Lil' Kickers soccer program launches in Crystal Lake

The McHenry Athletic Complex in Crystal Lake will now offer Lil' Kickers, a nationally renowned youth development soccer program. The MAC (McHenry Athletic Complex) is the first facility in Crystal Lake to offer the program.

Lil' Kickers is a noncompetitive, introductory soccer and movement skills program for boys and girls ages 18 months to 9 years old. It was developed by soccer professionals working along side child development experts. Classes promote play in a physically active, social and noncompetitive environment while fostering positive self-esteem and accomplishment.

With more than 650,000 boys and girls enrolled in its national programs on a weekly basis, Lil' Kickers is a building block to soccer's popularity across the United States. But, Lil' Kickers is more than just soccer.

"In Lil' Kickers we don't just teach soccer to kids. Instead, we use soccer as a tool to teach kids about teamwork and cooperation," said McHenry Athletic Complex Lil' Kickers Coordinator Thomas Cahue. "Kids have a blast learning the fundamentals of soccer while building coordination and confidence - a great combination for growing children."

Lil' Kickers is carefully geared toward various age groups to maximize skills. Levels include Bunnies (18 months to 24 months, parent/child class), Thumpers (2 to 3 years, beginner, parent/child class), Cottontails (2½ years-3½ years, intermediate, parent/child class), Hoppers (3 to 4 years, beginner), Jackrabbits (3 to 4 years, intermediate), Big Feet (5 to 6 years old, beginner), Micro Classes (4 to 9 years, intermediate/advanced).

Classes at McHenry Athletic Complex, 1310 Ridgefield Road, are offered Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., starting Monday, Jan. 4. Enrollment is always open so children can join anytime (classes are pro-rated at $15.50 per class). For class schedules and more information, visit Lilkickersintra.com or call (847) 488-0088.