First day, what to bring, and how sessions work
Gear, arrival, parent expectations, and what a typical session looks like.
What to bring
- Shin guards (required for Junior Academy and league; recommended for Little Kickers age 4 and up)
- Cleats for outdoor sessions, flat-soled athletic shoes for indoor. No cleats inside the sports center.
- Water bottle
- Size 3 ball for ages 8 and under, size 4 for U10 to U12, size 5 for U14. We provide balls at classes; league players bring their own to practice.
- Jersey (provided for league; classes have no uniform, any athletic clothes are fine)
- Sunscreen and a hat outdoors
Arrival
Arrive ten minutes early. Check in with the coach, who has the roster. There is no check-in desk at the outdoor parks. At the sports center, check in at the front counter.
Parents
Parents stay for all Little Kickers and Junior Academy classes. For league practices and games, a parent or designated adult must remain on site for players under 10. Please stay off the field and let coaches coach; cheering is welcome, instruction from the sideline is not.
A typical class
Warm-up game, two or three skill activities, a scrimmage, and a closing huddle with a sticker or stamp for the youngest groups. Coaches will not force a reluctant child to participate; sitting with a parent and watching counts as a good first day.
My child cried, hid, or refused to play
Completely normal for ages 2 to 5, and common for the first two weeks. Keep bringing them. If after three sessions your child is still unhappy, call us and we will suggest a different group, time, or a credit.
Safety
All coaches are background checked and SafeSport trained. A first-aid kit and AED are at every site. Concussion protocol follows Missouri law: any suspected head injury means the player sits out and needs written clearance to return.
Photos
Team photos are taken in week four of league seasons; packages are optional. Our staff take photos for social media; opt out on the registration form.