Pasadena has a long rec tradition and strong club pathways, with AYSO programs and competitive options across the San Gabriel Valley. Brookside Park by the Rose Bowl and Victory Park see steady weekend play. Families keep progress going with short first‑touch drills at home 3–5 days a week.
One of the largest AYSO regions in SoCal with balanced teams and trained coaches.
Ages: 4-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
City‑run seasonal youth soccer with convenient local fields and beginner‑friendly coaching.
Ages: 5-14
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Southern California’s primary competitive league platform used by many SGV clubs.
Ages: 7-19
Seasons: Year‑round
Historic competitive league for youth clubs across SoCal; some SGV teams still compete here.
Ages: 7-19
Seasons: Fall
Tryout‑based travel teams within AYSO offering higher‑level competition while retaining AYSO principles.
Ages: 9-14
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Elite pathways with ECNL platforms across Los Angeles, including the San Gabriel Valley.
Ages: 7-19
Leagues: ECNL, ECNL RL, Cal South
Fields: Regional training sites
Long‑standing competitive club with teams across the San Gabriel Valley.
Ages: 7-19
Leagues: MLS Next (boys), Girls Academy, Cal South
Fields: Regional training sites
Regional programming and ID events accessible to Pasadena families; seasonal clinics and camps.
Ages: 6-18
Leagues: Cal South
Fields: Regional training sites
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookside Park (near the Rose Bowl) | 360 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103 | multiple fields, restrooms, parking | Busy hub for youth practices and weekend rec matches in central Pasadena. |
| Victory Park | 2575 Paloma St, Pasadena, CA 91107 | open fields, play areas, parking | Popular east‑side park with space for small‑sided training; confirm field schedules. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| LA Surf Camps (San Gabriel Valley) | Seasonal camps and clinics for a range of ages and levels across the SGV. |
| FC Golden State Clinics | Club‑run clinics focusing on technical skill and small‑group training. |
| UK International Soccer (SGV) | Community camps partnering with local leagues; age‑appropriate skills and games. |
| 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
Build confidence in 10 minutes a day with KiddiFitTM. No equipment needed.
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. |
Build confidence in 10 minutes a day with KiddiFitTM. No equipment needed.
Find comprehensive youth sports guides for your area. Each guide includes local leagues, clubs, fields, camps, and resources to help your child succeed in their chosen sport.