Youth Soccer in Milwaukee’s North Shore: A Family Guide

Parents in Milwaukee’s North Shore suburbs (Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Glendale, Bayside, Fox Point, Mequon, Thiensville) have a wide range of youth soccer options. This guide breaks down recreational programs, competitive clubs, key fields and facilities, camps and clinics, and extra tips – all to help your family navigate the local soccer scene.

Recreational Soccer Options

Community Park & Recreation Programs (Introductory Soccer)

Each North Shore community offers introductory soccer through its recreation department. These programs are ideal for toddlers, preschoolers, and young grade-school kids to learn basics in a fun setting:

Shorewood Recreation Department – Runs SoccerTots classes for toddlers (ages 2–3 with a parent) and lively soccer skills clinics for 4K and 5K kindergarteners​. Shorewood often partners with youth sports groups like Skyhawks to offer multi-week soccer classes by age group (e.g. separate sessions for 2–3 year olds, 4K–5K, and grade 1–3)​. Summer offerings can include an affordable evening soccer camp for grades 1–4 and even a week-long British Challenger soccer camp in August for ages up to 14​.

Whitefish Bay Recreation Department – Provides youth sports programs through the school district’s Community & Recreation department. While specifics vary each season, Whitefish Bay has offered programs like multi-sport classes that introduce soccer fundamentals along with other sports​. Young children can learn basic kicking, dribbling and coordination in a low-pressure environment. As kids get older, Whitefish Bay Rec sometimes teams up with local clubs or coaches to run soccer camps in summer (for example, Whitefish Bay has hosted a Nike Soccer Camp for ages 6–14 at local fields in past summers).

Nicolet Recreation Department (Glendale, Fox Point, Bayside) – Families in Glendale, Fox Point, Bayside (served by the Nicolet school district) can access similar intro programs. Nicolet Rec’s SoccerTots is a popular class that helps 2–4 year-olds develop motor skills (kicking, running control, dribbling) through fun games​. Sessions are short (30-minute classes) and focused on listening skills and enjoyment. Nicolet Rec also offers a youth soccer league or drills for early elementary ages in some seasons, often staffed by Skyhawks or local coaches​. These community programs are a gentle, non-competitive way to start soccer. For example, Nicolet’s Summer bulletin lists a “Golazo Soccer Camp” – a four-day morning camp covering “all basic skills of the game” for kids in grades 4–8​. This camp, held at Nicolet High School, welcomes both boys and girls and focuses on fundamentals; it’s split into separate groups for 4th–5th graders and 6th–8th graders to ensure age-appropriate instruction​.

Mequon-Thiensville Recreation – The Mequon-Thiensville School District’s Rec Department similarly supports young players. In Mequon, a Youth Soccer League for ages as young as 3 up to about 8 is run in a seasonal format (one recent M-T rec league had 160 kids in a six-week spring session) – a testament to the community’s participation. These in-house rec leagues typically involve one weeknight practice or clinic and a Saturday morning game, keeping time commitment low for families. Mequon’s rec programs often act as a feeder to club soccer once kids are older. (The Rec Department also provides contact info for local youth sports clubs like North Shore United​, indicating that beyond the in-house league, families can progress to club programs as needed.)

Milwaukee Kickers “Mikro” – In addition to village rec departments, Milwaukee’s largest youth soccer organization – the Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club (MKSC) – offers its Mikro Soccer program throughout the year. Mikro is an introductory soccer course for kids about 3–5 years old (3U–5U) that meets once a week for 6 weeks​. The focus is on teaching dribbling, shooting and passing through creative games led by trained coaches. In the North Shore area, MKSC hosts Mikro sessions at convenient locations like Estabrook Park in Shorewood/Whitefish Bay and Doctor’s Park in Fox Point during spring and summer​. The classes are one hour and very fun-oriented – a great first soccer experience. (The fee usually includes a jersey, and you can purchase a size 3 ball during registration if needed​.)

