The H.U.G.S™ (Helping Us Grow in Soccer) Program is an SPI "flagship" program designed and established for our partner clubs in the year 2000. Since its’ creation the HUGS Program has impacted close to 3,000 of our youngest players and hundreds of volunteer coaches. The program is especially designed for players ages 3 to 6 and focus on motor skill development with an emphasis on basic skills development in an imaginative and fun-filled environment. Sessions feature low “trainer-to-player" ratios and are managed by U.S.S.F. and/or internationally certified coaches. Our programs include imaginative games with a basic introduction to "team play" and the development of critical social interaction skills.
HUGS sessions are broken out into two age groups.
· Micro-HUGS (Ages 3-4) This program was developed for soccer’s smallest players. The focus is on developing important motor skills and improving muscular coordination through fun and imaginative soccer-based games. The program has been designed to hold the player’s attention and interest in a nurturing environment. Parents are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun!
· Jr. HUGS (Ages 5-6) Trainers focus on building player confidence and social/team building skills as they incorporate creative small-sided games in their sessions. The session concludes with players playing small-sided games.
The foundation for all three HUGS groups is a continued focus on developing motor skills, but as players graduate from one HUGS group to the next the emphasis becomes basic soccer skill development.
The HUGS Program is held for the following organization:
