When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
SocRoc Soccer Classes For Kids
Why SocRoc Soccer Classes For Kids is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
SocRoc Soccer Classes for Kids is widely recognized as New York City’s top youth soccer program, having been voted the city’s best for multiple consecutive years from 2019 through 2024. Founded by James Christie, a former All-American and professional soccer player, SocRoc focuses on promoting physical activity, confidence building, and social skill development through engaging and dynamic soccer lessons. The program’s hand-selected coaches are praised for their enthusiasm and ability to keep children motivated and excited about soccer. SocRoc offers a variety of options including small group public classes across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey, private group lessons called PODS (starting with a minimum of four children), and personalized one-on-one training sessions for advanced skill development. The classes emphasize fun, ensuring kids enjoy learning the world’s most popular sport while enhancing their fitness and teamwork. SocRoc’s family-oriented approach and professional coaching make it an excellent meet-up spot for kids and parents looking to foster a love for soccer in a supportive community environment.
Here's what people think of SocRoc Soccer Classes For Kids
As of recent, SocRoc Soccer Classes For Kids holds a 5-star rating based on 471 reviews.
User reviews consistently give SocRoc Soccer Classes a perfect 5.0 rating with over 470 reviews, highlighting the program’s excellent coaching staff and well-organized sessions. Parents frequently mention how coaches are highly experienced, prepared, and excel at creating an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere that keeps children enthusiastic and active during classes. Positive feedback often focuses on the personalized attention kids receive, the small group sizes that allow for effective learning, and the flexibility of private POD options that foster close-knit communities. Several reviewers also appreciate the prompt communication and professionalism of the staff, which contributes to a smooth experience from registration through ongoing participation. On the negative side, some parents note the absence of free trial classes, though the program mitigates this by allowing cancellations after three sessions with a partial refund minus a cancellation fee. The private training and POD sessions can be relatively costly compared to other offerings in the area, which a few reviewers mention as a consideration. However, the overall consensus is that the quality of instruction and the positive environment justify the pricing. In summary, SocRoc enjoys a stellar reputation among families seeking a reliable and enjoyable soccer experience for their children in New York City and nearby areas.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Meghan Foster
Coach Evan and SocRoc are absolutely amazing! My child looks forward to every session and has grown so much—not just in soccer skills, but in confidence, teamwork, and coordination. Coach Evan has an incredible way of connecting with kids, keeping things fun while still teaching real fundamentals. You can tell he truly cares about each player and brings so much positive energy.
Elin Weng
Coach Ricardo has been absolutely wonderful with our 4-year-old daughter! He brings so much energy and enthusiasm to every session, and it’s clear how much he enjoys working with kids. He has a natural way of connecting with them—encouraging, patient, and always positive. Our daughter looks forward to soccer every week and has grown more confident and engaged thanks to his fun and supportive coaching style. We feel very lucky to have him as her coach!
Erin Muckey
SocRoc has been awesome! My 3 year old son loves it! Highly recommend Coach Amber - patient, enthusiastic, and always thinking of new games to engage the kids.
Emely Castro
Matthew and Brandon were such great coaches! My kids are 3 (boy) & 5 (girl) and always looked forward to their soccer lessons. Their energy was positive and encouraging and the class kept the kids active with reasonable expectations for their age group. Highly recommend!
Sharon Shoppier
My son, Levi, loves going to SocRoc class each week! Coach Stefano and Ricardo are incredible coaches who are playful, patient, fun-loving and always have positive energy! Our son is not even 3 years-old and already has incredible soccer skills from taking this class. The Socroc class and coaches are incredible, I highly recommend!
How to reach SocRoc Soccer Classes For Kids
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Why SocRoc Soccer Classes For Kids may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Rallying at SocRoc Soccer Classes For Kids with your friends is an excellent choice if you want a lively, engaging, and fun-filled environment that combines healthy physical activity with meaningful social interaction. SocRoc fosters a welcoming atmosphere where kids not only develop fundamental soccer skills but also build confidence and form friendships. Unlike just hanging out passively, this venue encourages active involvement through well-structured, dynamic classes led by experienced coaches passionate about teaching soccer in a way that’s fun and accessible to children of all ages and skill levels. Bringing your group here transforms a typical meetup into a memorable experience centered around teamwork, movement, and discovery. Moreover, the family-oriented, community-driven ethos ensures everybody feels included and motivated. Because SocRoc is recognized as New York City’s best soccer program for kids, you can be sure the space is designed to inspire and energize groups, making it perfect for meetups among families or groups of friends looking to keep their kids engaged, active, and happy in a positive and well-managed environment.
