My 5-Year-Old’s First Soccer Practice: Fun, Friends, and a First Goal

Series: My 5-Year-Old’s Soccer Journey (Week 2)

After years of tagging along to his older brothers’ games, it was finally my 5-year-old’s turn to put on a uniform, lace up his cleats, and step onto the field for his first soccer practice for 5-year-olds. Practice day had arrived — and it was everything you could hope for in a first soccer experience: fun, friends, and even a goal.

What Happened at His First Soccer Practice for 5-Year-Olds

• Uniform ready → He proudly picked number 4.

• Making new friends → Soccer is teamwork from day one.

• Dribbling & tripping → Because learning means laughing too.

• Calling for the ball & scoring → His very first goal! 🥅

• Practicing throw-ins → Learning the basics early on.

• Water break & thumbs up → Ending the day proud and smiling.

  
  

Why the First Soccer Practice for 5-Year-Olds Matters

At age 5, starting soccer at age 5 isn’t about wins or stats — it’s about joy, confidence, and creating habits that make kids love the game.

Here’s what matters most for us:

• Having fun → Joy keeps kids coming back.

• Following directions → Builds focus and respect.

• Making friends → Soccer is community.

• Feeling proud → After years of cheering for his brothers, he finally had his turn.

  
  

Parent Takeaway: Support Without Pressure

Our role on the sidelines? Encourage, cheer, and celebrate small victories. At this age, it’s not about perfect dribbles or scoring every time — it’s about effort, teamwork, and confidence. These 5-year-old soccer tips help parents guide their kids in a supportive way.

Part of a Bigger Journey

This post is part of my “My 5-Year-Old’s Soccer Journey” series, where I’ll share the ups and downs of recreational soccer for young kids — from the first practice to the last game of the season on November 22.

👉 Next week: “Our First Soccer Game: What Parents Should Expect at Age 5