Youth Soccer Leagues for Kids Ages 4 to 8
One game every Friday night. A real game, certified coaches, and a season your child will look forward to all week.
10-week season starts Friday, December 4 at Roscoe Village and Morton Grove.
Formerly GameTime.
How Old Is Your Child?
Tap an age to see which league fits.
Lil’ Kickers Soccer League
A first team for your little one. Small games, lots of touches on the ball, and a big team cheer at the end of every game.
Skills Institute Soccer League
Faster games for older kids. Instructors coach and referee every game and explain each call as it happens.
Younger than 4 or older than 8? Find a class that fits.
Here Is How It Works
A league is the easiest way for young kids to try a real game. Here is what a season looks like.
One Game a Week
Games are Friday nights at the same location all season. Each game is about 50 minutes. There is no separate practice night.
Skills in a Real Game
Kids put the skills they practice in class to work in a game setting. Every child gets equal playing time.
Certified Coaches
Our trained coaches lead every team and run every game. Parents get to sit back and cheer.
Lil’ Kickers Soccer League
Often a child’s first team. LKSL takes what families love about Lil’ Kickers classes and adds a weekly game. Kids get tons of touches on the ball, a team to cheer with, and a fun, low-pressure first taste of league soccer.
- Ages4 to 5 years
- Format4v4, no goalkeepers
- ScoreNo score and no standings
- Coached ByCertified Lil’ Kickers coaches
Skills Institute Soccer League
The next step in their game. SISL is faster league play for older kids. Skills Institute instructors coach and referee every game and explain each call, so every moment is a chance to learn. Kids build soccer smarts, teamwork, and confidence they can take to any team they join next.
- Ages6 to 8 years
- Format4v4, no goalkeepers
- ScoreNo score and no standings
- Coached ByCertified Skills Institute instructors
The Two Leagues at a Glance
| LKSL | SISL | |
|---|---|---|
| Ages | 4 to 5 | 6 to 8 |
| Format | 4v4 | 4v4 |
| Goalkeepers | No | No |
| Score | Never | Never |
| Standings | Never | Never |
| Coach | Certified LK coach | Certified SI instructor |
| Game Night | Fridays | Fridays |
What a Friday Game Looks Like
Every game follows the same simple routine, so kids know what to expect each week.
2 = halftime (dark) and team cheer (green), 2 minutes each.
Every game ends with a tunnel and a team cheer, so kids leave the field celebrating.
Simple Weekly Pricing
Members
For families with a current Lil’ Kickers or Skills Institute membership.
Non-Members
Open to any family. No membership required.
The season runs 10 weeks: $100 for members, $120 for non-members. No membership is required to play. Member pricing applies automatically when you sign in to register.
Where Leagues Play
Both leagues play Friday nights at two locations. Registration is open now.
Roscoe Village
2640 W Bradley Pl, Chicago, IL 60618
LKSL (ages 4 to 5): Fridays at 6:00 PM
SISL (ages 6 to 8): Fridays at 6:00 PM
Morton Grove
8200 Lehigh Ave, Morton Grove, IL 60053
LKSL (ages 4 to 5): Fridays at 5:00 PM
SISL (ages 6 to 8): Fridays at 5:00 PM
Pair a League With a Class
Some families start with a class and add a league. Others start with a league and add a class. Either way, it is the same facility and the same team of coaches.
LKSL↔
Skills Institute Classes↔
SISL
Weekday classes build skills. Friday games give kids a place to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which league is right for my child?
Ages 4 and 5 play in Lil’ Kickers Soccer League. Ages 6 to 8 play in Skills Institute Soccer League. Not sure? Our coaches at your location are happy to help you choose.
My child has never played soccer. Is that okay?
Yes. Many kids join our leagues as their very first team. Coaches meet every child where they are and keep games fun and low pressure.
Who coaches the teams?
Every team is coached by a certified Lil’ Kickers coach or Skills Institute instructor. If your child takes classes with us, they may see familiar coaches on game night. Parents get to relax and cheer from the sideline.
What if my child is shy or does not want to join in?
That is normal at this age. Coaches let kids warm up at their own pace and never force anyone onto the field. Plenty of nervous first-timers turn into kids who cannot wait for Friday.
When are games, and how long is the season?
Games are Friday nights. Roscoe Village games start at 6:00 PM and Morton Grove games start at 5:00 PM. Each game runs about 50 minutes from warm-up to team cheer, and there is no separate practice night. The season starts Friday, December 4 and runs 10 weeks.
How much does it cost?
It is $10 per week for current members and $12 per week for non-members. The season runs 10 weeks, so that is $100 or $120 total. No membership is required to play.
Is it safe? Is heading allowed?
Safety is built into the rules. There is no heading and no slide tackling. All free kicks are indirect. Games have no goalkeepers, and a No Zone in front of each goal keeps kids from crowding the net. If a child takes a knock to the head, they are done playing for the day and we let you know right away.
What does my child need to bring?
Shin guards and a water bottle. Jerseys are not required. We provide pinnies for every game, plus the balls, goals, and all other equipment.
Can my child do a league and a class?
Yes. Many families pair a weekday class with Friday games. Classes build skills, and games give kids a place to use them with coaches they already know.
What happened to GameTime?
GameTime is now Lil’ Kickers Soccer League for ages 4 and 5. Kids ages 6 to 8 can play in Skills Institute Soccer League, a new league built for older players.
How do I sign up?
Pick your location above and click Register for your child’s league. Registration is open now.
Ready for Friday Nights?
Find your league, pick your location, and get your child playing this December.