Our community has many opportunities for kids to participate in soccer! This guide will help you find the best soccer program for your family in the Iowa City area. From programs for preschoolers through teens, check out these fantastic soccer programs.
A Guide to Spring Soccer in the Iowa City Area
Toddler/Preschool Programs
Coralville Tiny Tot Soccer
Ages: 3-5
Registration Deadline: March 20, 2022
Season: April 4 – May 9, 2022
Cost: $39 for Coralville residents, $48.75 for non-residents
The City of Coralville offers a fun recreational soccer program that is run by parent volunteer coaches. Seasons last six weeks, with 45-minute sessions that have skill-building games and three vs. three games coached by parents. Our kids enjoyed this low-key program, and it’s a lot of fun watching preschoolers try to figure out which goal they are supposed to try to score on — or even which field they should keep their ball on!
Iowa City Kickers Parent-Tot Soccer
Ages: 2-5
Season: April 16 – May 7, 2022
Cost: $45
These four-week sessions introduce kids to basic soccer skills. Parent participation is required and parents come away with resources and new skills to help keep the soccer fun going at home. Kids are grouped into two age groups: 2-3 year-olds; and 4-5 year-olds. This is perfect for both soccer-loving parents, who want to play with their kids, and parents, who are new to the sport and want to learn the basics. This popular program’s first session was full by the end of January, so register soon for session two.
Soccer Programs for School-Age Kids
AYSO – Tiffin
Ages: 6-8
Registration Deadline: March 1, 2022
Program Type: Recreational
Seasons: April 20 – June 1, 2022
Cost: $65, plus $30 uniform fee. VIP Registration: $25
This volunteer-led program offers six weeks of soccer in the spring with games beginning around the first week of April. Games are played in various locations across the region, currently in Williamsburg, Tiffin, and Brooklyn. Games are generally scheduled on Saturdays, between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Coralville Youth Soccer – KIXX
Ages: 6-8
Registration Deadline: April 5, 2022
Program Type: Recreational
Seasons: April 20 – June 1, 2022
Cost: $55 for Coralville residents, $70 for non-residents
Kids play five weeks of one-hour sessions. The goal is for kids to develop a love and passion for the game of soccer. There are 45 minutes of skills and soccer activities, followed by 15-20 minutes of four vs. four games for players.
Iowa City Kickers
Ages: Kindergarten through Adult
Registration Deadline: March 15, 2022
Program Type: Recreational
Season: April 9 – May 21, 2022
Cost: $60-95 per season, discounts for playing two seasons with the same team, as well as an early registration discount for registering by Feb. 15, 2022.
My favorite “starter” program for soccer is Iowa City Kickers. It is parent coached. That means it varies a lot in intensity based on the coach and their level of skill and interest in coaching. For our family, it was a great, low-key way to introduce our kids to the sport. And, as our kids got older, it remained a fun way to play with friends without us as parents feeling the need to commit large amounts of time or money to year-round competitive leagues.
Iowa Soccer Club – Academy
Ages: 5-8
Program Type: Recreational
Registration Opens: February 14
Season: April 1 – June 3, 2022
Cost: $125 for Academy 10-week session
This program gives kids a great foundation for soccer with practices led by professional coaches. This is a practice-only program for young kids, with all practices held on Friday nights from 5:30-6:30 p.m. With just a one-night-per-week commitment, this is perfect for busy families. Space is limited. I recommend registering on the day it opens.
Iowa Soccer Club – Lightning
Ages: 8-14
Program Type: Recreational
Registration Opens: February 14
Season: April 1 – June 3, 2022
Cost: $140
Run by professional coaches, this program gives kids who are interested in building their skills a great place to do so. My son found this program to be a great bridge between recreational programs and competitive soccer. Practices are all held on Friday nights from 6:35 – 8:05 p.m. Space is limited. I recommend registering on the day it opens.
Iowa Soccer Club – Year-Round Competitive
Ages: 7-18
Program Type: Competitive
Season: Year Round. Tryouts held in June for the 2022-2023 season that will begin in August
Cost: $1,320 per year, plus team fees
What ISC is probably best known for is their competitive leagues for ages 7-18. This level of play requires a year-round commitment. At least one practice per week is required for 11 months of the year, but motivated kids can practice almost every night of the week if they so choose and your schedule allows. Tournaments and fall and spring league play require some travel within a few hours of Iowa City. Winter indoor leagues are played in Iowa City.
The coaching is fantastic! Nothing beats people who know soccer like it’s their job–because it is their job! The level of skills development we’ve seen at ISC has been tremendous compared to what our kids have learned in other programs. It is also one of the most well-organized extracurricular programs that my kids have ever been involved in. The director gives fantastic and frequent communication to parents.
Have I missed your favorite Iowa City area soccer program? Add it in the comments!
Related: Check out this guide to soccer rules for non-sporty moms.
