2023 Spring Development Season

Winter Haven Kicks Youth Soccer will host a spring season development program. This year’s season schedule is April 15 through May 20, 2023. Games will be on April 15, 16, 22 and May 6, 13, 20.

Registration for the spring program costs $80 and includes a team shirt.

Our developmental programs are for beginner players and those still mastering basic skills, between the ages of 3 to 14 (birth years 2008 to 2019). All who register are placed on a team.

Registration will close on March 12. After this date, if additional players are needed to field teams, waitlists will be offered only for those specific teams.

Format

Teams will play six games over the spring season: 5 on Saturdays and one on Sunday, April 16. Format specifics by age group are:

Age of Player	Players on field	Game time
3 years old (U4)	4 v 4	12 minute halves
4-5 years old (U6)	4 v 4	15 minute halves
6-7 years old (U8)	4 v 4	20 minute halves
8-9 years old (U10)	5 v 5	25 minute halves
10-11 years old (U12)	5 v 5	25 minute halves
12-14 years old (U15)	5 v 5*	25 minute halves

*Dependent on how many registrations are received.

This small-sided format provides players opportunity to develop skills and improve technical ability with:

more touches on the ball
more space to run into
more opportunity for 1v1 duels
boosting fitness and stamina
quicker transitions between defense and attack
more engaging and fun activity (which is particularly beneficial for young players)

Players will hear from their coach in early April. Teams practice one evening a week, either on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Coaches determine the practice night and time.

Volunteer coaches are needed. Coaches will receive a $40 refund for one player registration fee.

Spring season coaches, teams and schedules will be posted on the whysa.com in early April.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where are Winter Haven Kicks fields?

Our home game and practice fields are located at Polk County’s Simmers-Young Park. Address is 339 American Spirit Road, Winter Haven, FL 33880. Our fields are near the playground and Polk County Fire Rescue Station #5.

What is the cost?

The 2023 Spring Program cost is a one-time fee of $80 and includes all games. Cost also includes one team shirt. There is no additional cost for this developmental program.

What do I need to provide for my child?

Shin guards, soccer socks (any color), athletic shorts (any color) and cleats/athletic shoes. Cleats are recommended but not required. Player can play in a tennis-type shoe if desired. Bring cleats/athletic shoes and shin guards to every practice and game.

When are practice days?

Our development program’s practice nights are usually one night a week, either on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. They are in the evening time after school hours. Practice will start the week of April 10, 2023 for the Spring Program.

When are game days?

Our developmental program’s game days are mostly on Saturdays. For the 2023 spring season, there will be one game on Sunday due to the fields being reserved for another function. Game dates are: April 15, April 16, April 22, May 9, May 13 and May 20.

My kid has never played soccer before, can I still register him/her?

Yes, our developmental programs are meant for beginner players and those still learning basic skills. We currently offer a short 6-week spring development program in April and May and a longer Fall development program September through December. Our competitive program is for more experienced players with tryouts in May and games and/or tournaments played through most of the year.

When will I find out what team my child is on and who the coach is?

The volunteer coach will be given a list of their players in early April and will reach out to the contact number given to introduce him/herself and provide information on practice nights.

Can I choose the practice night for my child?

The team’s volunteer coach chooses the practice night. Registration is open for volunteer coaches if you would like to have the opportunity to choose the practice night for your child: https://www.whysa.com/register/14132

When does registration end?

March 12. After this date, a waitlist may be offered for specific age groups.

Can I register in-person?

Yes, we will schedule a couple of in-person registration dates. Please check our Facebook page or this website for those dates.

Can I pay by check or cash?

Yes, we accept check or cash at in-person registration events. Please check our Facebook page or this website for those dates.