WE UNDERSTAND IT CAN BE A BIT OVERWHELMING TO FIND SOCCER PROGRAMS THAT ARE A GOOD FIT FOR OUR CHILDREN. SO, WE ARE HERE TO HELP WITH SOME DETAILS FOR OUR WINTER OPPORTUNITIES.

Looking for soccer opportunities for your children to stay active during the cold-weather months?

You’ve come to a good place, and we hope you find this information helpful. Welcome to the Menace, and thanks for being part of our shared mission to grow soccer in our community.

For ages 3-9: JUNIOR MENACE

What is it? Junior Menace is a fun-focused program for boys and girls of all soccer abilities, from the beginners to the more experienced players.

When and where is it? This weekly program runs from early January through the end of February. Ages 3-4 go for 30 minutes each time and ages 5-9 go for an hour. You can sign up for Saturday mornings in Des Moines (Central Campus, near downtown) or Tuesday nights in Grimes (Ignit Sports & Fitness).

What do we need for the first day? Please bring a soccer ball and a drink to each session. We encourage participants to wear shin guards, soccer socks and comfortable shoes, in addition to shorts or athletic pants. When you check in on your first day, we’ll provide your very own Junior Menace jersey. If you’re looking for soccer gear, please visit our partners at Soccer Master (100th Street in Urbandale). When you sign up for Junior Menace, you have the option of buying a soccer ball for $15, and we’ll have this ready for you at check-in on day one.

Where do we go for details? Visit JuniorMenace.com and sign up today

And what’s next? Junior Menace takes the weekly action outdoors in the spring (April and May) and fall (September and October). Junior Menace takes a break in the summer months, when we focus on soccer camps that are led by the Menace men’s and women’s players.

For ages 6-7: MENACE ACADEMY 7U/8U

What is it? The Menace Academy 7U/8U program provides a more challenging opportunity for six- and seven-year-olds who love soccer and want to be part of a team environment.

For this winter and spring, 7U and 8U players are those who were born in 2010 (8U) and 2011 (7U).

When and where is it? The 7U/8U winter training sessions are on Saturday mornings, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Central Campus (near downtown Des Moines).

What do we need for the first day? Each day, plan on wearing a red t-shirt, black shorts and black socks with shin guards (Menace colors). Wear comfortable running shoes, as we’ll be playing on basketball courts. And always remember your soccer ball and something to drink.

Where do we go for details? Visit MenaceAcademy.com/Register and sign up today

And what’s next? The 7U/8U teams play spring and fall seasons, training two or three times a week, with games scheduled throughout the season.

For ages 8-9: MENACE ACADEMY 9U/10

What is it? The Menace Academy 9U/10 program provides more experienced players with the advanced training opportunities to be part of a team and prepare for playing a higher level of soccer for 11U and older.

For this winter and spring, 9U and 10U players were born in 2008 (10U) and 2009 (9U).

When and where is it? These age groups have training on Tuesday nights, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Ignit Sports & Fitness (Grimes) and training sessions on Saturday mornings, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Central Campus (near downtown Des Moines).

What do we need for the first day? Each day, plan on wearing a red t-shirt, black shorts and black socks with shin guards (Menace colors). Wear comfortable running shoes. When you come to Ignit Sports & Fitness, you can also bring cleats for your time on the turf. For each session, bring your soccer ball and something to drink.

Where do we go for details? Visit MenaceAcademy.com/Register and sign up today

And what’s next? Our 9U/10U teams play spring and fall seasons, with twice-weekly practices and weekend games against teams from area clubs.

What are the Menace’s other indoor programs?

The Menace offers plenty of wintertime opportunities for our older players (ages 10-18), including fitness, training, indoor leagues and the Menace Champions League.

Also, for boys and girls in grades 2-12, we also put on a fun event each Super Bowl weekend: Kick around the Clock 3v3.

Questions? Please reach out to Menace director of youth programs Lyle Hunt at Lyle.Hunt@MenaceSoccer.com or (515) 457-0634.

Thanks for your time, and we look forward to seeing you soon!