First Kicks · Toddler & Preschool Soccer Classes

Queens Toddler & Preschool Soccer Classes for Ages 2–5.

First Kicks is Auburndale's Queens toddler and preschool soccer program — co-ed, non-competitive, beginner-friendly classes for ages 2 through 5. Built around motor skills, coordination, socialization, and first touches on a real field. No tryout, no experience needed — and parents stay close.

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Why First Kicks

A Real Soccer Start. Without the Pressure.

Queens toddler and preschool soccer that's actually built for the absolute beginning — kids who have never touched a ball, parents who have never been to a soccer field, and a co-ed group that learns the game together at their own speed. Non-competitive. Age-appropriate. Beginner-friendly all the way through.

Built for ages 2 to 5

Drills, games, and play structured specifically for toddler and preschool development — motor skills, coordination, balance, short attention spans, and real first-touch reps.

No tryout. No cuts.

Open enrollment every cycle. Every Queens kid who registers plays — no auditions, no rejections, no roster anxiety at age four.

Age-appropriate coaching

Sessions are led by staff who understand early-childhood development — short attention spans, big imaginations, and the patience to keep two-year-olds engaged.

Parents stay close

Parent-and-me-friendly format — caregivers stay rinkside, often join in for the younger ages, and meet the other Queens families who'll be at Auburndale alongside them for years. Real socialization, real friendships.

One short session per week

A manageable first commitment that doesn't dominate your weekend or your kid's energy. Show up, play, go home — current schedule on the events page.

The on-ramp to Intramural

Most First Kicks players move into Auburndale's Intramural Development League around age 5–6. Same club, same fields, same families — just the next level up.

How It Works

One Weekly Class. One Field. One Season at a Time.

First Kicks is intentionally simple — Queens toddlers and preschoolers show up, play, learn the basics, go home. Each cycle's day, time, and field are posted on the events calendar so families always have the latest schedule in one place.

When

Posted on the events page.

Each First Kicks cycle's start date and weekly session time go live as soon as registration opens. Check the events calendar for the current schedule.

Where

Auburndale field, Queens NY.

Same Auburndale Soccer Club field families return to season after season. Specific location for the current cycle is on each event listing.

Format

Structured play, age-appropriate, non-competitive.

Warm-up, ball-mastery basics, introductory soccer drills, small-group games, free play. Classes are designed specifically for ages 2–5 — short focus blocks, lots of touches, plenty of socialization, zero pressure.

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What to Bring

Keep It Simple. Bring the Basics.

First Kicks doesn't need anything fancy. Comfortable clothes, a ball, water, and a positive attitude. Cleats are optional at this age — sneakers work fine.

Comfortable clothes

Athletic clothes they can move freely in. Layers if it's chilly — outdoor temperatures vary.

Sneakers or cleats

Sneakers are perfectly fine at this age. Soft-cleat soccer shoes work too if you have them — no metal spikes.

A small soccer ball

Size 3 ball is ideal for ages 2–5. Bring it inflated. Write your kid's name on it.

Water bottle

One hour of running and games — a full water bottle keeps the session fun, not cranky.

Sunscreen / hat

Spring and fall mornings can be deceptively sunny. Hat or sunscreen for kids with sensitive skin.

Patience & cheers

The most important thing parents bring. Cheering for every kid — yours and the others — is the Auburndale standard.

The Fun Part

What They Actually Do.

Forget the development charts for a second. This is what an hour of First Kicks really looks like through a 3-year-old's eyes.

Commitment

What First Kicks Asks of Your Family.

Almost nothing. That's the point. First Kicks is the lowest-commitment program at Auburndale — designed so a family with a 3-year-old can dip their toe in without rearranging their lives.

  1. 01

    One short session per week

    Manageable for working parents and short attention spans. Whole-cycle schedule lives on the events page.

  2. 02

    No travel

    Every session at the same Auburndale field. No carpools, no away games, no tournament weekends.

  3. 03

    No tryout, no cuts

    Sign up, show up, play. Open enrollment every cycle.

  4. 04

    No experience required

    First Kicks IS the experience. Kids start as absolute beginners — that's expected.

  5. 05

    Cycle by cycle

    Each First Kicks cycle stands on its own. Register for one cycle or come back for more — there's no long-term commitment to start.

