Skills Institute
kids soccer training for ages 5-12
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 year-round classes or intensive soccer camp programs during school breaks, Skills Institute offers flexibility to fit your child’s schedule and goals. Our proven curriculum and coaches trained in child development customize each session to meet their needs, including girls-only classes that provide a supportive space for young players to develop their skills and love for the game.
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?
What Makes Us Different from Other Soccer Programs?
Learn more about our skills training program.
- Classes tailored to different ages and skill levels, now including Girls-Only classes for an inclusive and focused experience.
- 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
Personalized, Child-First Approach
Our program meets children where they are based on their physical and developmental stages. With fun, engaging classes and a low coach-to-player ratio, kids stay motivated, confident, and get the personalized coaching they need to succeed. 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.
Empowering Girls Through Soccer
In a supportive, girls-only class environment, players can focus on developing their skills with greater self-assurance. Our expert coaches create a space where everyone gets equal opportunities to learn, grow, and build confidence. With an emphasis on teamwork and encouragement, these classes help young players thrive both on and off the field.
Soccer Classes for Emerging Athletes
For kids ages 7-12, soccer becomes more about sharpening skills and understanding how the game works. We offer multiple class levels so every player can find the right fit, whether they’re just starting out or ready to push their abilities further. Through focused drills and game play, players build skills, strategy, and confidence while staying active and engaged.
- Skills Level 1
- Skills Level 2
- Skills Level 3
- Lil’ Kickers
Skills Institute Level 1
| Ages | 7–8 years & 9–12 years |
| Level | Beginner / Independent |
| Ratio | 10:1 child-to-coach |
| Duration | 50 minutes |
Best for
Young players who are still early in their soccer experience and eager to learn the game.
Description
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.
Skills Institute Level 2
| Ages | 7–8 years & 9–12 years |
| Level | Intermediate / Independent |
| Ratio | 10:1 child-to-coach |
| Duration | 50 minutes |
Best for
Kids with previous soccer experience who are passionate about the game and eager to improve their skills.
*Requires pre-evaluation before registration. Please book a free trial class and request an evaluation at the beginning of class.
Description
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.
Skills Institute Level 3
| Ages | 7–8 years & 9–12 years |
| Level | Advanced / Independent |
| Ratio | 10:1 child-to-coach |
| Duration | 50 minutes |
Best for
Players with previous experience who are ready to hone their skills with more complex play and a deeper understanding of the game.
*Requires pre-evaluation before registration. Please book a free trial class and request an evaluation at the beginning of class.
Description
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.
Lil’ Kickers
| Ages | 18 months – 9 years |
| Level | Beginner & Intermediate |
| Ratio | Varies by Classes |
| Duration | 50 minutes |
Best for
If your child’s not ready for the skills development but they just want to get introduced to soccer, go check out Lil’ Kickers!
Description
Children grow and learn at different rates, even within the same age. That’s why our Lil’ Kickers kids’ soccer classes are designed to match each child’s abilities and confidence, helping them thrive on the field and enjoy the game from day one.
Soccer Camps
Our soccer training camps are built around the proven Skills Institute curriculum — designed to help young players strengthen their fundamentals, sharpen their tactical understanding, and deepen their love for the game. Whether your child is just starting out or already plays competitively, our Seattle area camps provide the perfect environment to grow their confidence and have fun on the field.
skills institute
soccer league
Our instruction-based league for ages 5-7 is the perfect introduction to league play, giving players a fun and supportive environment to learn the game and build experience on the field.
Upcoming Season: Winter I — Late October
What Makes our League Different?
- Led and coached by Skills Institute coaches, not parent volunteers
- Focus on 4v4 formation, basic attacking, and defending
- In-game coaching for direct skill application
- Low-pressure, development-focused environment
League details:
- Saturdays, 9-week season
- Boys & Girls, Ages 5-7 years (U6-U8)
- Grouped by gender and age
- 4v4 small-sided games
- 60-minute game block
- 10-minute warm-up
- Two 20-minute halves + halftime
- Individual & full team registrations available
Pair with Skills Institute classes to further your child’s development!
Registration Instructions
Start by selecting your preferred location.
Individual Player Registration
- Click “View” on your desired league (based on gender and age).
- Select “Player” (under “How Are You Registering?”).
- Click “Register.”
Team Registration
- Click “View” on your desired league (based on gender and age).
- Select “Team Manager or Coach” (under “How Are You Registering?”).
- Click “Register.”
Note: Parents do not need to coach the team – Skills Institute Soccer League provides dedicated coaches.
Multiple locations
in the Greater Seattle Metro area
Click on the location names below to jump to more information about those locations.
testimonials
“We love the Skills Institute at Arena Sports Redmond! The indoor setup means no weather cancellations, and the flexible makeup policy is a huge bonus for busy families. Coach Rei is amazing—he keeps a group of energetic 5–6-year-olds engaged and motivated, even helping my fun-loving kid stay focused and excited to improve. The front desk team is always friendly and helpful too. Highly recommended for young soccer players!”
Erika E.
“So nice place! Qualified and careful coaches, different levels, many groups to choose from so you can have convenient schedule. Fun place for kids and pleasant for parents. I like the atmosphere. I really enjoy coming here.”
Elena P.
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.
