Long Beach has strong city rec soccer, YMCA leagues, and top‑tier club pathways. Families use El Dorado Park West, Heartwell Park, and Admiral Kidd Park for practices. Short at‑home ball‑mastery keeps skills sharp between sessions.
City‑run seasonal leagues and skills programs at neighborhood parks and recreation centers.
Ages: 5-14
Seasons: Seasonal
Community leagues and clinics focused on fundamentals, teamwork, and fun.
Ages: 5-14
Seasons: Seasonal
Multiple AYSO regions serve Long Beach and nearby neighborhoods with balanced teams and trained volunteers.
Ages: 4-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Highly regarded club with college‑prep pathways and elite platforms for boys and girls.
Ages: 7-19
Leagues: Girls Academy, ECNL (select), SOCAL Soccer, Cal South
Fields: Regional training sites (Long Beach / South Bay)
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Dorado Park West | 2800 N Studebaker Rd, Long Beach, CA 90815 | multi‑use fields, lights, parking, restrooms | Popular hub for city rec practices and small‑group training. |
| Heartwell Park | 5801 Parkcrest St, Long Beach, CA 90808 | open grass fields, parking, restrooms | Large community park used for practices and weekend rec play. |
| Admiral Kidd Park | 2125 Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810 | multi‑use fields, parking, restrooms | Westside fields for rec games and neighborhood training. |
| 4-6 | Introductory programs and AYSO. Keep it playful and short; celebrate effort. |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | Focus on foundational skills and enjoying the game. Build confidence through fun drills. |
| 8-10 | Transitioning to more structured play. Build turns and first-touch patterns. AYSO or introduction to club. |
| 10-12 | Add speed bursts and combo moves. Start to specialize in positions. Club tryouts and travel become more common. |
| 13-18 | Advanced tactical understanding and physical training. High school soccer and college recruiting become key considerations. Competitive club is the main option. |
| Rec | Typically $150-$300 per season, including uniform and team picture. Financial aid is often available. |
|---|---|
| Club | Ranges from $1,400 to over $4,500 per year, not including travel, tournament, and uniform costs. Many clubs offer payment plans and some financial assistance. |
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| All Kids Play | Provides grants to help families with the cost of youth sports registration fees. |
| Every Kid Sports | National fee‑assistance program for rec sports. |
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
| Beach FC Camps | Seasonal camps and clinics led by club staff. |
| YMCA of Greater Long Beach — Soccer | Intro and skills programs at Y branches. |
| UK International Soccer (Long Beach area) | Community camps partnering with local leagues; search by zip code. |
| Flat shoes on dry surfaces |
| Clear 6–8 feet of space |
| Hydrate before and after |
| Shin guards under long socks |
| Warm up and cool down |
A simple weekly rhythm you can actually stick to
touches — toe-taps, foundation taps
agility — ladder steps (imaginary), side shuffles
first touch — sole stop, inside-out touches
turns — drag back, cruyff turn
combos — 3-move combo, speed dribble
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Toe Taps
Tap top of ball with alternating feet • Keep knees soft and chest up
Foundation Taps
Tap ball between feet with inside surfaces • Keep the ball under you
Drag Back
Pull ball under foot • Turn hips and push out with other foot
How many minutes should kids practice at home? 10 minutes, 3–5 days a week builds confidence without burnout. |
Do we need cones? No—use shoes or tape as markers; drills fit small spaces. |
Rec vs club soccer? Rec emphasizes fun and balanced teams; club adds higher commitment, travel, and licensed coaching. |
How do we choose the right club? Compare coaching credentials, cost, travel, practice locations, and team culture; attend tryouts and talk with parents. |
What equipment is required? Ball sized by age, shin guards with long socks, proper‑fit cleats, and a water bottle; most leagues provide uniforms. |
How are age groups determined? By birth year using national standards; most leagues use the player’s age on Dec 31 of the season year. |
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