Give Your Child a Summer of Growth & Fun: Unlock Confidence, Skills, and a Love for Learning (Ages 2-5)

Imagine your child gaining confidence, making friends, and learning new skills this summer – all while having a blast playing soccer! Our Summer 2025 Leagues deliver an unforgettable experience with our unique Developmental Promise – guaranteed to nurture their growth in 7 key areas!

Enroll My Child Now!

Our Developmental Promise:

Nurturing Your Child's Growth in 7 Key Areas

We believe in the power of play and storytelling to shape happy, healthy, and confident kids. 
That’s why our Summer 2025 Leagues go beyond traditional soccer programs. 
We’re committed to our Developmental Promise: 
To provide an enriching experience that fosters growth in these 7 key areas.

🧠  Enhanced Engagement & Focus: We create a world of imagination and adventure where your child will be excited to return week after week, naturally fostering longer attention spans and increased engagement through captivating adventures. Think Candyland explorations, island adventures, and even trips to space! Laughter, smiles, and a love of movement are always guaranteed.
💪 Boosted Confidence & Resilience: We provide a supportive environment where kids feel safe to try new things, make mistakes, and persevere. Just like our Island Explorers learning to climb a mountain, your child will develop the “I can do it!” attitude.
⚽ Stronger Gross Motor Skills & Coordination: Of course, we teach soccer! Your child will develop fundamental skills like dribbling, kicking, and ball control through fun, age-appropriate activities integrated into our adventures.
💡 Creative Thinking & Problem-Solving: We spark imagination and curiosity through storytelling and engaging scenarios. From figuring out how to share candy in Candyland to saving the Earth’s resources in space, your child will learn to think outside the box.
🥳 Improved Social & Communication Skills: Teamwork, cooperation, and positive communication are woven into every session. Your child will learn to connect with coaches and teammates, building valuable social skills.
📚 Expanded Language Skills: We introduce new vocabulary and encourage clear communication within the context of our exciting adventures.
❤️ A Love of Learning: We foster a positive association with learning and exploration, setting the stage for future academic success. Our Space Resource curriculum even introduces concepts like Earth Day and resource conservation in an engaging way.

Award Time

Builds Confidence

Each week the kids go on an exciting imaginary adventure that stimulates their imaginations and teaches them creativity, resiliency, and builds their confidence while having a blast.

Full Body Movements

The soccer skills we teach require cross-brain movements leading to better coordination and spatial awareness, plus improved cognitive functions, like focus and memory.

More than Soccer

Our unique methodology of pairing storytelling with soccer (Interactive storytelling) helps the kids have fun and creates lots of "I did it" moments resulting in a lifelong love of learning.

How We Deliver on Our Promise:

Age-Specific Programs Powered by Interactive Storytelling

We understand that children develop at different rates, and that learning is most effective when it’s FUN! That’s why our unique methodology centers around Interactive Storytelling. Forget repetitive drills – each week, your child embarks on a new, imaginative adventure!

Instead of just kicking a ball, they might be:

🚀 Blasting off to space to collect resources for Earth (like in our “Space Resource” adventure!)
🏝️ Navigating obstacles to explore a newly discovered island (“Island Exploration”)
🍬 Journeying through a magical “Candyland” forest made of lollipops!

This approach is key to fulfilling our Developmental Promise. By weaving soccer skills (like dribbling, ball control, and kicking) directly into these engaging narratives:

  • We capture their imagination, making learning feel like play (Enhanced Engagement).
  • We present challenges within the story that require creative thinking and problem-solving.
  • We create scenarios that encourage teamwork, communication, and social interaction.
  • We build confidence as they overcome obstacles and achieve goals within the adventure.
  • We naturally introduce vocabulary related to the theme (Expanded Language Skills).
  • We build a love of learning through the stories we tell and adventures we create.


Our Interactive Storytelling Adventures are modified for each of our age groups, ensuring every activity is developmentally appropriate and maximizes your child’s growth in all seven areas.

First Step Program (Age 2): Your Child's First Adventure into Soccer!

Gentle introductions using simple stories and imaginative play. Focus on parent-child interaction, exploring movement, becoming comfortable with the ball (our friend "Smart Scott the Soccer-bot")!, and following simple story cues. Adventures are adapted for short attention spans and maximum sensory fun.

Step Up Program (Ages 3-4): Building Independence and Confidence!

Children engage more independently in slightly more complex adventures. Storylines encourage basic dribbling ("navigating a path"), stopping the ball ("avoiding obstacles"), and listening to multi-step instructions within the narrative. Emphasis on cooperation and understanding roles within the story.

Next Step Program (Age 5): Preparing for the Next Level of Soccer!

