Re: Soccer for a 5 year old
Definitely check out Lil Kickers at the Bladium in Alameda. It may be a bit more of a drive, but they have a great kiddo program. I'm impressed with the focus on fundamentals and the creative ways they teach them to make them fun for little kids. Each kid gets a Lil Kickers jersey which is kind of fun too. There are some coaches that are better than others, so you may want to ask the registration person for a tip on that front. Phone number: 510.817.4999, x108. BTW, they have great birthday parties as well. MB

Re: Winter soccer league for 13-year-old
My Daughter's team is currently playing at Bladium in Alameda. It is fast-paced and a lot of fun. You can get more information at www.bladium.com or just Google ''Bladium''. The fall season just started and will end at the end of Jan. The winter season will start right after that. Usually whole teams sign up together but your daughter might be able to join a team that is already registered and needs more players. You can contact Luis at Bladium for more info. He is the person in charge of the soccer there. Please feel free to contact me for more info. Good luck, Shawn

Re: Soccer birthday party for 7 year old

Try the Bladium in Alameda. They include about an hour of a sport, then a jumpy house area. Kids seem to have lots of fun. anon

Re: Soccer for 3 1/2 year old
The Bladium sports club in Alameda has a great soccer program for preschoolers (and older). It's called Lil' Kickers. My 5- year-old and his friends have been doing it for over a year now and they love it. The program costs about $120 for a 12-week session (but you can try a class for free). They have weekday afternoon and Saturday classes. For information, call the Bladium at 814-4999 and ask for Lil' Kickers program director John Kelly. soccer mom

Re: Soccer for 3 1/2 year old
I highly recommend ''The Lil' Kickers'' indoor soccer program at the Bladium Sports Club in Alameda. My son has been in the program for the last two sessions and loves it!

Coach John Kelly, the Children's Soccer Director is very professional and WONDERFUL with the children. The program has many different levels starting at 18 months and allows for a very non-competitive fun experience. However, the children still learn the basics soccer skills like dribbling and even scrimmaging through really fun games. Also, Coach John teaches the kids the fundamentals to being on a team such listening to instructions, taking turns and encouragement for one another. The fee even includes a free uniform that my son is so proud to wear every week! The next session starts on March 15th and lasts 12 weeks...(510) 814-4999 ext 122
Stephanie

Re: Soccer for beginner 12 yr old?
The Bladium in Alameda has a year-round soccer program, including league play and clinics, that could help your daughter learn and polish her skills before the outdoor leagues start next fall. Indoor has a few different rules than outdoor but not enough to make it a completely different game. If she were my daughter, I'd start her on indoor now to prepare her for fall. (I've played outdoor and indoor myself and both my daughters play outdoor). Their web site is www.bladium.com. Good luck! Jennifer