Little Kickers pre-school soccer academy comes to Windsor-Essex

As interest in soccer continues to grow, there is now a chance for toddlers to learn the sport.

Little Kickers Windsor-Essex County is offering soccer classes for children as young as 18 months. The classes started March 25 at Heritage Park Alliance Church.

Many of the coaches involved have a strong enthusiasm for the sport and for the idea behind Little Kickers.

“I am extremely passionate about creating positive physical and social early learning experiences for children,” said Lisa English, a coach for Little Kickers.

English is a physical education and health teacher and a former captain of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s soccer team.

“Healthy development at a young age is so important, as it encourages a lifelong love for sport and physical activity,” English said. “Little Kickers gives children this wonderful opportunity.”

Little Kickers is an international organization which currently has 1,500 coaches in 16 countries.

The cost is $99 for six weeks of classes. Parents also need to purchase a membership which costs $35 and includes the cost of a uniform.

Zeinab Dabaja has brought her six-year-old son to play soccer. She believes he has learned a lot and not just about the sport.

“It’s good for kids to exercise and develop how their brain works,” Dabaja said. “I am glad to have my kids enrolled in the course.”

Little Kickers offers four different soccer classes each tailored to a different age group. The classes incorporate two core beliefs into every session: teaching soccer in a fun, pressure-free environment, and demonstrating how soccer can be educational. Coached in the right way, soccer can stimulate imagination and aid early development skills.