WELCOME TO KICKSTART!

AYSO Kickstart Soccer has been designed for ages 3-4. However, a child’s chronological age can often conflict with developmental age, so flexibility is usually required to accommodate this variable (i.e., early maturers or late maturers).

AYSO Kickstart consists of one day per week for 6 to 8 weeks. There is a definitive sequence to the sessions but if a longer program period is required, sessions can be repeated. 

It is our developmental recommendation that Kickstart is run in Jamboree framework through 5U, replacing the traditional team-based league structure.

Let’s give the game room to breathe. Let’s bring back joy, imagination, and freedom. When kids own their play, they stay engaged longer. They play because they love it—not because they’re told to. That’s the foundation of lifelong passion.

Let’s create an environment where the game belongs to the kids. Where the ball teaches, and the field inspires, in a less structured space.

How does Kickstart work?

Teams are formed each week in a Jamboree format.

A Jamboree is a fun, festival-style structure designed to introduce the sport without the pressure of competition or directive coaching. Teams are formed weekly on the day, promoting flexibility, interaction, and enjoyment over winning.

The Kickstart season is typically 6 to 8 weeks long.

Each session should run for 1 hour maximum.

Groups can be initially formed by age but with flexibility to move a child as needed based on their developmental stage.

Each Kickstart session includes:

• A Fundamental Motor Skill Activity, i.e., skipping. &
• A Game-Like Activity to build skill and/or game understanding, i.e., dribbling and direction.
• 2v2 or 3v3 game, if players are capable.

Each session has a social and emotional learning theme, i.e., helping others.