Thousand Oaks has a strong family soccer culture with recreational and club options for ages 4-18. Parents are key to a player's success, balancing organized league weekends with short, fun at-home sessions to build confidence and ball control. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the local soccer landscape, from finding the right club to at-home training and more.
A popular, all-levels, fun-first environment with balanced teams and certified volunteers. AYSO is a national organization with a strong local presence focused on player development and good sportsmanship. Open to boys and girls ages 4.5 to 18.
Ages: 4.5-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Serving the Newbury Park community, this AYSO region offers recreational soccer with a focus on fun, player development, and community involvement. It is a great option for those in the southern part of Thousand Oaks.
Ages: 4.5-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
The official youth soccer association for Southern California, Cal South sanctions all local competitive club leagues and tournaments, including Coast Soccer League. This is where most club teams in the area play.
A multi-sport organization offering youth soccer programs at Madrona Elementary School with a focus on fun, convenience for busy families, and age-appropriate instruction.
Ages: 3-12
CRPD coordinates with local youth orgs and offers seasonal youth classes; check current listings for soccer offerings.
Ages: 5-14
Seasons: Spring & Fall
A long-standing local club providing a competitive pathway for both boys and girls. They have programs from a 'Juniors' pre-club level all the way to college prep. They focus on developing each player to achieve their full potential on and off the field.
Ages: 5-19
Leagues: Cal South (Coast Soccer League), MLS Next
Fields: Thousand Oaks Community Park, Other Conejo Valley locations
A large and prestigious club with a partnership with Major League Soccer's LAFC. They offer both a recreational program (WVSL) and a high-level competitive environment with access to professional staff and a pathway for elite players to the professional level.
Ages: 4-18
Leagues: MLS Next, ECNL, Cal South
Fields: North Ranch Playfield, Los Cerritos Middle School, Other Ventura County locations
Serving Newbury Park for over 25 years with both recreational and competitive programs. They are a non-profit club dedicated to the success and development of young athletes. They also host the Thousand Oaks Classic tournament.
Ages: 5-18
Leagues: Cal South (Coast Soccer League)
Fields: Conejo Creek South Park
A club with a full elite player pathway for youth players, from developmental programs to their USL League Two semi-professional team. They have MLS Next teams for boys and provide numerous weekly youth soccer programs for all ages and skill levels.
Ages: 3-19
Leagues: MLS Next, USL Academy, Cal South
Fields: Ventura College Sportsplex
A competitive arm of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), offering a high-quality club environment at a more affordable cost than traditional clubs. They focus on continuous coach education and a fun, development-focused environment.
Ages: Birth year based teams (e.g., B2017, G2017)
Leagues: Cal South
Fields: Various locations including Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thousand Oaks Community Park | 2525 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 | soccer fields, gym, picnic areas | A central location for soccer in Thousand Oaks with several fields for practice and games. It's often referred to by longtime residents as Acorn Acres. |
| Conejo Creek South Park | 1300 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 | soccer fields, walking path, restrooms | Known as the largest sports turf area in the Conejo Valley, this park is home to AYSO Region 9 and features multiple soccer fields with lights. |
| Dos Vientos Community Park | 4801 Borchard Rd, Newbury Park, CA 91320 | open fields, restrooms, parking | Popular Newbury Park venue for training and small‑sided play; check permit 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 |
|---|---|
| Sports Academy | Offers a variety of sports performance training programs, including soccer-specific camps and clinics for technical and physical development. |
| Youth Evolution Soccer | Provides year-round soccer classes and camps for children ages 2-12 with an emphasis on skill development in a non-competitive environment. |
| UK International Soccer (Conejo Valley) | Community camps partnering with local leagues; check Thousand Oaks sessions by zip code. |
| Challenger Sports Camps (Conejo Valley) | Summer clinics with international coaches; search Thousand Oaks for dates. |
| Thousand Oaks Classic | Hosted by Newbury Park Soccer Club, this tournament is a local favorite held annually, typically in the summer or fall. |
|---|---|
| Fusion Premier Invitational | Hosted by Ventura County Fusion, this is a competitive tournament for club teams held annually. |
| 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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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.