Adventures become more dynamic through the storyline. Challenges require more advanced skills and strategic thinking increases within the narrative framework, preparing children for more structured play while reinforcing developmental goals through our imaginative scenarios. Our games are more real too.

What Other Parents Have To Say...

So much more then I anticipated when signing up! The coaches were enthusiastic and made it engaging and perfect for the target age!
Loved it!
Kathryn Prete
Excellent program, so extremely happy about the program very engaging, encouraging, and positive guidance!! I will tell everyone at work about A Step Ahead Soccer's program and sing praises about what a great experience we had!!!!! Thank you so much. ❤️
Loreen Nieves
We loved this program for our 3 and 2 year old. It was the perfect way to introduce our kids to soccer. It was great watching them learn new skills, gain some independence from mom and dad, all while having fun, laughing, smiling and building up their confidence. We are so glad this program is available in our town and for the coaches who make it so wonderful for the kids.
Christa Simone

Our Developmental Promise:

Your Peace of Mind Guarantee

We’re so confident in the positive impact of our program that we offer this promise: 

If your child attends at least 6 out of the 7 season sessions, and YOU don’t see noticeable progress in at least TWO of the seven developmental areas that we focus on, simply contact us, and we’ll give you a 50% discount on the next season. You make the EVALUATION, not us!!! No hassle, just results.

Learn More about our Guarantee

The Experience & Expertise Behind Your Child's Success

Delivering Our Developmental Promise: Backed by comprehensive coaching experience, Early Childhood Education science and best practices, and 10+ years of program refinement.

  • Rooted in Science & Story: Founded by Donald Dione (M.S. Sports Science, Published Children’s Author), our curriculum expertly blends proven coaching techniques with the power of imaginative storytelling to capture attention and foster development.
  • Decades of Coaching Experience: Coach Don’s 20+ year coaching journey spans all levels, from nurturing preschoolers’ first kicks to developing NCAA Division I athletes (Quinnipiac University Women’s Soccer staff since 2010).
  • Preschool-Focused Leadership: Our program benefits immensely from League Coordinator Coach Jo, who brings over 10 years of dedicated experience specifically in creating and running engaging enrichment programs for young children.
  • Research-Aligned & Built on Expertise: Drawing on 18 years of academic research experience at Yale University, School of Medicine, Coach Don ensures our methods and curriculum are scientifically sound and aligned with the Connecticut’s Early Learning Standards, so that your child learns, grows, and thrives from research-backed best practices.
  • Trusted by Educators & Families: We’re proud that our program is chosen by leading preschools (like multiple Goddard Schools) and that 1,000+ families join A Step Ahead Soccer each year, experiencing the difference dedicated expertise makes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Our program is uniquely designed for preschoolers, using fun, interactive storytelling instead of drills or lines. Unlike scaled-down traditional programs, our approach is built for young children's development, engagement, and enjoyment.

Not at all! We focus on participation, individual development (everyone gets a ball!), and fun. Our 'skills-for-stickers' rewards effort, and even our small games for older preschoolers emphasize maximum touches and scoring for everyone, not competition.

Lots! Our story-based play naturally builds crucial school-readiness skills like focus, listening, confidence, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, coordination, and language – all while fostering a love of learning.

Each week features an imaginative adventure (like exploring space or Candyland!). Kids help Smart Scott the Soccer-bot (our special ball) achieve goals using soccer skills woven into the story – like using ball taps ('tippy-toes') to climb a rocket ladder!

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This is very common, and we know how to help! New group activities can be overwhelming for young children.

  1. Don't Force It: We never force participation. Let your child join in when they feel comfortable.
  2. Watch Together: Encourage them to sit with you and watch the session like it's a fun show or play. Ask them questions about the story to keep them engaged mentally.
  3. Trust the Process: Our coaches are trained to connect gently and will check in periodically. Often, the engaging stories and seeing other kids have fun will draw them in naturally when they feel safe and ready. Sometimes this takes several weeks!
  4. Keep Coming: Consistent exposure is key. They are learning and absorbing even when just observing. Often, they'll start practicing things at home first.

Your patience and trust in the process allows your child the time they need to build confidence and join the adventure!

Each age group learns age-appropriate foundational skills (like ball control, basic movements) plus a specific "skill of the season" taught progressively over 7 weeks (e.g., tick-tocks for age 2, StepOvers for ages 3-4, Maradona Spin for age 5).

