first touch academy
U4-U6
Join First Touch Academy
If your child is ready to take their first steps into soccer, First Touch Academy provides the perfect starting point.
Come build confidence.
Come build coordination.
Come build a love for the game.
Click here for information on financial aid
About the Academy
Our mission is simple: to help kids fall in love with soccer. We believe the first soccer experience should be filled with smiles, growth, and excitement. It should create a lifelong connection to sport and movement.
- Age Groups: 3, 4, and 5 year olds
- Focus: Confidence, coordination, teamwork, and joy through the game
- Approach: Developmentally appropriate, playful learning that supports both players and families
First Touch Academy is the foundational entry point into soccer at Herndon Youth Soccer. Designed specifically for players ages 3–5, the program introduces children to the game in a positive, structured, and developmentally appropriate environment.
What Kids Learn
Every session balances fun with skill-building. Kids will develop:
Soccer Skills
- Dribbling, ball control, passing, and shooting
- Playing in small games (1v1, 2v2, 3v3) to learn teamwork and spacing
Physical Development
- Balance, agility, and coordination
- Confidence in movement with and without the ball
Social & Life Skills
- Listening and following directions
- Teamwork, sharing, and supporting others
- Building independence and problem-solving skills
Seasons & Schedule
First Touch runs year-round, with options designed for busy families.
Seasons
- Fall: September – November
- Winter: January – February
- Spring: March – June
- Summer: June – July
Session Format (1 hour)
- Group Warm-Up (20–30 min): Movement, coordination, and fun ball activities with all players together
- Skill Development (20 min): Dribbling, attacking/defending, small-group activities (1v1, 2v2)
- Small-Sided Games (10–20 min): 3v3 scrimmages
Program Options
U4 & U5 First Touch Academy Program
One-Day Options (choose one):
- Monday session: 5:00–6:00 PM (Bready Park)
- Wednesday session: 5:00–6:00 PM (Bready Park)
- Saturday morning session: 9:30–10:30 AM (Hutchison Park)
Two-Day Options (choose two):
- Monday session: 5:00–6:00 PM (Bready Park)
- Wednesday session: 5:00–6:00 PM (Bready Park)
- Saturday morning session: 9:30–10:30 AM (Hutchison Park)
U6 First Touch Academy Program
One-Day Options (choose one):
- Monday or Wednesday session: 5:00–6:00 PM (Bready Park) + Saturday Game Days (all U6 players): 3v3 (Hutchison Park)
Two-Day Option:
- Monday & Wednesday session: 5:00–6:00 PM (Bready Park) + Saturday Game Days (all U6 players): 3v3 (Hutchison Park)
Locations
- Weekdays at Bready Park Turf
- Saturday sessions/games at Hutchison Park
Addresses:
- Bready Park (814 Ferndale Ave, Herndon, VA 20170)
- Hutchison Park (13209 Parcher Ave, Herndon, VA 20170)
Calendar
Spring Season
- 2nd week of March: Coaches contact players
- 4th week of March: Practices begin
- 1st week of April: Saturday games (no games Memorial Day weekend)
Summer Season
- 3rd week of June: Coaches contact players
- 4th week of June: Practices and games begin
- 3rd week of August: Season ends
Fall Season
- 4th week of August: Coaches contact players
- 1st week of September: Practices and games begin
- 1st week of November: Season ends
Winter Season
- 1st week of January: Sessions begin
- 4th week of February: Sessions end
Registration & Cost
One-Day Program
- Early bird - Register before Jan 31: $150
- Regular Registration Fee: $175
- Late Registration after Feb 28th: $200
Two-Day Program
- Early bird - Register before Jan 31: $225
- Regular Registration Fee: $275
- Late Registration after Feb 28th: $300
Refunds: Available until April 2 (contact registrar@herndonyouthsoccer.org)
Required items to be purchased separately:
- Herndon Recreation Jersey (purchased online)
- Shin Guards
- Soccer Ball: Size 3
Optional: Soccer Cleats