Soccer Programs in Des Moines
Fall Soccer is officially commencing, but there's still time to engage! We've compiled a guide of fantastic soccer opportunities, including our in-house programming, as well as external soccer programs throughout the Des Moines metro, to get involved with. All soccer programs in Des Moines that are mentioned are focused on kids who wish to learn the sport or who already love soccer but want more learning opportunities!
Tekkers Tots
Where: Waukee and/or Ames
About: Tekkers Soccer isn't affiliated with any soccer clubs in the area and offers an array of options like Tekkers Tots, camps/clinics, and small group lessons. Tekkers Tots is intended for young individuals (Aged 4-7 years old) who want to delve into soccer and be surrounded by energetic coaches’ keen on imparting the game and fundamental skills!
The staff for the 6-week program comprises Tekkers Staff, Drake soccer players, and other high-level players in the area. All our coaches have excelled at soccer's highest levels and are eager to contribute and share their wealth of knowledge with everyone!
We understand this primarily serves as an introductory phase for most kids. Our curriculum is designed to provide a positive, energetic experience for each child, enabling them to not only learn about soccer but also cultivate a love for the game!
The program commences on September 15th in Waukee and September 11th in Ames. Visit this link for Tekkers Tots registration information.
HappyFeet
Where: West Des Moines/ Merle Hay Area
About: Happy Feet caters to newcomers to the game! They provide classes and leagues for ages 18 months and older throughout the Des Moines Metro. "We don't simply place the kids on the field to kick the ball. We are committed to our kids LEARNING and GROWING, starting from the moment they enter our league, even at 2 years old. Each team is guided by a HappyFeet / Legends trained coach who encourages your child to explore new soccer moves in enjoyable and exciting ways." (Happyfeetiowa.com)
More information on HappyFeet Iowa
Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club
Where: Johnston, Urbandale
About: JUSC is the merging of Jonston and Urbandale Soccer clubs. JUSC presents an excellent discovery program for those aged 4 to 8 years old. "Discovery soccer is our foundational program. It introduces 4U-8U players to soccer, teaching the game in a fun, non-competitive environment to foster a passion for soccer. The program emphasizes individual player development using engaging drills and short-sided games. The coach-to-player ratio is kept small to ensure maximum individual interaction with these young players. All activities occur at the Johnston or Urbandale Soccer Complexes. Discovery soccer programming is available in the fall and spring seasons." (juscsoccer.org)
As your involvement in the program grows, and as your kids mature, being a part of the JUSC program provides a clear pathway to the highest level of youth soccer in the State of Iowa. For more information about their program, visit the attached website: Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club - 4U-8U Discovery
Junior Menace
Where: Des Moines, Grimes, Waukee, Des Moines (Each location has a different date)
About: With several of our Tekkers staff having been part of the Des Moines Menace USL 2 team in previous years, we can't emphasize enough how exceptional the Junior Menace program is! "Junior Menace is for BOYS and GIRLS, ages 3 to 9. It is designed for all skill levels and we highly encourage beginners! This is an excellent program for learning basic soccer skills if your child has never played before. One of our program's benefits is that we accept registrations on a rolling basis for each season. There are no deadlines to worry about, and we even accept walk-ins on the first night at each location (unless a location has been announced as 'full' due to capacity limits)." (menacesoccer.com/juniormenace)
Check out the Fall programming that's upcoming at Junior Menace
YMCA
Where: YMCA West Des Moines, YMCA Waukee
About: The YMCA is where many of our staff members first experienced soccer! The YMCA offers programs for ages 3-5 and 5-10 years old. The Rookies program is particularly noteworthy. "Your child's first sports experience is crucial. We want all children to develop a fondness for team sports – teamwork, organization, and fun will bring smiles to your child's face while teaching essential socialization and motor skills. Rookie soccer is a preschool-level sports program that introduces kids to sports through exercise, socialization, and teamwork in a loosely structured play environment. This helps children develop motor skills, confidence, and socialization skills." (dmymca.org/sports-activities/soccer)
Soccer | YMCA of Greater Des Moines (dmymca.org)
Soccer Shots
Where: All over the Des Moines Metro
About: Soccer Shots is an excellent soccer program in Des Moines. They offer programs for children as young as 2 to 3 years old, up to 5 to 8 years old. They cover all the basics for new players! "Soccer Shots Classic uses creative and imaginative games to focus on fundamental soccer skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting. Each session also emphasizes a positive character trait such as respect, teamwork, and appreciation." (soccershots.com/centraliowa)
Soccer Shots Central Iowa | Programs
i9 Sports
Where: Waukee, Clive, Urbandale, West Des Moines
About: "i9 Sports is the nation's largest multi-sport provider focused solely on high-quality, community-based youth sports programs. We are committed to offering age-appropriate instruction for kids aged 3 and up, making sports enjoyable and convenient for today's busy families. Each week, the focus is on a new skill that helps players succeed both on and off the field. A weekly sportsmanship award is presented to a deserving player on each team, recognizing skills such as listening, fair play, and teamwork. Choose one of our Des Moines youth sports leagues for your child today!"
More information about i9 programs
All the programs we've listed are outstanding soccer programs in Des Moines. They provide an excellent introduction to soccer. Most, if not all, of these programs, offer year-round offerings, and we encourage you to explore all of them to find the best fit for introducing your kids to the sport of soccer!
Additionally, there are more programs we haven't listed; this compilation is just a starting point of the offerings available in Des Moines.