LITTLE KICKERS PROGRAM | FAQ
We're excited that you and your Little Kicker are thinking about joining us for a safe and fun FALL or SPRING soccer season. Below you'll find a list of Frequently Asked Questions that we're hoping will get you up to speed on our program.
Who is the program for?
NOPOSC Little Kickers (LK) is an introductory soccer program for Pre-K and Kindergarten children (age four and up) by North Portland Soccer Club (NOPOSC). Participants are required to be age four by August 1st.
What if my child has never played soccer before?
Our program is the perfect place to start. Many of the participants will be playing for the first time as well.
How much does it cost?
Changes every season but approximately $115 per player by the early bird deadline.
When is it?
Sundays 12:30-2pm
Spring Season - April to May
Fall Season - September to October
Where will my Little Kicker play?
Columbia Annex Park: Directions
How many games will there be?
Six sessions for the Spring season.
Seven sessions for the Fall season.
Will there be practices?
Yes, practices will occur for 15-20 minutes prior to games.
How long will the combined practice and game take?
About an hour and a half.
What is the game format?
3 players vs 3 players, for two halves of twenty minutes each, on a 20 yard wide by 30 yard long field, with a size 3 soccer ball.
How many Little Kickers are on each team?
Five to seven Little Kickers will be on each team. We want to be certain each of them get an equal share of playing time.
Can my child play on the same team as a friend?
Yes, we'll do our best to place your child with their team, teammate, or coach preference. Just be sure to enter that info during registration. Other than coaches and the coach's children, team requests may be logistically impossible. If you child will only play if they are on the same team as X player or X coach (other than their parent/guardian), this may not be the ideal program for your player. We require a certain level of flexibility from our players and parents. See "How can I help my Little Kickers Team?" below.
How do I register my child?
Registration is available thru a link (on our website) to the Sports Connect site.
What registration dates are important?
You'll want to register as early as possible (early February or early May), as space in the LK program is limited.
Once I register online and receive my email confirmation, do I need to do anything else?
No, nothing additional is needed.
How do I know which team my Little Kicker is on?
Once you register and our club registrar assigns your Little Kicker to a team, you'll receive a Team Invitation via email from North Portland Soccer Club. You should expect this email just before the first practice/game. When you accept the invitation you'll be able to communicate with your team and get important info like the team name and who the parent volunteers are.
What should my Little Kicker wear?
Your Little Kicker will need shorts and a shirt that allows them to be active, along with soccer cleats, shin guards, and socks. We also recommend a light sweatshirt without zippers or buttons just in case.
Do I need to buy my Little Kicker a NOPOSC uniform?
No, our program will provide a Little Kickers t-shirt and for your Little Kicker's team.
What else should I bring along for my Little Kicker?
We recommend a backpack or soccer bag, water bottle, light snack, and a rain jacket.
What should I expect on the first day?
We're hoping you'll arrive early to meet the other Little Kicker team members and parent volunteers at your team's designated mini-field. Once everyone is ready, we'll warm-up together, each team will practice together, then the games will begin!
Do I need to check-in?
No, but you may need to get your field assignment. Feel free to stop by our coordinators table on the west side of the field to say hello. We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Where should I meet my team on game day?
You'll meet your Little Kicker team at their assigned mini-field at Columbia Annex Park. You can find your team's assigned mini-field at the coordinator's table.
What should I do if I can't find my team?
Look for the coordinators table on the east side of the field. One of our coordinators will help direct you.
How can I help with my Little Kicker's team?
We're glad you asked! Each Little Kicker team will need a minimum of two parent volunteer coaches. One volunteer to actively help and direct the Little Kickers on-field, and another to help with substitutions off-field. We can also use help setting up/taking down all equipment before/after each game.
What is expected of me as a parent/guardian of a Little Kicker?
The Little Kickers program is entirely volunteer-run. North Portland Soccer Club only has capacity for 2 volunteers who dedicate their personal time to organize the program with registration and on-site logistics. WE DO NOT SUPPLY TEAM COACHES! We help facilitate learning for parents of Little Kickers to be the team coaches, assistant coaches and parent volunteers. If you are not able to assist in the functioning of your LK team please recognize other volunteer parent positions mentioned in the answer above will still need to be filled.
Are there bathrooms near the field?
Please feel free to use the bathroom by the play structure.
How do I register as a parent volunteer?
Coach/volunteer registration can be found here. Registration is free!
Will someone explain how to help with my Little Kicker's team?
Yes, before the each practice our coordinators will hold a coach meeting to answer all of your questions and provide ideas for drills and teaching skills.
What about the weather?
Please plan to play rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, we'll send a cancellation notice via email or cancel as needed on-site.
What is the refund policy?
Full refunds are available before the player has attended a game or practice AND before the season has started. Partial refunds are available after the player has attended a game or practice OR after the season has started. For a refund or more info, please contact the NOPOSC registrar at [email protected] .
Who is NOPOSC?
North Portland Soccer Club (NOPOSC) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, volunteer-run, recreational youth soccer organization, and a member club of Portland Youth Soccer Association (PYSA). Our IRS EIN is 45-5121179. Our club boundaries encompass the PPS neighborhood schools of Astor, Beach, Cesar Chavez, Chief Joseph, James John, Ockley Green, Peninsula, Rosa Parks, Sitton, and Woodlawn.
What if I have more questions?
Just get in-touch with our Little Kickers coordinator. They can be reached at [email protected]