Learn2Play (4-6 years old)

Learn2Play is Hudson United’s soccer readiness program for children ages 4-6 years old. Children are divided into 2 divisions, one for preschool age children and one for kindergarten age children. Young 4 year olds are encouraged to first play a session of our Start2Kick program before starting Learn2Play program.

Learn2Play includes age appropriate activities that allow players to develop their own individual soccer skills in a fun, safe and positive environment. Our program was developed using several current youth soccer models including the US Youth Soccer Association model and the Ontario Soccer Association model. Our goal is to take the young players’ fascination for the ball, their desire to master it and the thrill of scoring goals to provide the launching pad into a lifetime of soccer participation.

The Learn2Play program is based on a foundation of four skill areas that will help the young player become ready to play the game of soccer. Here are the foundation skills we will work on during the Learn2Play training sessions:

Physical:  Balance, running forward, running backward, jumping, skipping, hopping (running and jumping are the 2 most often executed movements in soccer!)

Technical:  Ball control, dribbling with control, kicking/shooting the ball, running with the ball, passing the ball, throwing the ball.

Social/Emotional:  Listening, communicating with coaches and players.

Psychological:  Self-confidence, self-motivation.

Format: (1) hour training sessions are available on Saturday mornings or Saturday afternoons.

Outdoor Soccer:  The Preschool time slots are 9:30 am-10:30 am or from 11:30 am-12:30 pm. The Kindergarten time slots are from 10:30 am-11:30 am or from 12:30 pm-1:30 pm or from 1:30 pm-2:30 pm. There are 32 players spots available for each time slot for outdoor soccer.

Indoor Soccer: The Preschool time slots are 9:30 am-10:30 am or from 11:30 am-12:30 pm. The Kindergarten time slots are 10:30-11:30am or from 12:30 pm-1:30 pm or from 1:30 pm-2:30 pm. There are 24 players spots available for each time slot for indoor soccer.

Each hour will include a warmup activity, lots of fun skill games and a short 4 v 4 game all based on the 4 foundation skill areas.

Coaching:  All sessions are lead by our Learn2Play Director, Kristy Hunt. Coach Kristy has a BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and is presently a Mentor/Coach for Head Start preschool teachers. She has 16 years of recreational soccer coaching experience and she has been running the Start2Kick and the Learn2Play programs since 2014.  She will be assisted by our trained high school/college coaches.

Parent Participation:  Parents are needed to help run the small sided 4 v 4 games. Little soccer knowledge is needed, and training will be provided. Parents can sign up to help with all games or just a few games.

Player Developmental Track: Learn2Play is the second level of our developmental track. Since all children develop at their own rate, older 5 year old and 6 year old children will be evaluated by Coach Kristy to determine if that player is ready to move to the next level, Recreational 1st grade program.

Calendar:  There are three 9-week sessions for 2024/2025. Players may choose to participate in just one or all 3 of the sessions. The fall session is played at Barlow Farm Park in Hudson. All Indoor games are played at NC Soccer in Hudson.

Equipment:

T-Shirt:  All registered players receive a Learn2Play t-shirt the first session that they play. This t-shirt will be use over the course of all 3 sessions.

Shin Guards:  All players must wear shin guards to all games. Players will not be permitted to play without shin guards. Shin guards need to be worn under soccer socks.

Shoes:  Rubber cleated soccer shoes are desirable but not required for outdoor soccer. Tennis shoes or indoor soccer shoes are required for indoor games. No cleated outdoor shoes are permitted indoors.

Mouth Guards:  Parents should consider having their child wear a properly fitted mouth guard.

Water:  It is important that all players to bring a filled water bottle to all games. .

Soccer Balls:  Will be provided each week but players may bring their own size 3 ball.

Jewelry:  If possible, leave jewelry at home. Players will be required to remove bracelets, necklaces and earrings before playing.

Cost: $110 per session which includes 9 weeks of soccer. Each player will receive a t-shirt to keep. Other expenses covered by the registration fee include coaching fees, outdoor field lining and usage, indoor field usage, insurance, administrative costs, and equipment usage including goals, nets, and training equipment.

Direct questions to Kristy Hunt, Learn2Play Director at khuntsoccer@gmail.com.