What are the main activities offered at SocRoc Soccer Classes For Kids?
SocRoc specializes in soccer lessons tailored specifically for children starting as young as 16 months up to 18 years old, ensuring every age group and skill level is well catered to. The core activity is soccer itself, taught through a curriculum that balances learning with play. Coaches focus on teaching real soccer techniques and skills, making the sport enjoyable while nurturing fundamental athletic development. Classes include activities like dribbling, passing, shooting, and small-sided games to foster teamwork and communication. Additionally, SocRoc emphasizes social skill-building alongside physical activity, encouraging kids to interact positively and gain confidence. For groups or pods of four or more children, private group classes are available where personalized coaching attention is given — groups with up to six children get one coach, and larger groups receive two coaches to maintain high engagement and individual focus. Private one-on-one training is also an option for kids who want deeper skill development, making it a flexible program that accommodates individual and group needs. This wide variety of soccer-centered activities makes SocRoc an ideal place for groups who want fun, fitness, and learning combined.
Why is SocRoc the perfect place for group meetups with kids?
SocRoc’s setup is uniquely suited for group meetups because it offers specialized private group classes that can be organized for pods of children ranging from four or more. These private sessions allow families or friend groups to tailor the experience specifically for their group, ensuring familiarity and comfort among participants. Since groups of six or fewer receive a dedicated coach and larger pods get additional coaching staff, kids are supported safely and attentively. The coaches are hand-picked for their enthusiasm, experience, and ability to maintain high energy and engagement, which keeps groups motivated and having fun. The program also offers a discount (20% off) to the pod leader who organizes the group, making it an affordable option for families seeking quality activities for their kids in a social context. Furthermore, SocRoc’s reputation built over 20 years as a trusted, family-run organization means parents can feel confident in the professionalism and care provided. Having active and fun soccer sessions in a safe, friendly environment encourages meaningful social bonding within groups, making meetups more than just a gathering — they become events where friendships are formed and memories are created through shared physical activity.
What makes the coaching and environment at SocRoc stand out?
The coaching team at SocRoc is composed of professionals selected personally by founder James Christie, a former All-American and professional soccer player. This ensures that the instruction delivered is not only authentic and high quality but also presented in a friendly, positive way that resonates with kids. The coaches are praised for being extremely prepared, organized, and enthusiastic, attributes crucial for maintaining children’s attention and excitement throughout each class. Their ability to keep kids engaged involves creative drills and fun challenges, which means children are motivated to keep learning and improving without feeling pressured. Parents report that their children have a great time and come away having gained real soccer skills as well as confidence and social ease. The environment itself is family-friendly and welcoming, designed to encourage kids to be physically active in a safe, nurturing space. SocRoc’s focus on making soccer fun underscores their philosophy that learning through play is most effective, which is reflected in the positive energy of the classes and the rapport between coaches and kids.
What facilities and locations does SocRoc offer for hosting meetups?
SocRoc operates in multiple locations across New York City including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, offering flexibility for families living in or near different boroughs to participate. Their main facility in Manhattan is located on East 49th Street, conveniently situated and easy to access for many New Yorkers. The facilities used for the soccer classes are fully equipped for kids’ sports activities, safe, and clean to accommodate young children’s needs. These include indoor and outdoor spaces tailored for soccer drills and games, ensuring programs can run year-round regardless of weather conditions. The variety of venues also means groups can select the location most convenient for their meetup, whether it’s a neighborhood park, a specialized sports complex, or a studio space. Moreover, the private group and pod options allow families to book exclusive sessions, making the meetup feel special and customized. SocRoc’s professional management and attention to detail regarding scheduling, coaching ratios, and safety make hosting a group event not only fun but also smooth and stress-free for parents and organizers.
How does SocRoc cater to different ages and skill levels within a group?
SocRoc’s programs are designed with age-appropriate curriculum tracks that develop the skills and social abilities of each child based on their stage of growth. For toddlers and preschoolers (ages 16 months to roughly 3.5 years), classes focus on basic motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and playful introduction to the sport using age-suitable games and soccer-based activities. As children grow, classes incorporate more structured drills, tactical awareness, and team play concepts while still prioritizing engagement and fun. For older kids and teens up to age 18, there are higher-level training options including private sessions for more serious skill-building and competitive play preparation. This tiered approach means that in a group meetup setting, children can be grouped by age and skill so everyone receives appropriate coaching and challenge. The presence of multiple coaches for larger groups also helps to split kids into smaller, manageable units, ensuring each child progresses at their own pace. This flexibility and attention to developmental stages enhance the overall experience and make SocRoc an inclusive, welcoming environment for kids at any stage of learning soccer.