Please choose based on age:

  • First Step (Age 2): Parent-and-me intro to soccer, focus on interaction, imagination, basic ball control. (45 min)
  • Step Up (Ages 3&4): Builds independence & confidence in the players via imaginative adventures, basic skill integration, ends with fun game. (60 min)
  • Next Step (Age 5): Prepares players for traditional soccer with more complex skills/game focus within our storytelling framework. (60 min)

Sessions start with an engaging story introduction, move into the main ~30-minute imaginative adventure weaving in skills, followed by a 'skills-for-stickers' segment focusing on a specific, progressive skill. Ages 3-5 finish with a short, fun, small-sided game.

  • First Step (Age 2): 45 mins (Parent & Me)
  • Step Up (Ages 3&4): 60 mins (Focus on independence)
  • Next Step (Age 5): 60 mins (Prepares for traditional soccer)

Children must be 2 years old by the first day of the league season before they can join.

Absolutely! We're designed for all levels, especially beginners. Our developmental approach meets kids where they are, and since everyone gets their own ball during story time, they learn skills comfortably at their own pace.

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Most spring, summer, and fall leagues are outdoors; winter leagues are indoors. Specific location details will note if an indoor space is used outside of winter.

No, the registration deadline is firm to allow time for essential league organization (teams, uniforms, equipment).

Unfortunately, we cannot offer make-up sessions for missed classes.

Please have them wear their provided uniform (jersey, shorts, socks) and sneakers each week. Bring plenty to drink! Cleats are optional outdoors. Layers underneath are fine for cold weather; comfort is key. We provide all soccer equipment including our special ball - Smart Scott the Soccer-bot.

We try to decide on postponements at least 1 hour prior (sometimes last-minute changes happen!). We notify everyone via email and post updates on our website, Facebook, and weather hotline (844-543-9386 Ext. 5).

Postponed sessions are added to the end of the season. We promise to do at least 6 of the 7 weeks.

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Expect a confirmation email upon registration, and then emails for pre-season logistics/team info, weekly updates during the season, and necessary alerts (like weather). If you are not receiving emails, then please check your spam folder and that you have entered your email address correctly into the registration system.

Read our weekly emails for insights & skills to practice. Observe how we foster the 7 developmental areas. Offer lots of praise and encouragement for effort ("cheering"). Please let our trained coaches handle the "coaching" (giving instructions) during sessions to avoid confusion for the players.

We do our best to honor teammate requests at most locations, but cannot guarantee fulfillment.

A refund (minus $30 admin fee) is available if requested at least one week before the league starts. No refunds after the league begins (including for missed sessions, schedule conflicts, weather, etc.). Prorated credits (minus $70 admin fee) may be considered only for documented illness/injury or other rare, extenuating circumstances at our discretion.

We default to the local Park and Recreation Department's policy if the registration is performed on their website.

Parent involvement varies by age group, and parents are expected to stay for the duration of all sessions:

  • First Step (Age 2): Required Active Participation. This is a parent-and-me program. An adult helper needs to participate alongside their child throughout the class to provide support and guidance.
  • Step Up (Ages 3 & 4): Goal is Independence. While the aim is for children to participate independently by the end of the season, we understand adjustments take time. A parent may help their child on the field initially if needed, gradually encouraging more independence each week. Most parents observe from the sidelines.
  • Next Step (Age 5): Parent Observation. At this stage, children generally participate on their own. Parents typically watch and cheer from the sidelines, supporting the transition towards more traditional team environments.

How Classes Work

30-35 minute imaginary adventure during which we seamlessly integrate soccer skills into exciting stories.

Skills-for-Stickers where the players earn stickers for their shirts for trying the special skill of the season.

Short soccer game, for ages 3 to 5, where the players have fun trying to score goals.

**Enrollment For Summer 2025 is now OPEN**

To Get Started: Select The Most Convenient Town From The List Below For Your Family.

All players will receive a full A Step Ahead Soccer Uniform, weekly stickers, and an end-of-season medal.

Shin guards ($10) are suggested and can be purchased here – Shin Guards

Pick up your fridge magnet ($5) to collect weekly stickers – Sticker Magnet

No leagues 4th of July Weekend – July 5th and 6th 

First Step Program

Age: 2 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: January 21 – March 10 (8 weeks – 7 guaranteed)

Time: 12:30 – 1:15 PM

Location: Shelton Park & Rec (41 Church Street, Shelton, CT)

Cost: $137 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Step Up Program

Age: 3 to 4 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: January 21 – March 10 (8 weeks – 7 guaranteed)

Time: 1:30 – 2:30 PM

Location: Shelton Park & Rec (41 Church Street, Shelton, CT)

Cost: $161 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Next Step Program Program

Age: 5 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Saturdays

Dates: January 20 – March 2 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Location: The Building Complex (150 Front Ave, West Haven, CT)

