Thanks to Soccer Stars Contra Costa for sponsoring today’s post and offering me and my 18-month-old the opportunity to participate in their Parent & Me Pre-Soccer Movement Class.Â
For East Bay Families with toddlers and children ages 12 months to 12 years old, Soccer Stars Contra Costa’s youth soccer program offers a structured, progressive curriculum based on age and stage of development that teaches soccer FUNdamentals in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Find classes and camps in Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and other park locations throughout Contra Costa County.
Camps by Soccer Stars Contra Costa
Soccer Stars currently offers two camps: For ages 3 to 7, their Soccer & Art Camp combines soccer fun with creative art activities. Each day has a special theme, from outer space to the beach, with imaginative games that build skills and spark excitement.
For ages 6 to 12, Adidas x Soccer Stars Camp provides elite training inspired by top Adidas-sponsored clubs, helping young athletes sharpen skills and elevate their game.
Register for a Soccer Stars camp >>
Classes by Soccer Stars Contra Costa
Parent and Me for ages 12-24 months: a pre-soccer music and movement class taught by experienced instructors featuring puppets Mimi and Pepe and lots of hands-on parent play. Designed by child educators and youth soccer experts, the exciting curriculum uses the magic of the soccer ball to boost your little one’s self-confidence and enhance their gross motor skills.
Super Soccer Stars for ages 2.5-10: soccer classes based on an age-specific curriculum that develops soccer skills, builds confidence, fosters social, emotional & cognitive growth, and allows every child to shine. Every class has a theme and is focused on the development of a certain skill (i.e., dribbling). By age 3, kids start doing independent- but still fun- drills and skills with coaches.
Soccer Stars United for ages 5-12: an advanced development soccer program with more technical skill and competition for those who want to continue beyond the basics. Whether they’re learning to communicate on the field, push through challenges, or celebrate victories together, players gain valuable skills that set them up for success on and off the pitch.
Register for a Soccer Stars Contra Costa class >>
See Soccer Stars in Action
Our Experience at Parent & Me Soccer Stars Class
We loved how the coaches interacted with the kids. Coaches used puppet friends, Mimi and Pepe, to mimic soccer moves (like kicking) and lead stories. The puppet play got the kids moving and engaged. My toddler son especially loved the fun sing-along songs and stickers at the end.
I loved that I didn’t have to bring anything along. The class itself was so well organized, and I didn’t have to bring any gear with us to the class. All equipment (i.e. balls, goals, etc) was provided, and our son even got an official ‘Soccer Stars’ jersey.
Find lots more classes for toddlers and preschoolers >>
My best tips for enjoying the Parent & Me Class:
- Be flexible & adjust your expectations. Our little guy had a mix of independent play and being carried to observe the others. He had fun outdoors, playing around with the soccer balls and the puppets. Some parents were holding their morning coffee on the field.
- Get there 5-10 minutes early to let your kid warm up. We arrived right when class started and could have used a few minutes to get comfortable with the area and prepare for class.
- Bring extra socks. If you have an early morning class like we did, be prepared for wet shoes for your kid and yourself because the grass may be damp. Bringing an extra pair of kids’ socks could help. (Pro tip: Don’t be like me and wear white shoes.)
Register for a Soccer Stars class or camp >>
Despite being a bit nervous to start, it was great to get 18-month-old Nathan outdoors and running around. He seemed to enjoy himself, and we’ll be back.
Thank you again to Soccer Stars Contra Costa for sponsoring today’s post and offering me and my 18-month-old the opportunity to participate.Â
