Skills Institute
Soccer skills Training For Kids
Technical Soccer Skills Clinics & Camps
Skills Institute is a soccer program designed for kids aged 5-12 to improve their technical abilities, regardless of their current skill level. Our program offers a fast-paced, engaging environment with more ball touches and individualized coaching than typical team practices, helping players build confidence and progress at their own pace.
With options for weekly classes year-round or intensive soccer camp programs during school breaks, Skills Institute offers flexibility to fit your child’s schedule and goals. Whether your child is mastering the basics of soccer, refining advanced techniques, or gaining more game experience, our proven curriculum and coaches trained in child development customize each session to meet their needs.
Available year-round at six convenient locations across Seattle and the Eastside, we’re here to help every player grow. Try a free 50-minute class or join one of our camps today!
REGISTER
FOR Skills Institute
Why choose Skills Institute?
Learn more about our skills training program.
- Classes tailored to different ages and skill levels to meet your child’s needs.
- Step-by-step approach to building skills, from dribbling to advanced strategies.
- Innovative and proven curriculum
- Covers essential soccer fundamentals while emphasizing personal growth, teamwork, and building confidence
- Experienced, dedicated coaches
- Fast-paced, supportive, and fun—keeping kids motivated and excited to learn
What Makes Us Different from Other Soccer Programs?
Personalized Attention
Our program meets kids where they are based on their physical and developmental stages. This individualized approach supports their growth as players and people, laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of soccer.
Higher Possession and Fast-Paced Classes
Skills Institute offers fast-paced classes with more ball touches than traditional outdoor practices or clinics. This hands-on approach accelerates development, helping kids build confidence and prepare for future success in recreational and club leagues.
Focus on the Child First
Learning should be fun! Our classes are designed to engage children in a positive environment, making it easier for them to stay motivated and confident as they learn. With a low coach-to-player ratio, every child gets the soccer coaching they need to grow.
Training by Age & Skill Level
Level 1
5/6, 7/8, 9-12 Years (Beginner)
10:1 Child-To-Coach Ratio
50 minutes
This level is designed for beginners and those with basic soccer knowledge. Focused instruction helps improve essential skills and fundamentals like dribbling, passing, and attacking. Players learn to follow instructions, stay engaged throughout the class, and progress to 1v1 and 2v1 drills to build confidence and develop a high soccer IQ.
Level 2
5/6, 7/8, 9-12 Years (Intermediate)
10:1 Child-To-Coach Ratio
50 minutes
This level is for players with prior experience in Level 1 or team play. Players have a strong foundation in dribbling and passing and are ready for advanced ball control, finishing, and attacking strategies. Training focuses on beating defenders, decision-making under pressure, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. This class is ideal for those eager to be challenged and grow as a team player.
Level 3
7/8, 9-12 Years (Advanced)
10:1 Child-To-Coach Ratio
50 minutes
This level is for players with Level 2 experience or a direct invitation from a coach. Training emphasizes possession, smart decision-making, and strong communication. Players advance from 2v2 to 3v2 attacking, focusing on creating space and quick transitions. Level 3 sharpens Soccer IQ and prepares players for their next step.
Soccer Camps
POWERED BY SOUNDERS FC
Our soccer training camps bring together the proven curriculum of Skills Institute and the rich traditions of Sounders FC to create the ultimate experience for young players in the Seattle area. Designed for beginners and club players alike, our camps focus on building technical skills, strategic thinking, and a true passion for the game.
Campers will receive a Sounders FC training top and 1 Sounders match ticket! (Additional tickets will be available for purchase at a promotional rate.)
AGES & TIME: Boys & Girls, Ages 5-6, 7-8, 9-12. Half-Day, 9am – 12pm. Dates vary by location.
DETAILS:
- Wear athletic clothes and indoor shoes (no outdoor cleats)
- Shinguards are required to be worn under soccer socks
- Bring a water bottle & a snack
DATES: Click location links to see camp dates in 2025.
Find A Location
FAQ
We understand life can get busy and you might have to miss a class. With our easy make-up class policy, you may schedule a make-up class online. Make-up classes are based on availability and not guaranteed. They must be made within the current session. We will do our very best to accommodate your requests. If you have multiple children, please schedule a make-up class for each child individually.
Skills Institute is a hub for young soccer enthusiasts, blending passion with skill development. With 20+ years of experience in Seattle’s soccer scene, our focus is on both game intelligence and teamwork. For kids 5-12, the program balances skill-building with fun, fostering growth on and off the field.
Lil’ Kickers is a child development soccer program that teaches basic skills through fun, creative, and energetic games. Skills Institute also encourages age-appropriate child development, but focuses on teaching more technical and tactical soccer skills through various fast-paced, structured drills.
Players receive age-appropriate instruction for the first 30 minutes, refining technical skills and game understanding. This is followed by 20 minutes of small-sided scrimmages to apply learnings in real game situations while coaches provide personalized feedback focusing on teamwork and strategy. Kids will leave each class feeling confident and excited about their progress!
What should my child wear to class?
Participants should wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes (no outdoor cleats). Shinguards are not needed until Micro Classes and Skills Institute classes. Lil’ Kickers or Skills Institute jerseys are given to first-time customers for free, and can thereafter be purchased at a low cost. Outfitting your child in Lil’ Kickers garb is a fun way to make your child feel part of a team. Plus, kids love looking like their older soccer-playing role models!
Each class is 50 minutes long – 30 minutes of skill development, followed by 20 minutes of scrimmage. We offer four sessions a year (fall, winter, spring, summer) that break down into approximately 11-13 week cycles.
No, classes are 50 minutes and require a parent or guardian to be on-site at all times.
Yes! We offer open enrollment so you can join any time. Class fees are prorated so you only pay for the remaining classes in the session.
Arena Sports offers a “Pay As You Play!” payment plan for classes. While session fees are usually paid upfront, you also have the option to set up a payment plan using a credit or debit card. Simply choose the “payment plan” option at checkout. This allows you to enjoy peace of mind knowing your child will have a great time while you stay within your budget.
*Please note that a small financing fee will be applied.
Yes! We offer a sibling discount for each additional child registered when the children are registered at the same time. Contact us for pricing.
To allow for quality instruction, Skills Institute provides a low player-to-coach ratio – 10:1.
