Topeka Soccer Club (TSC) Recreational program is designed primarily for the enjoyment and development of youth soccer players, without the emphasis on travel or high-level competition. Teams are formed based on players’ friendships or school affiliations rather than skill level. Teams remain together from fall to spring if players register by the spring deadline. New players are added to existing teams or placed on newly formed teams.

At TSC, we are dedicated to providing tactical and athletic development for each player while ensuring an enjoyable soccer experience for players, their families, and coaches. Our mission is to help players reach their full potential and foster a love for the game.

Topeka Soccer Club is committed to promoting and teaching the game of soccer, developing players of all skill levels, and creating an environment where youth can learn good sportsmanship and fair play. We aim to provide an exciting and fun experience in a low-pressure setting, allowing kids to learn the game and develop a passion for soccer and athletics.



We believe youth sports play a crucial role in a child’s development. Participation in youth sports helps children build physical and social skills, including self-confidence, discipline, focus, friendship, and motivation—essential qualities for student-athletes. Regular physical activity during practices and games also offers numerous health benefits for young players.

Our recreational soccer program includes boys and girls divisions for ages U5 to U14, competing in both spring and fall in-house leagues. These teams are coached by volunteer parents, and most teams are formed based on elementary school attendance.

Pre-K Information

• Format: 3v3
• Ball Size: 3
  
• Length of Game: 4 x 6 minute quarters
• Breaks/Halftime: 2 minute breaks between quarters
• Goal Size: 4 x 6 ft
• Number of Games: 7
• Max Team Size: 6
• Referee: No
• Goalie: No

Pre-K soccer is often a child’s first introduction to both sports and group interaction. At this age, children are beginning to gain independence from their parents, build confidence, and develop important social skills. The game should be centered around fun, exploration, and movement, with the soccer ball viewed as a toy that encourages curiosity and creativity.

Players at this stage should focus on developing fundamental movement skills such as running in different directions, jumping, balancing, twisting, turning, and bending to create body control and coordination. These foundational athletic movements are essential for long-term development in soccer and other activities.

Teaching should begin with simple movement activities away from the ball to help players understand space, direction, and body awareness. Once comfortable, the ball can be introduced through fun games and activities that encourage dribbling, coordination, and confidence. At the Pre-K level, the goal is to create a positive environment where children can learn, play, socialize, and develop a love for the game.

Kindergarten/1st Information



• Format: 4v4
• Ball Size: 3
• Length of Game: 4 x 8 minute quarters
• Breaks/Halftime: 2 minute breaks between quarters
• Goal Size: 4 x 6 ft
• Number of Games: 7
• Max Team Size: 8
• Referee: No
• Goalie: No

At this stage, players are active, energetic, and always eager to be moving. While they are beginning to develop independence, they still seek parental approval, encouragement, praise, and understanding. Placing too much pressure on players or expecting too much too soon can cause children to become nervous or lose confidence.

Sharing, teamwork, and understanding what is fair become increasingly important during this stage of cognitive development. The focus should remain on creating a fun, positive environment where players feel supported while learning the game.

Training at this age emphasizes movement skills both with and without the ball, while introducing technical ball manipulation, dribbling, and basic passing concepts. Sessions should encourage creativity, coordination, confidence, and comfort on the ball through fun and engaging activities.

3rd/4th Information



• Format: 7v7
• Ball Size: 4
• Length of Game: 2 x 25 minute halves
• Breaks/Halftime: 5 minute halftime
• Goal Size: 6.5 x 18.5 ft
• Number of Games: 7
• Max Team Size: 14
• Referee: Yes
• Goalie: Yes

At the 3rd and 4th grade levels, players begin developing more quickly both physically and socially. Friendships and teamwork become more important, and players start relying more on their teammates while building confidence within a team environment.

This is an important stage for technical development. Training focuses on improving foundational skills such as dribbling, passing, receiving, and movement on and off the ball, while also introducing more advanced techniques and decision-making in game situations.

Basic team tactics are introduced to help players better understand positioning, spacing, support, and how to work together as a team. The offsides rule is also introduced at this age to continue preparing players for the next stages of the game.

The buildout line is used to encourage teams to “build from the back” and develop possession rather than simply kicking the ball down the field. This helps players become more comfortable with the ball and improves overall game understanding.

For player safety and development, heading and punting are not allowed at this stage.

5th/6th Information

• Format: 9v9
• Ball Size: 4
• Length of Game: 2 x 30 minute halves
• Breaks/Halftime: 5 minute halftime
• Goal Size: 7 x 21 ft
• Number of Games: 7
• Max Team Size: 16
• Referee: Yes
• Goalie: Yes

At the 5th and 6th grade levels, players begin experiencing significant physical, emotional, and social changes. Friendships, school activities, and social interactions become increasingly important, and players may experience greater emotional sensitivity as they continue to grow and mature. Creating a positive and supportive environment remains an important part of player development during this stage.

Training continues to focus on strengthening fundamental skills while advancing individual technical development. Players should continue improving dribbling, passing, receiving, ball control, and decision-making, while being challenged in more competitive and game-like situations.

At this age, players begin receiving more in-depth tactical instruction, including a greater understanding of positioning, team shape, movement off the ball, and the responsibilities of different playing positions. Players are encouraged to think more strategically and develop a stronger understanding of the game as a whole.

Goalkeepers are now allowed to punt the ball, introducing another element of the game. However, heading is still not permitted at this stage to support player safety and long-term development.