Cost: $159 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

First Step Program

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Step Up Program

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Next Step Program

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First Step Program

Age: 2 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 1:00 – 1:45 PM

Location: The Country School (341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443)

Cost: $155 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Step Up Program

Age: 3 to 4 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Location: The Country School (341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443)

Cost: $190 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Next Step Program

Age: 5 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Location: The Country School (341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443)

Cost: $190 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

First Step Program

Age: 2 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Saturdays

Dates: June 21 – Aug 9 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 8:30 – 9:15 AM

Location:  St. Francis Field (344 Church St, Naugatuck, CT 06770)

Cost: $135 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Step Up Program

Age: 3 to 4 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Saturdays

Dates: June 21 – Aug 9 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 8:30 – 9:30 AM

Location:  St. Francis Field (344 Church St, Naugatuck, CT 06770)

Cost: $165 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Next Step Program

Age: 5 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Saturdays

Dates: June 21 – Aug 9 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 8:30 – 9:30 AM

Location:  St. Francis Field (344 Church St, Naugatuck, CT 06770)

Cost: $165 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

First Step Program

Age: 2 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Saturdays

Dates: June 21 – Aug 9 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 10:15 – 11:00 AM

Location: Oxford Center Municipal Annex (back field) (462 Oxford Rd, Oxford, CT 06478)

Cost: $135 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Step Up Program

Age: 3 to 4 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Saturdays

Dates: June 21 – Aug 9 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 10:15 – 11:15 AM

Location: Oxford Center Municipal Annex (back field) (462 Oxford Rd, Oxford, CT 06478)

Cost: $165 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Next Step Program

Age: 5 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Saturdays

Dates: June 21 – Aug 9 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 10:15 – 11:15 AM

Location: Oxford Center Municipal Annex (back field) (462 Oxford Rd, Oxford, CT 06478)

Cost: $165 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

First Step Program

Age: 2 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 12:00 – 12:45 PM

Location: Bungay Elementary School (25 Bungay Rd, Seymour, CT)

Cost: $125– Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players 


Step Up Program

Age: 3 to 4 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Location: Bungay Elementary School (25 Bungay Rd, Seymour, CT)

Cost: $150 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players 


Next Step Program

Age: 5 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Location: Bungay Elementary School (25 Bungay Rd, Seymour, CT)

Cost: $150 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players 


First Step Program

Age: 2 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 10:30 – 11:15 AM

Location: Riverview Park (697 Howe Ave, Shelton, CT)

Cost: $147 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Step Up Program

Age: 3 to 4 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM

Location: Riverview Park (697 Howe Ave, Shelton, CT)

Cost: $171 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Next Step Program

Age: 5 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM

Location: Riverview Park (697 Howe Ave, Shelton, CT)

Cost: $171 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

First Step Program

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Step Up Program

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Next Step Program

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First Step Program

Age: 2 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Saturdays

Dates: June 21 – Aug 9 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Location: A Step Ahead Soccer (950 Yale Avenue, Wallingford, CT 06492)

Cost: $135 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Step Up Program

Age: 3 to 4 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Saturdays

Dates: June 21 – Aug 9 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Location: A Step Ahead Soccer (950 Yale Avenue, Wallingford, CT 06492)

Cost: $155 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Next Step Program

Age: 5 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Saturdays

Dates: June 21 – Aug 9 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

Location: A Step Ahead Soccer (950 Yale Avenue, Wallingford, CT 06492)

Cost: $155 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

First Step Program

Age: 2 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 8:30 – 9:15 AM

Location: Pagels School (26 Benham Rd, West Haven, CT)

Cost: $125 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Step Up Program

Age: 3 to 4 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 8:30 – 9:30 AM

Location: Pagels School (26 Benham Rd, West Haven, CT)

Cost: $150 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

Next Step Program

Age: 5 years old by the first day of the program

Day: Sundays

Dates: June 22 – Aug 10 (7 weeks – 6 guaranteed)

Time: 8:30 – 9:30 AM

Location: Pagels School (26 Benham Rd, West Haven, CT)

Cost: $150 – Includes FULL UNIFORM (Jersey, Shorts, And Socks) Plus a medal and stickers for all players

© 2023-2025 A Step Ahead

Contact Us With Questions
950 Yale Ave, Wallingford, CT 06492
844-543-9386
Leagues@AStepAheadSoccer.com

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How our Guarantee works

  1. Attend at least 6 league sessions
  2. Use the parent evaluation (Ex. on right)
  3. If you don’t check at least 2 boxes, then we will send you a code to use for the next season which is worth 50% off for that season

Download the Parent Evaluation Form

First Step (2's) Form
Step Up &* Next Step (3 to 5's) Form
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