Recreational Soccer Leagues (Community Clubs)

As children grow out of the toddler classes, many families look for recreational leagues where kids join a team and play small-sided games. In the North Shore, there are a few key options for non-travel, recreational leagues:

Milwaukee Kickers Regional Teams – Milwaukee Kickers is a county-wide club with regional divisions. Two active regions serve the North Shore: Whitefish Bay Kickers and Nicolet Kickers. These programs form coed teams generally from U6 up to U14/U15 (ages ~5 through middle school) so kids can play with neighbors and classmates. The emphasis is on fundamentals, teamwork, and fun rather than winning. According to MKSC, “the purpose of recreational [soccer] is to develop kids who possess quality skills and strong character through sportsmanship, in a non-competitive, fun environment led by volunteer coaches.”​

Teams typically practice once per week and play games on Saturdays. The commitment and costs are kept low – for example, full-year (fall & spring) registration opens May 1 and is around $170–$245 per child depending on age (uniform included)​. Whitefish Bay Kickers and Nicolet Kickers often play their “home” games at local school fields or parks in the area. (Tip: Fall/Spring team registration usually happens in summer. Whitefish Bay Kickers opened registration for the Fall 2023–Spring 2024 season in May, so keep an eye out each spring​.

Bavarian United SC – Recreational Program

Photo via Bavarian United

Bavarian United is a historic soccer club based in Glendale that offers its own community-oriented rec league. This program welcomes boys and girls roughly U6 through U15 (birth years 2018–2009), with teams coached by volunteer parents​. What’s nice is it runs as a fall–spring combined season: teams practice weekly and play games in both fall (Sep–Nov) and spring (Apr–Jun)​. Younger age groups play all games in the North Shore area, while the oldest rec teams (U11–U15) might have a few away games against other regional clubs in Southeast Wisconsin’s recreational “Developmental” league​. The club makes it easy for friends to play together (they form teams by school and buddy requests) and includes a uniform kit in the fee​. Bavarian’s home fields are at the Bavarian Soccer Complex in Glendale, and they use local parks like Shorewood’s River Park, Whitefish Bay’s Klode Park and school fields (e.g. Cumberland and Richards schools) for practices​. Registration for Bavarian’s rec teams happens in summer – register by July to guarantee a spot (they increase fees after June 30 and close signup by mid-August)​. This is a great option for North Shore families seeking a step up from basic classes but not ready for travel soccer.

North Shore United – Recreational Program – North Shore United (NSU) is a club based just north of Milwaukee (Ozaukee County), and it runs rec soccer serving Mequon/Thiensville in addition to Cedarburg and Grafton. NSU’s rec league is truly community-based: teams are coed and formed separately in each of the three communities (so your child can play on a Mequon-area team, for example)​. The program strives to provide “a fun, safe, and instructional soccer experience for players who are new to soccer or looking to play in a non-travel format”, instilling a love of the game for every ability level​. Age groups go up to 14U (about 8th grade). NSU recently introduced more flexible registration options – you can sign up for Fall-only or Spring-only (around $250 per season) or do the full year (fall & spring) for a discounted rate (~$395)​. Practices are usually once a week at a local park (NSU uses Mequon’s Rotary Park for many practices​) with weekend games. Most games are in-town or with the other NSU rec communities, keeping travel minimal. Like other clubs, NSU relies on parent volunteer coaches and aims to make soccer low-pressure and fun at this level. Registration tends to open in spring for the fall season (and late fall for spring-only players).

Competitive Soccer Clubs (Select/Travel Teams)

Once kids have honed their skills and are ready for a higher level of play, the North Shore offers several competitive club soccer options. These clubs have tryouts and place players on teams that compete against other clubs regionally, and they offer professional coaching and more intensive training. Below are the major clubs serving the North Shore suburbs:

Bavarian United Soccer Club (Glendale) – The Bavarian Soccer Club is one of the oldest and most respected clubs in Milwaukee (founded in 1929), now known as Bavarian United for its youth programs. Bavarian United offers a full competitive pathway:

Academy (U8–U10) – For committed younger players (roughly ages 7–10), Bavarian runs an Academy program focused on skill development. Kids in these ages train with professional coaches in a “pool” and play small-sided games. The club hosts an open evaluation (an “Academy Open House” each June) to form these U8–U10 groups for the next year​. It’s a bridge between casual play and select soccer, emphasizing technical training in a fun, learning-centric environment.

