What age is Junior Menace for?

Junior Menace is geared toward children ages 3 to 9. The program is for young athletes of all soccer abilities, and we encourage beginners! Participants are split into smaller groups based on age and, if numbers allow, ability.

What can participants and their families expect?

We strive to provide the best youth-soccer experience in our community, promoting a healthy, active lifestyle while encouraging the children’s enjoyment of the game.

Coaches will also try to create a fun atmosphere for players to meet new friends, develop their skills and be challenged with other players from around the metro.

What is the schedule? Do we meet for games?

Players will attend the location registered for, one time per week for seven weeks. We have a built-in make-up day as part of this year's schedule in case of inclement weather.

We do not meet for official games. Junior Menace is a developmental program, working to introduce young athletes to the sport and foster a love of soccer.

Who are the Junior Menace coaches?

Each Junior Menace site is led by coaches who are currently playing soccer in high school, at a select club level, at the college level, or we utilize our current Menace players (when they are available).

We also encourage parents' involvement! If you would like to volunteer alongside our coaches, please talk to your session's head coach before practice.

When is Junior Menace?

Junior Menace is available in the fall, winter and spring. The program is held in the evening, to accommodate most families' schedules.

Ages 3-4 meet for 30 minutes, followed by a 60-minute session for children ages 5-9.

Where is Junior Menace?

Locations vary based on the season. Find more information under "Schedule" to see the current locations. Directions to each location are listed under the "Directions".

When does registration close?

One of the benefits of our program is that we accept registrations on a rolling basis each season. No deadlines to worry about and we accept walk-ups the first night at each location (unless a location has been announced as being "full" due to capacity limits). 

What do participants need to wear?

We request campers wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that they are able to play soccer in! This can include cleats (no metal studs; indoor only during winter session) or tennis shoes. Shin guards are encouraged but not required. A t-shirt is provided at check-in, but participants are not required to wear it every night. We do ask that participants wear their camp shirt on the final night for group photos!

What else should participants bring?

Each participant is responsible for bringing a soccer ball each day. When registering for the camp, you also have the option to purchase a Menace soccer ball, which we will provide at check-in.

It is important for every player to stay hydrated! Ech day, participants should bring plenty of water.

What size soccer ball should my child use?

The following is widely recommended:

  • Size 5: Ages 13 years and older
  • Size 4: Ages 9-12
  • Size 3: Ages 8 years and younger 

This is based on US Youth Soccer guidelines. The larger the ball size, the larger and heavier the ball.  For each players' development, we suggest advancing to a larger ball on the early side once a player has the leg strength and skill to consistently kick the ball off the ground, with distance and accuracy.

What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

In the event of inclement or unsafe weather, Junior Menace will be cancelled for that day. Notifications of cancellations will be sent via email by 4:00 PM and the website will be updated only if practice is cancelled. 

If excessive rainfall or lightning begins during practice, all participants should seek shelter. If there is lightning in the area, everyone must wait 30 minutes after the last lightning flash (the clock resets with each strike) before reentering the field of play. Coaches will work to determine what the best course of action for resuming play is.

If a day of Junior Menace is cancelled, we will do our best to hold a make-up session.

What is your refund policy?

Junior Menace does provide a refund (minus a $10 fee) if you are no longer able to attend the session you registered for! Cancellations must be made 1 week/7 days prior to the program start date. We can also transfer your registration to a different location or season. 

We do not provide refunds after a session is already in progress.

Full refunds will be offered if the Des Moines Menace has to cancel the program or if your child's unavailability is due to medical reasons.