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.

New birthdate ranges for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 seasons:

U12 – August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2016

U10 – August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2018

U8 – August 1, 2018 – July 31, 2020

U6 – August 1, 2020 – July 31, 2022

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
• Uniforms: Optional purchase, details will be sent after registration.
• Registration Fee: $65.00 to fund 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). Game days are typically jamboree style with multiple short games against different opponents. At least one tournament/festival towards the end of the season.
• Uniforms: Players will be responsible for purchasing new uniforms through Soccer Post Burlington. The kit consists of a Puma jersey, black shorts, black socks. A link to order will be provided after registration.
• Registration Fee: $145.00 to fund VSA League costs, referee wages, team equipment and other administrative expenses
• Additional Costs: Size 3 soccer ball, cleats, shinguards to complete uniform for game days
• Player Code of Conduct (Click Here)

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.
• Uniforms: Players will be responsible for purchasing new uniforms through Soccer Post Burlington. The kit consists of a Puma jersey, black shorts, black socks. A link to order will be provided after registration.
• Registration Fee: $160.00 to fund VSA League costs, referee wages, team equipment and other administrative expenses
• Additional Costs: Size 4 soccer ball, cleats, shinguards to complete uniform for game days
• Player Code of Conduct (Click Here)

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. 6th Graders playing for the MUMS team M/W/F are open to play Atlético as well.

• 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.
• Uniforms: Players will be responsible for purchasing new uniforms through Soccer Post Burlington. The kit consists of a Puma jersey, black shorts, black socks. A link to order will be provided after registration.
• Registration Fee: $160.00 to fund VSA League costs, referee wages, team equipment and other administrative expenses
• Additional Costs: Size 4 soccer ball, cleats, shinguards to complete uniform for game days
• Player Code of Conduct (Click Here)

We want everyone to have the chance to give us a try before fully committing! Therefore we offer:

• 100% refund if requested before the third practice
• 50% refund if requested before the fifth practice
• No refunds issued after the fifth practice

Cost should never be a barrier for youth sports. Atlético offers scholarships for those in need. Please reach out to atletico.middlebury@gmail.com for more information.

The VSL is implementing strong enforcement of its Referee Abuse Policy (Shown here). Coaches, Players, and Spectators are expected to review and adhere to the policy. Infractions can lead to significant consequences for all involved. We’ve always been very proud of how the Atlético community behaves on and off the field. Let’s continue to protect our young referees and support and promote good sportsmanship for all.  

Player Code of Conduct (Click Here)