L-R – Coach Klem, Coach Sarah (Brand Ambassador), Anthony (Owner), Coach Corey (Director of Coaching), Coach Howie
You may have noticed a few posts about Soccer Shots Metro North posted on our Instagram account, or remember the Meet a Mom & Dad Interview I did earlier this year with Anthony and Kaitlyn Desroches, the founders of Soccer Shots Metro North. This week, I’m taking you to visit a class in their Classic Program, which was held at Dolbeare Elementary School, in Wakefield, and was for kids ages 4-5. Though this class was just for 4 & 5 year olds, Soccer Shots offers engaging children’s soccer programs for kids ages 2-8, at various locations around the North Shore. (View the full fall line-up here.)
One of the things I noticed right away when I walked onto the field was the positive energy of both the coaches and the players, despite it being a rainy evening. Kids were happy to see their coaches–Coach Klem, Coach Howie, and Coach Lily–and each other, and get started on the day’s skills and games.
As a mom of a child who was initially reluctant to get out on the field and play soccer at age 4, and now loves it at age 6, I was also pleased to see that the Soccer Shots coaches meet the kids where they are at in terms of comfort level. One child was not yet ready to join the group on the field and the coaches greeted her warmly just the same, offered her low-pressure opportunities to join in throughout the class, and when she still didn’t feel totally comfortable, they brought the ball and goal to her a few times and encouraged her to kick a goal, which she happily did. The coaches said her comfort level has been improving over the course of the season and they hope to see her join in on the field soon.
This style of coaching aligns with Soccer Shots mission of positively impacting children’s lives on and off the field through best-in-class coaching, communication, and curriculum. Their caring team is dedicated to providing an exceptional customer experience, and ongoing communication with parents.
To start the class, the coaches reminded the kids about their three rules of Soccer Island, word of the day (CONFIDENCE) and ocean theme. They warmed up and reviewed last week’s skills and taught a new skill, where the kids circled their foot around the ball then kicked it. I was really impressed with the level of skills being taught and how the young kids seemed to already have a great foundation of soccer skills. There was a good mix between listening and learning and moving and practicing…perfect for kids in this age group.
After practicing their new skill they played some fun games, scored a goal and perfected their “silly dances” and finished with a scrimmage. The coaches made sure to keep everyone involved and having fun.
The group paused to take a group picture (love their poses!) and then wrapped up the class with a review of what they had learned and stickers!
Soccer Shots Metro North has a fall line-up of weekday and weekend classes for ages 2-8, in the towns of Burlington, Lexington, Lynnfield Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winchester. Anthony and Kaitlyn have also recently expanded their territory to include Metro West, so stay tuned for more class locations coming soon!
Their programs are broken down into Mini (ages 2-3), Classic (ages 3-4), Classic (ages 4-5) and Premier (ages 6-8). Learn more about each program here.
You can also find Soccer Shots Metro North (and West!) at www.soccershots.com/metronorth, on Instagram @soccershotsmetronorthma and on Facebook @soccershotsnorthwestma.
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This post is sponsored by Soccer Shots Metro North & West, but all opinions present are my own.