make YMCA youth sports possible and create a lifelong impact on children by encouraging participation and emphasizing sportsmanship and strong character. When you become a volunteer, the Y will introduce you to coaching and provide resources specific to the sport you coach to help you build confidence and learn the game. If your child is a youth sports player, getting involved at their practices can help them feel comfortable practicing with you outside of official practice time.
“The YMCA has been the perfect place for Cori to develop her skills. We weren’t sure if she would like it, but the format of the program allowed her to ease into it and she was not overwhelmed. We are going to be enrolling her in the new soccer academy program as soon as she is old enough. ”
— Cori C.