Our Soccer Program

At Atlético Middlebury, we’re passionate about helping kids grow as players and as people. From their very first joyful kicks to competitive league play, we offer age-appropriate programs that balance skill development, teamwork, and–most importantly–fun.

Our goal is to create a soccer home where every player can:

• Build confidence and friendships
• Learn the game step-by-step in a supportive environment
• Develop healthy habits of movement, coordination, and endurance
• Grow into leaders who play with both skill and heart

Each program is designed to match players’ ages, abilities, and readiness. Practices and games progress in intensity as kids move through the age groups, but our philosophy stays the same: to foster a lifelong love of the game while teaching the values of teamwork, respect, and perseverance.

Explore the sections below to learn what to expect at each stage, including practice times, game schedules, equipment needs, and registration details.

Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 Sections

U6 – Birth Years 2020 and prior, or 2019s just starting out

U8 – Birth Years 2018 and 2019

U10 – Birth Years 2016 and 2017

U12 – Birth Years 2014 and 2015

U14 – Birth Years 2013 and 2014

At this stage, it’s all about fun first! Kids build a love for the game while kicking, running, laughing, and howling their way through practice. They’ll boost coordination, balance, and endurance as they discover the joy of playing together. With a playful introduction to team sports, your child will grow in confidence while making friends. 



• Practices: 1 hour per week, typically Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Middlebury
• Games: None
• Jerseys: Jerseys are provided with registration. Players are encouraged to keep their jerseys throughout their time with Atlético, trading in for larger sizes as needed.
• Registration Fee: $55.00 to fund jerseys and other administrative expenses
• Additional Costs: Size 3 soccer ball, cleats or sturdy sneakers, shinguards (optional)

Here’s where kids start to put the pieces of the game together. They’ll learn the basics—kickoffs, throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks—and begin practicing kicking techniques, ball control, and different types of passes. Players also get a simple introduction to field positions, teamwork, and the ideas of offense and defense, all in a supportive and encouraging setting. Coaches make sure everyone gets equal playing time, so kids can grow their skills and confidence while having fun. 



• Practices: 2 per week, typically Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-6:45 p.m. in Middlebury
• Games: Vermont Soccer Association League weekend games, typically on Sundays, at the Essex Tree Farm (fall); OR, 3 home games and 3 away games up to 90 minutes away (spring). At least one tournament/festival.
• Jerseys: Jerseys are provided with registration. Players are encouraged to keep their jerseys throughout their time with Atlético, trading in for larger sizes as needed.
• Registration Fee: $125.00 to fund VSA League costs, referee wages, jerseys, and other administrative expenses
• Additional Costs: Size 3 soccer ball, cleats, shinguards, black shorts and socks to complete uniform for game days

During this phase, players take their game to the next stage. They’ll come in knowing the basics and build on that foundation with more advanced rules like offsides and penalties. Practices introduce new skills such as goalkeeping, different types of passes, first touch, and refined throw-ins, while also focusing on positioning, offensive and defensive roles, and the beginnings of tactics and set plays. Teams will be formed around experience and ability to provide the best development for youth players. Teams will compete at the Division 2 or Division 3 levels depending on roster size and ability. While coaches aim for equal playing time, the decision is at their discretion.



• Practices: 2 per week, typically Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 p.m. in Middlebury
• Games: Vermont Soccer Association League weekend games, typically on Sundays, at the Essex Tree Farm (fall); OR, 3 home games and 3 away games up to 90 minutes away (spring). 1-2 tournaments/festivals.
• Jerseys: Jerseys are provided with registration. Players are encouraged to keep their jerseys throughout their time with Atlético, trading in for larger sizes as needed.
• Registration Fee: $140.00 to fund VSA League costs, referee wages, jerseys, and other administrative expenses
• Additional Costs: Size 4 soccer ball, cleats, shinguards, black shorts and socks to complete uniform for game days

Players at this stage are becoming true students of the game—and emerging leaders on the field. They come in with a strong grasp of the rules, gameplay, and positions, and now focus on sharpening positional awareness, building advanced offensive and defensive techniques, and finding their fit in one or more dedicated roles. Training emphasizes higher-level tactics and set plays, encouraging players to think strategically, anticipate the game, and lead with confidence. As they grow in skill, they also grow in leadership—learning how to support their teammates and make smart decisions under pressure. Teams will be formed around experience and ability to provide the best development for youth players. Teams will compete at the Division 2 or Division 3 levels depending on roster size and ability. Playing time will be at the discretion of the coach. 

• Practices: 2 per week, typically Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 p.m. in Middlebury
• Games: Vermont Soccer Association League weekend games, typically on Sundays, at the Essex Tree Farm (fall); OR, 3 home games and 3 away games up to 90 minutes away (spring). 1-2 tournaments/festivals.
• Jerseys: Jerseys are provided with registration. Players are encouraged to keep their jerseys throughout their time with Atlético, trading in for larger sizes as needed.
• Registration Fee: $140.00 to fund VSA League costs, referee wages, jerseys, and other administrative expenses
• Additional Costs: Size 4 soccer ball, cleats, shinguards, black shorts and socks to complete uniform for game days

(currently unavailable)

Here soccer becomes a true passion. It’s designed for dedicated players who want to compete at a higher level alongside teammates who share their drive and love for the game. Practices focus on advanced drills and tactics, while helping each player refine their individual role within the team. The experience builds not only technical skill but also discipline, teamwork, and a sense of pride in playing at a more competitive level.

We’d love to grow into offering this level in the future. To make it possible, we’d need 16–18 committed players and a full coaching staff to round out the roster. With many athletes already involved in MUMS teams practicing Monday–Friday, we know the logistics get tricky. Our goal is not to pull players away from MUMS athletics, but rather to create an All-Stars style team, adding extra practices and games that complement the school schedule.

If this is something you or your child would be excited about, please let us know your interest.