Lil’ Kickers Teams Up with Pro Clubs to Inspire the Next Generation of Soccer Fans
Seattle Sounders and Lexington SC partnerships showcase how pro teams are engaging with kids and families to spark a lifelong love of the game.
SEATTLE — Aug. 26, 2025 — Soccer is surging in popularity across the United States as excitement builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Professional clubs are looking to connect with kids and families earlier — and many are turning to Lil’ Kickers, the nationally recognized child development program built around soccer.
Today, Lil’ Kickers announced a new partnership with Lexington Sporting Club (SC), an ambitious new club in the United Soccer League (USL) dedicated to growing the sport’s reach in Kentucky. Lil’ Kickers also partners with the Seattle Sounders FC, one of Major League Soccer’s most successful franchises and home to one of its most passionate fan bases. Together, these partnerships showcase how professional clubs are strengthening their ties to local communities through family and youth programs that build confident kids, strong local connections, and lifelong fans of the game.
”Lil’ Kickers has always been about more than soccer, it’s about helping kids grow as people,” said Ty Reddinger, President, Lil’ Kickers, Inc. “From confidence and teamwork to resilience and social skills, families trust our program to support their children’s development. Having professional clubs like the Seattle Sounders and Lexington SC embrace Lil’ Kickers as a way to engage families early is an incredible validation of our mission.”
Lexington SC, one of the fastest-growing new clubs in the USL, will integrate Lil’ Kickers into its youth offerings as a way to engage young players and families in Kentucky from the ground up.
“I’ve worked with Lil’ Kickers at multiple points in my career,” said Jim Tindell, director of facilities and operations at Lexington Sporting Club. “I’ve seen firsthand how it brings families together and builds community. We’re excited to bring that energy and developmental focus to Lexington.”
The Seattle Sounders, one of MLS’s most decorated clubs, partnered with Lil’ Kickers on youth soccer camps that blend professional-level training with the program’s child development philosophy.
“We’re proud to team up with professional clubs like the Seattle Sounders and Lexington SC to help shape youth soccer experiences grounded in what we know works — child development, imagination, and learning through play,” said Don Crowe, CEO of Arena Sports, the organization behind Lil’ Kickers. “Lil’ Kickers has long been woven into the fabric of the professional soccer community. Over the years, current and former pro players have owned franchises, enrolled their own children in the program, and even started their soccer journeys as Lil’ Kickers themselves. It’s exciting to see more clubs embrace this approach as a way to grow the game from the ground up and inspire the next generation of players and fans.”
Since its founding, Lil’ Kickers has grown into one of the nation’s largest child development programs through soccer, with 2.8 million kids enrolled at 130 locations across 28 states and internationally. Each class is carefully designed to meet children where they are developmentally, blending fun and imagination with foundational soccer skills.
By teaming up with professional clubs, Lil’ Kickers helps organizations like the Seattle Sounders and Lexington SC strengthen community connections, nurture future players, and build lifelong fans — all from the very first kick.
About Lil’ Kickers
Lil’ Kickers is a national child development program rooted in soccer, created by Arena Sports in Seattle. Serving kids 18 months to 12 years old, Lil’ Kickers uses play-based, age-appropriate activities to help children build physical skills, confidence, and social-emotional growth. With more than 400,000 participants nationwide, Lil’ Kickers is one of the largest youth development programs in the country.
About Lexington Sporting Club
Lexington Sporting Club (Lexington SC) is a professional soccer organization based in Lexington, Kentucky, competing in the USL League One. Founded in 2021, Lexington SC is dedicated to growing the sport of soccer in Kentucky through its professional team, youth academy, and community programs.
About Seattle Sounders FC
Seattle Sounders FC is a Major League Soccer club founded in 2007 and based in Seattle, Washington. The club is one of MLS’s most successful franchises, winning multiple championships and earning recognition for its passionate fan base and strong community ties.