Our Favorite Wichita Area Soccer League for Littles

Hi, Mamas!

It’s that time again – springtime – when all the kids do all the things. If you’re like me, you probably committed to more than is necessary – but it’s all in the name of fun, right?

This spring we have three activities going on between our two boys. Both boys, ages 7 and 4, are participating in swimming lessons. Our 4-year old will be experiencing his first year of t-ball to start later this month; while our oldest is moving from t-ball to machine pitch baseball. I’m more worried about it than he is, he cannot wait to play “real baseball”! Additionally, our youngest, has developed a love of soccer over the last 18 months. He has played spring, summer, and fall soccer and at this point shows no sign of wanting to slow down.

When you live in a metro area, there are usually multiple leagues to pick from. Every parent recommends a different league based on their preferences/experiences and their children’s joy from the love of the game.

And…… I’m going to be no different. I am not here to tell you that all parents should enroll their kids in this league – different things work for different families. I am here to tell you why we chose Happy Feet Wichita (HappyFeet (wichitahappysoccerfeet.com)) and why it works best for our family.

1) They have an indoor option and an outdoor option.  Their indoor field is located on the west side of Wichita and provides a very intimate and safe space for littles to learn to play. We chose this option for one season (Fall) in hopes of sparing our youngest from experiences intensified symptoms of his already deep allergy and asthma issues.  The indoor option allowed for a walled-in field that kept the kiddos engaged and at least semi-focused for the majority of the time!

The outdoor field is located in east Wichita. They recently switched complexes and now utilize the Wichita State Metroplex fields. The outdoor option of course is great because it allows for the kids to experience the true game atmosphere, come home with mud and grass stains, and smell like the outdoor sweaty kids they are meant to be!

2) It is one day a week. Hallelujah!  For the younger kids, they have one game, one day a week. They team spends the first 20-25 minutes warming up and working on a new specific soccer skill. The last half hour is a 3 on 3 game. This saves mamas from the stress of having to try to cart kiddos all over the place seven days a week. One hour, one time per week. And…most importantly, the kids don’t get burnt out or exhausted from multiple practices per week followed by more commitment for games on the weekends. 

3) The teams are small and the coaches are amazing!  Each team consists of six kids. That’s it. Since they play 3 on 3 games, it allows for easy substitutions, fair playing time, and the ability for the coaches to offer individualized encouragement and development. We just started our 6th season with Happy Feet (4th for our youngest, our oldest decided soccer wasn’t for him, and that is A-OK!); we have yet to experience a coach that is negative or not engaged with the kids. Neither of my boys have ever come home upset at their playing time, or discouraged by something that was said or done. And at this age -that’s how it should be! Don’t get me wrong – sports are competitive and I am all for that! However; there is benefit to allowing kids to develop their love of the game and skills to go with it without worrying about whether or not they are the best.

4) The opportunity to grow your commitment with your skill level!  While we have not yet experienced the competitive leagues through Happy Feet (yet!); we are aware that as your kids age, they can graduate to a more competitive league/team that does involve practices as well as games. This is wonderful, because you don’t have to switch locations, coaching styles, expectations etc. It’s a smooth transition to the next level.

5) It’s affordable and manageable! For the littles there is no required equipment other than what you would already own. Shorts/pants, regular shoes, and shin guards IF you or your child want them.  Shirts are provided with your registration fee.  Registration has been $80 per season (*note this could change and this blog is not written with the intent to provide pricing information. Please visit Happy Feet’s website for the most up to date pricing).

Each season is six weeks long – which allows you to pick and choose which time of the year works best for your family depending on the rest of your commitments.

If you live in the Wichita area and are looking to get your little involved in soccer, Happy Feet has my vote!

I hope you found this information to be helpful as you are scouring the internet and overwhelmed by league after league.

Thanks for taking the time to read my opinion on the best soccer league in the Wichita Metro area 😉

Amanda Ervin

Mama of Misters