OP here. I’m not looking for rigorous drilling at this age to take the fun out of it. If it’s not fun for our kid, we are not doing it. What we’re looking for are program recommendations that focus a little more on direct skill development (ie. Dribbling/controlling the ball/shooting) for our son who is already motivated to learn, instead of just mostly playing games like sharks and minnows and what’s the time mr. wolf.

Thank you to those who have given suggestions!

Brit Am PDL for sure. The coach who runs the program is fantastic for development of skills in little kids.

They do use some games to develop skills but do other things too, including ball control, dribbling, and shooting practice, one-on-one, scrimmages, etc,

I think a lot of responses might have misinterpreted your question to mean that you don’t want your kid doing matches, when you mean you don’t want them doing shark and minnows, etc.

Follow Tom Beyer on Twitter and access his resources. That's your best first step.

at 5/6 just play with the closest logistics program that is not parent coached.

Anonymous wrote:Hi! My son loves soccer and we have never had to force him to play. most programs his age seem to play “games” with the kids and we were wondering if there are any programs in the Dc/ Maryland area that do a little more skill focus and then transition to travel soccer if he decides he wants to continue that route? Sorry if this question is basic but we are new to the area and how soccer progression for youths works here and would appreciate any insight. Thanks!

You could do clinics at this age. SAM soccer at the Maryland soccerplex may have something. My son just watched youtube videos and learned footwork from that. If he's motivated, it's easy and free way to learn.

Check out FCGB pre academy.

FFS, let your kid have fun and be a kid! You are looking for a way to burn him out on soccer.

Anonymous wrote:Bsc juniors

But bsc juniors still has games. You know they are 5 and 6 right?

Bsc juniors

Hi! My son loves soccer and we have never had to force him to play. most programs his age seem to play “games” with the kids and we were wondering if there are any programs in the Dc/ Maryland area that do a little more skill focus and then transition to travel soccer if he decides he wants to continue that route? Sorry if this question is basic but we are new to the area and how soccer progression for youths works here and would appreciate any insight. Thanks!