Skills Institute at Salmon Creek Indoor
Skills Institute is a soccer program for kids who want to get started with soccer or take their game to the next level. Rooted in child development theory, these kids' soccer classes teach children ages 5 to 12 years to have a blast learning and improving technical and tactical soccer skills. Players will walk away more confident, equipped for their next right step, and ready for life’s challenges on and off the field. ​Players enjoy 30 minutes of age-appropriate instruction and 20 minutes of small-sided scrimmaging each week. Sign up for a free 50-minute soccer class to try it out by selecting a class level below or register for the season today!

Technical Soccer Skills Classes

Skills Institute is a soccer program designed for kids aged 5-12 to improve their technical abilities, regardless of their current skill level. Our program provides a fast-paced, engaging environment with more ball touches and individualized coaching than a typical team practice. This approach helps players build confidence and advance at their own pace. 

With our proven curriculum and coaches trained in child development, each session is customized to fit your child’s needs. Whether your child is mastering the basics, refining advanced techniques, or looking for more game experience, we have a class level suited for everyone. 

Skills Institute is available year-round. Try a free 50-minute class or join one of our Open House Events today!
Spring 2025 Session
March 17th - June 15th
Register Now!
Summer 2025 Session
June 16th - August 24th
What makes Skills Institute better than other technical soccer coaching for kids?
Soccer training should be more than just developing players—it’s about developing well-rounded kids who love the game. Unlike traditional programs, we emphasize skill-building and personal growth, giving every child the tools to succeed on and off the field.
Personalized Attention
Our program is tailored to meet kids where they are based on their physical and developmental stages. This individualized approach supports their growth as players and people, laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of soccer.
Higher Possession and Fast-Paced Classes
Skills Institute offers fast-paced classes with more ball touches than traditional outdoor practices or clinics. This hands-on approach accelerates skill development, helping kids build confidence and prepare for future success in recreational and club leagues.
Focus on the Child First
Learning should be fun! Our classes are designed to engage children in a positive environment, making it easier for them to stay motivated and confident as they learn. With a low coach-to-player ratio, every child gets the soccer coaching they need to grow. ​

Three Program Levels to Choose From

Each level of our weekly soccer clinic is designed to tackle different skills and milestones, ensuring every child progresses at their own pace. Whether your child is a beginner or ready to try advanced techniques, Skills Institute has the perfect class for them.​
5/6, 7/8, 9-12 YEARS
  • Players may have some soccer experience from recreational teams, school, or Lil’ Kickers. Some players, especially those aged 9-12, may have no prior experience.
  • All participants usually have a basic understanding of how soccer games work and show a strong desire to learn more about how to play soccer.
  • Players will benefit from focused instruction to improve their fundamental skills, such as dribbling under control, passing accurately, and attacking with numbers
  • Players learn to follow multi-step directions and stay engaged for the full class duration.
5/6, 7/8, 9-12 YEARS
  • Most players have prior experience in a Skills Institute Level 1 class. Some players are new to Skills Institute but have played on a soccer team.
  • Players have a solid foundation of dribbling and passing and are ready to work on more advanced ball control, shooting, and attacking progressions.
  • Level 2 players work well with teammates. They show readiness to accept challenges and are eager to be coached.
5/6, 7/8, 9-12 YEARS
  • All participants must have prior experience in a Skills Institute Level 2 class or have been invited to join a Level 3 class.
  • Level 3 players consistently use proper dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques.
  • Players work hard to keep possession and quickly retake possession if they lose the ball.
  • Players learn to make strategic decisions, communicate effectively, and show an increased Soccer IQ.

From Basics to Advanced: Soccer Skills Breakdown

Our curriculum is designed to build skills and techniques step by step, challenging and supporting players at every level of development. From mastering dribbling to learning better strategy, our program covers a wide range of essential skills, giving every child a chance to thrive.
Skills Institute FAQ's
What should my child wear to class?
Participants should wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes (no outdoor cleats). Shin guards are required and must be worn under soccer socks. A Skills Institute jersey is given to first-time customers for free, and can thereafter be purchased at a low cost. Outfitting your child in Skills Institute garb is a fun way to make your child feel part of a team.  Kids naturally appreciate looking like older uniformed kids and role models.  

HOw long are classes?
Each of our classes lasts 50 minutes with a water break halfway through.  Between classes, there is a 10-minute break.
How long are your sessions?
We offer four sessions a year (fall, winter, spring, summer) that break down into approximately 10-13 week cycles.
Can i drop my child off for class?
No, classes are 50 minutes and require a parent or guardian to be on-site at all times
can i join a class in the middle of a sessIon?
Yes! We offer open enrollment so that you can join anytime and have your class fees prorated. This means that you pay only for the remaining class and not the full session fee.
can we pay as we go during the session?
​The session needs to be paid in full at the time of registration to reserve your child’s spot. Please note that we offer open enrollment, we do prorate class fees.
can i make-up a missed class?
We understand life can get busy and you might have to miss a class. With our easy make-up class policy, you may schedule a make-up class online. Make-up classes are based on availability and not guaranteed. They must be made within the current session. We will do our very best to accommodate your requests. If you have multiple children, please schedule a make-up class for each child individually. Please check-in each time for your make-up at the concession stand (the desk on the right as you walk in) to receive a class assignment card to hand to the coach. 
Do you offer a sibling discount?
​Yes! We offer a sibling discount of $20.00 for each additional child registered as long as the children are registered at the same time.
can we come on any day?
No, in order to maintain class ratios and consistency within the program, we schedule children for specific times and days. When registering, be sure to first determine which day best suits your schedule. If your schedule changes during the session and you need to switch days, we will try to accommodate your needs to the best of our ability. However, changes cannot be guaranteed and are based on space availability.
what is the player-to-coach ratio?
To allow for quality instruction, Skills Institute provides a low player-to-coach ratio – 10:1.
what is the difference between skills institute and lil' kickers?
Lil’ Kickers is a child development soccer program that teaches basic skills through fun, creative, and energetic games. Skills Institute also encourages age-appropriate child development and focuses on teaching more technical and tactical skills through various fast-paced, challenging and structured drills.
why does the skills institute class cost more?
A higher level of specialized technical instruction is provided in Skills Institute classes, and the value of this instruction is priced accordingly.
Use discount code WA98685 at checkout to save 10% on your purchase.

Lil' Kickers & Skills Institute Fanwear Store

Looking to supplement your child’s Lil’ Kickers or Skills Institute kit with some additional super cool gear? Check out our Fanwear Store! We have plenty of options to outfit your child and other family members, from infants to adults.

Fanwear includes: 
  • Infant onesies
  • Tees
  • Sweatshirts
  • Hats
  • Backpacks
  • Water bottles
  • Soccer balls
  • Cinch bags
  • And more!