A Mom’s Honest Take: Why Soccer Shots Long Beach Became Our Family’s Favorite Activity

Hey Long Beach parents! If you’re anything like me, your phone is probably crammed with photos of your kids covered in sand from the beach, soaking wet from the splash pad, or just generally running wild. And like me, you’re probably always on the lookout for that next thing to keep them active, happy, and maybe learning a little something too.

For ages, I kept seeing these adorable little kids in bright jerseys, always laughing and kicking soccer balls, especially at parks like Hartwell or El Dorado. The logo said “Soccer Shots,” and I was curious. Could it really be as fun as it looked?

Well, after finally taking the plunge, I wanted to share my honest, parent-to-parent take on Soccer Shots Long Beach. Because if you’re like I was, you’re probably wondering: is this just another kid’s activity, or is it something special?

Why We Even Tried It (Beyond Just Burning Energy!)

My youngest, Leo, was a whirlwind of energy. He loved to run, but put him in a structured environment, and he’d clam up. My biggest goal wasn’t to make him the next World Cup star – it was just to help him feel comfortable in a group, listen to instructions, and get that boundless energy out in a positive way.

A friend whose daughter adored it kept raving about how much her little one’s confidence had grown, and how the coaches were just magical. That’s what really sold me on trying Soccer Shots Long Beach. It wasn’t about competitive play; it was about fun and fostering good habits.

It’s More Than Just Kicking (Seriously!)

I’ll admit, I thought it would just be kids chasing a ball. I was so wrong!

What I quickly realized is that these coaches are so much more than just soccer instructors. Each week, they introduce a “Word of the Day” – things like Teamwork, Respect, or Determination. They then weave these concepts into every single game and activity.

For example, when it was “Teamwork” week, they did this game where two kids had to guide a ball together using pool noodles, learning to communicate without even realizing it. Leo thought he was just playing a silly game, but he was actually learning to cooperate. It’s brilliant! It really helps with those social and emotional skills that are so important at this age.

Finding Your Fit: Mini, Classic, and Premier

One of the things I love is that they have different programs for different ages, so it’s always just right for where your kid is at:

• Mini (Ages 2-3): This is where Leo started! It’s super gentle, very playful, and often involves parents participating. Think lots of imagination and simple, engaging games.
• Classic (Ages 3-5): For the preschoolers, they start introducing more actual soccer skills, but still in a very fun, non-intimidating way.
• Premier (Ages 5-8): This is for the “big kids.” It’s more structured with some small-sided games, but the emphasis is still firmly on sportsmanship and fun, not winning. My friend’s older son, who’s not super competitive, absolutely thrives here.

The Logistics: Where in Long Beach Can You Find a Class?

This is where the convenience really shines. Soccer Shots Long Beach partners with so many local spots. We’ve done classes at our local park, and I’ve heard from other moms that they offer programs at various preschools and even some elementary schools after hours.

(Quick 2025 Update!): I just signed Leo up for the Fall season, and I noticed they’ve added even more afternoon spots at parks like Marine Stadium and Whaley Park, which is fantastic for those of us trying to juggle school pick-ups!

Let’s Talk About the Cost (Because Every Dollar Counts!)

I know this is always a big factor. The fees are usually per “season,” which runs about 8-12 weeks. From what I’ve seen this year (2025), you can expect to pay around $180-$240 for a season. There’s usually a one-time enrollment fee for new kids, which includes a jersey.

When you break it down, it’s pretty comparable to other structured activities for kids, but I feel like you get so much more out of it with the focus on character development and truly engaging coaches. It feels like money well spent.

So, Is Soccer Shots Long Beach Actually Worth It?

For our family, absolutely. It’s been more than just a place for Leo to kick a ball. It’s helped him come out of his shell, learn to follow instructions, and just generally love being active. He lights up when it’s “Soccer Shots day”!

If you’re looking for a fun, positive, and non-competitive environment for your little one to learn some basic soccer skills, build confidence, and get some fantastic exercise, I honestly can’t recommend Soccer Shots Long Beach enough. It’s been a game-changer for us.

Ready to see for yourself? Check out their official website to find a class near you!