Soccer Skills Training For Kids

Soccer Skills Training For Kids

Technical Soccer Skills Clinics & Camps

Skills Institute is a fun, fast-paced weekly soccer training program for kids ages 5–12, focused on building confidence and developing technical and tactical skills—no matter their starting level. With individualized coaching, plenty of ball touches, and a curriculum rooted in child development, players learn at their own pace in a supportive environment that encourages growth. Classes are offered year-round in 12-13 week sessions.

We’re proud to also offer a dynamic weeklong soccer camp powered by Sounders FC, bringing elite-level training inspired by the pros to young players. Whether your child is just getting started, sharpening advanced techniques, or eager for more gameplay, our range of class levels and camp options supports every player’s journey.

Programs run year-round at six convenient locations across the Seattle and Eastside areas. Try a free 50-minute class or sign up for a camp today!

Multiple program locations in the Seattle area

With six year-round locations, finding a soccer class near you has never been easier. Regardless of where you live, there’s a convenient option to suit your busy lifestyle, giving you more quality moments with your child and less time spent on long commutes. Click on the location names below to learn more about those locations on our Register page.

Year-Round Locations:
Issaquah
MagnusonMercer IslandMill CreekRedmondSODO

Summer Outdoor Locations:
Ballard • Issaquah  • Magnuson Park • Mercer Island • Queen Anne • Sammamish/Issaquah • West Seattle

What makes Skills Institute better than other technical soccer coaching for kids?

Soccer training should be more than just developing players—it’s about developing well-rounded kids who love the game. Unlike traditional programs, we emphasize skill-building and personal growth, giving every child the tools to succeed on and off the field.

Personalized Attention
Our program is tailored to meet 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 skill 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. 

Three Program Levels to Choose From

Each level of our weekly soccer clinic is designed to tackle different skills and milestones, ensuring every child progresses at their own pace. Whether your child is a beginner or ready to try advanced techniques, Skills Institute has the perfect class for them.

5/6, 7/8, 9 – 12 Years

  • Players may have some soccer experience from recreational teams, school, or Lil’ Kickers. Some players, especially those aged 9-12, may have no prior experience.
  • All participants usually have a basic understanding of how soccer games work and show a strong desire to learn more about how to play soccer.
  • Players will benefit from focused instruction to improve their fundamental skills, such as dribbling under control, passing accurately, and attacking with numbers
  • Players learn to follow multi-step directions and stay engaged for the full class duration.

5/6, 7/8, 9 – 12 Years

  • Most players have prior experience in a Skills Institute Level 1 class. Some players are new to Skills Institute but have played on a soccer team.
  • Players have a solid foundation of dribbling and passing and are ready to work on more advanced ball control, shooting, and attacking progressions.
  • Level 2 players work well with teammates. They show readiness to accept challenges and are eager to be coached.

7/8, 9 – 12 Years

  • All participants must have prior experience in a Skills Institute Level 2 class or have been invited to join a Level 3 class.
  • Level 3 players consistently use proper dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques.
  • Players work hard to keep possession and quickly retake possession if they lose the ball.
  • Players learn to make strategic decisions, communicate effectively, and show an increased Soccer IQ.

From Basics to Advanced: Soccer Skills Breakdown

Our curriculum is designed to build skills and techniques step by step, challenging and supporting players at every level of development. From mastering dribbling to learning better strategy, our program covers a wide range of essential skills, giving every child a chance to thrive.

chart of different Skills institute skills focuses by class level

From Basics to Advanced: Soccer Skills Breakdown

Our curriculum is designed to build skills and techniques step by step, challenging and supporting players at every level of development. From mastering dribbling to learning better strategy, our program covers a wide range of essential skills, giving every child a chance to thrive.

chart of different Skills institute skills focuses by class level

Skills Institute Soccer Camp

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 Skills Institute x 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.

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

LOCATIONS: Click location links for camp dates in 2025. Issaquah • Magnuson • Mill Creek • Redmond • SODO

Skills Institute & Sounders FC logos
Skills Institute & Sounders FC logos

Skills Institute Soccer Camp

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 Skills Institute x 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.

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

LOCATIONS: Click location links for camp dates in 2025.

Issaquah     •     Magnuson     •     Mill Creek

Redmond     •     SODO

Elevate Your Team’s Soccer Training with Private Classes

Ready to boost your team’s performance? Our private classes are designed specifically for current teams, offering focused, personalized training to complement regular practice sessions. With guidance from experienced instructors, your team can sharpen skills, refine techniques, and gain a competitive edge. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your team’s potential—click on the location names below to contact us and get started today!

Skills Institute FAQ’s

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!

Free trial participants should wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes (no outdoor cleats). Shinguards are required and must be worn under soccer socks.

Each class is 50 minutes long – 30 minutes of skill development, followed by 20 minutes of scrimmage.

No, classes are 50 minutes and require a parent or guardian to be on-site at all times.

Yes! We offer open enrollment so that you can join anytime and have your class fees prorated. This means that you pay only for the remaining class and not the full session fee.

We offer four sessions a year (fall, winter, spring, summer) that break down into approximately 12-13 week cycles.

The session needs to be paid in full at the time of registration to reserve your child’s spot. Payment plans are available for the season with installments*. Simply select the “payment plan” when checking out. 

*A small financing fee will be applied.

To allow for quality instruction, Skills Institute provides a low player-to-coach ratio – 10:1.