What are the benefits of organizing a pod or private group at SocRoc?
Organizing a pod or private group at SocRoc offers numerous advantages for families and friends looking to socialize their kids through structured sports. First, it creates a consistent, familiar group setting where kids feel safe and comfortable, which enhances learning and social confidence. The dedicated coaching attention provided in pods ensures that children receive personalized instruction adapted to their group’s needs, fostering faster skill development and better teamwork. The social benefits of practicing together also translate beyond the sports field as children build friendships and better social skills. Additionally, private groups have scheduling flexibility and privacy, offering a respite from larger public classes that might be overwhelming for some kids. Economically, the 20% discount for pod leaders makes this a cost-effective way to provide top-level coaching while strengthening community ties among friends and families. Overall, creating a pod at SocRoc transforms soccer classes into a tailored, enriching group activity that is as fun and social as it is educational and physically beneficial.
How does the registration process work for group meetups and classes?
Registering for SocRoc classes, including private group pods, is straightforward and user-friendly through their official website. Interested parents can browse available sessions by season, location, and age group under the "Classes" section, then select the option to create or join a pod for group registrations. A non-refundable annual enrollment fee applies for each child, which secures their place in the program. Groups need a minimum of four children to form a private pod, and the pricing varies slightly depending on location, ranging approximately from $33 to $48 per child per class. The platform also allows flexibility with cancellation policies: if after attending three classes the program is not a good fit, parents can cancel and receive partial refunds minus a small cancellation fee. For those unsure about full enrollment, SocRoc offers one-time drop-in classes allowing families to try a session before committing. This transparent and accommodating signup process helps make organizing group meetups efficient and hassle-free, encouraging families to experience the benefits of SocRoc’s acclaimed soccer instruction with their friends.
What do reviews say about the SocRoc experience for kids and families?
Reviews of SocRoc Soccer Classes consistently highlight the program’s excellent coaching, organizational quality, and the fun, engaging experience it offers to children. Parents applaud the coaches for their enthusiasm, preparation, and evident caring attitude, noting how kids remain excited and look forward to every session. Many reviews emphasize that their children not only learn real soccer skills but also develop confidence and social skills during the classes. The atmosphere is frequently described as positive and dynamic, ideal for kids to be physically active while enjoying themselves. SocRoc's status as Manhattan's best soccer program for kids, awarded multiple years in a row, further attests to the high satisfaction among families. The combination of skill training, socialization, and fitness in a professionally run, family-friendly environment makes SocRoc a favorite destination for parents looking to enrich their children’s lives through sport. For groups seeking an enjoyable way to meet up, SocRoc comes highly recommended as a place where both kids and parents have genuinely positive experiences.
What makes SocRoc Soccer Classes a uniquely family-friendly business?
SocRoc stands out as a family-centered business primarily because it was founded and is run by former professional player James Christie, who brings deep personal and professional commitment to children’s development through soccer. Its mission goes beyond teaching a sport to encouraging confidence, physical health, and interpersonal skills in a supportive environment. The programming is designed to adapt to families’ needs by offering multiple locations, diverse class sizes, private groups, and flexible sessions, making it accessible and convenient. The company culture embraces a supportive, community feel where open communication and responsiveness to parents’ concerns are valued — key factors that make parents feel they’ve found a dependable, caring place for their children. Additionally, the dedication to making classes enjoyable demonstrates respect for children’s happiness as well as their skill growth. This holistic approach to children’s well-being and development makes SocRoc not just a sports program but a trusted partner for families, ideal for hosting group meetups that emphasize both social and physical enrichment.
In summary, SocRoc Soccer Classes For Kids offers an outstanding destination for organizing meetups with friends and family. Its mix of expert coaching, flexible group options, warm community atmosphere, and commitment to fun and fitness ensures an active, joyful experience for children. Whether through private pods or public classes, kids have the chance to learn soccer skills, build confidence, and make new friends in a safe and professionally managed setting. Its multiple locations and excellent reputation further make SocRoc a highly appealing choice for parents seeking a superior venue to gather and play. Organize your next group activity at SocRoc and enjoy the perfect blend of sport, socializing, and smiles.