Mini Warriors

Developing Soccer Skills, Confidence, and a Love for the Game


For the past five years, Mini Warriors has provided young players ages 5 to 6 with a fun, engaging environment where they can develop foundational soccer skills while building confidence and a passion for the game.


At this stage of development, research shows that children learn best through play, exploration, and positive experiences. The Mini Warriors program is designed around these principles, combining age-appropriate soccer instruction with exciting games and activities that keep players active, engaged, and excited to learn.


The program focuses on developing physical literacy, ball mastery, and basic soccer concepts while creating an atmosphere where every child can experience success and enjoy being part of a team.


Area of Focus


Physical Literacy

Building strong athletic foundations through movement-based activities that help players develop:

  • Agility, balance, and coordination
  • Speed and change of direction
  • Body control and spatial awareness
  • Confidence in movement
  • Healthy competition through small-sided games


Ball Awareness

Introducing players to the technical side of soccer through fun, age-appropriate activities that develop:

  • Comfort and confidence with the ball
  • Basic dribbling and ball control
  • Coordination between movement and ball manipulation
  • Fundamental soccer techniques
  • Decision-making and creativity
  • Interactive and imaginative games help maintain focus, encourage participation, and make learning enjoyable for every player.


Session Format

Every Mini Warriors session is built around engaging, game-based activities that promote learning through play while reinforcing the program's core values of effort, teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship.

The curriculum is designed by child development professionals with extensive experience creating child-centered training programs and is delivered by highly enthusiastic and experienced New York Red Bulls Youth Programs coaches.


What Makes Mini Warriors Different?

  • Fun-first learning environment that keeps players engaged
  • Age-appropriate curriculum designed specifically for 5- and 6-year-olds
  • Focus on both athletic development and soccer fundamentals
  • Professional coaching staff experienced in youth player development
  • Small-sided activities that maximize touches on the ball and player involvement
  • Proven program with five years of success in the community



Program Structure

  • Ages: 5–6 years old
  • Session Length: 60 minutes
  • Frequency: Once per week
  • Season Length: 8 weeks
  • Availability: Spring Season


Mini Warriors is designed to complement, the Waldwick Soccer Association (WSA) recreational program. We strongly encourage all players in this age group to participate in both programs (age allowing), allowing them to benefit from additional training opportunities while enjoying the team-based recreational soccer experience.


Mini Warriors provides the perfect bridge between introductory soccer programs and future player development pathways, helping young athletes build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game. See the Pre-Travel Academy page for more details on next steps.