  6. 06

    Step up if you want

    Once they age out at 5–6, the Intramural Development League is ready. Same club, same Queens fields, more soccer.

First Kicks vs Intramural

Already Past Age 5? Intramural Is Ready.

First Kicks is the Queens toddler and preschool on-ramp for ages 2–5. Once kids age out, Auburndale's Intramural Development League picks them up — same club, same Queens fields, longer sessions and slightly more structure.

First Kicks

Toddler & Preschool. The Beginning.

  • AgesCo-ed, 2–5
  • FormatWeekly cycle sessions
  • WhereAuburndale field, Queens
  • TryoutNone — open enrollment
  • ExperienceNone required
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Intramural

Recreational. Ages 6–14.

  • AgesCo-ed, 6–14
  • FormatEight-week Spring & Fall
  • ScheduleFriday training + Sunday games
  • WhereCunningham Park
  • TryoutNone — open enrollment
Intramural Details
FAQ

Queens Toddler & Preschool Soccer — Frequently Asked Questions.

What ages is First Kicks for?
First Kicks is co-ed and runs ages 2 through 5. The Queens toddler and preschool soccer program is built specifically for early-childhood development — designed for kids who are brand-new to soccer (and most of them are brand-new to organized anything).
Does my child need any soccer experience to join?
No. First Kicks IS the experience. Kids start as absolute beginners — that's the design. The program teaches first touches, basic movement, motor skills, and the fun of being on a field. No prior class, league, or skill required.
Is this a competitive league for 3-year-olds?
Absolutely not. First Kicks is non-competitive by design. No standings, no scores kept, no cuts, no pressure. The whole point is socialization, motor skills, coordination, and the joy of running around with a ball — not winning. The competitive Auburndale programs come later (Intramural at age 6, Travel later still).
Is there a tryout for First Kicks?
No tryouts, no cuts, no auditions. Open enrollment every cycle. Sign up, show up, play. That's the whole flow.
Do parents need to participate in the classes?
It's parent-friendly, not parent-required. Caregivers stay rinkside, and for the youngest ages (2 and 3) many parents step onto the field and participate alongside their kids. By age 4 or 5, most kids are happy to run with the group on their own. Either way works at First Kicks.
When and where does First Kicks meet?
Each cycle's exact day, time, and field are posted on the events calendar as soon as registration opens. First Kicks runs at the Auburndale Soccer Club home field in Queens, NY — the same field families return to season after season, easy access from Bayside, Whitestone, Flushing, and Fresh Meadows.
How long is each First Kicks class?
Class length is calibrated to a 2-to-5-year-old's attention span — short enough to stay engaging, long enough to get real touches and run off some energy. Exact session length for the current cycle is on the events page.
Will my child actually learn soccer skills?
Yes — but age-appropriate ones. First Kicks isn't teaching offside or formations. It's teaching first touches, dribbling with both feet, ball-mastery basics, simple games that introduce passing and shooting, and the fun of being part of a group. Real foundations that make Intramural a smoother step at age 6.
What if my child is shy or won't participate the first day?
Totally normal — happens with at least a couple of kids every cycle. Coaches are patient, parents can stay close, and there's zero pressure to "do the drill right." Most shy kids come around by week 2 or 3 once they realize it's all play, no test. Some parents also start in the parent-and-me layout for a session before the kid runs solo.
Who runs the First Kicks classes?
Classes are led by Auburndale Soccer Club staff who specialize in early-childhood instruction. They know how to keep ages 2–5 engaged and structure sessions developmentally for that age range — short focus blocks, lots of touches, and games that feel like play.
What does my child need to bring?
Comfortable athletic clothes, sneakers (cleats optional — soft-cleat soccer shoes are fine, no metal spikes), a size 3 soccer ball with their name on it, and a full water bottle. Sunscreen and a hat for sunny days. No shin guards required at this age.
Can I stay and watch?
Yes — First Kicks is a parent-friendly format. Caregivers stay rinkside, and for the youngest ages parents often participate in drills with their kids. It's also where Queens families meet the other Auburndale families they'll likely see for years as their kids grow into Intramural and beyond.
What happens after my child ages out?
When kids reach age 5–6, they move into Auburndale's Intramural Development League — same club, same Cunningham Park field, same families. Friday training plus Sunday games, all skill levels welcome. The transition from First Kicks classes to Intramural is seamless.