Select/Premier Teams (U11–U19) – Starting at U11 (around 5th grade), players can try out for Bavarian’s select teams. These teams are tiered by skill level (Bavarian typically fields multiple teams per age group, so there’s a place for players of varying ability). Tryouts are held in mid-June in accordance with Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association rules​. Once on a team, the commitment is higher: Bavarian’s Premier teams practice about 3 times per week in fall and spring, with additional winter training, and compete in WYSA leagues and tournaments​

The club emphasizes “tactical, high-speed training” for these developing athletes​. Fees reflect the professional coaching and full-year program (on the order of $1,850–$2,175 per year, plus uniform and travel costs)​. Bavarian’s Premier teams play against other top clubs statewide and often travel for tournaments.

Elite Programs – Bavarian United is notable for having elite high-level teams, particularly on the boys’ side. The club earned acceptance into MLS Next, an elite national league, for U13–U19 boys. These teams train ~10 months of the year and play a national schedule (players at this level don’t play high school soccer)​. This is a major commitment (4+ trainings per week, extensive travel) and is geared toward players aiming for the highest competition (and potentially college/pro pathways). On the girls’ side, Bavarian has competitive state and regional teams as well – they even list a “Girls Champions League” program, indicating a high-level platform for girls (though the top North Shore girls generally play with NSU’s GA program, described below).

Tryout timing: Bavarian United holds tryouts in June for all select teams U11 and up (usually over a week with two sessions per age). Players are notified of team offers soon after. The club usually requires an online pre-registration and charges a small tryout fee​. If your child is interested in joining, keep an eye on Bavarian’s website in May for the posted tryout schedule.

North Shore United Soccer Club (Mequon/Cedarburg) – North Shore United (NSU) is another top-tier club serving families from Mequon, Thiensville, and surrounding communities in Ozaukee County. NSU is especially known for its girls’ program, which competes in the national Girls Academy (GA) league. Key offerings of NSU:

Academy (U7–U10) – NSU’s Academy program is for younger players (often listed as ages 6–10). It gives boys and girls a chance to get “better coaching, conditioning and more advanced skill work” at a formative age​. Like Bavarian, NSU Academy typically has an evaluation process but may be more open enrollment – it’s meant to develop skills in preparation for select soccer.

Select Teams (U11–U19) – NSU fields competitive boys and girls teams in each age group. The club prides itself on having highly credentialed coaches (NSU advertises that it has “the top credentialed coaching staff of any club in Wisconsin”​). Players U11–U14 play in state leagues or Midwest regional leagues, while older high-school ages might play state league in spring and showcase tournaments. On the girls’ side, NSU’s top teams play in the Girls Academy, traveling regionally and nationally. On the boys’ side, NSU’s top teams compete in elite leagues such as National League Midwest Conference or state premier leagues. As an example of commitment: NSU’s U13–U14 Midwest Regional level teams cost around $2,365 for the season (which likely includes fall, winter, spring training)​. Like other clubs, this covers professional coaching and league fees, but not uniforms or travel.

NSU has a track record of developing players who go on to play in college. They maintain multiple tiers at most age levels, so even if a player doesn’t make the top “Blue” team, they might play on a White or Black team and still get great training. This ensures a wide range of skill levels can be accommodated.

Tryouts: North Shore United also conducts tryouts in early June for new season teams. In 2024, for instance, NSU held tryouts for U11–U15 boys and girls from June 10–13, with offers going out June 14​. (Older ages U16–U19 often have tryouts slightly later due to the high school season schedule.) NSU typically posts detailed tryout schedules by late May on their website. It’s important to register for tryouts in advance. If your child cannot attend the set tryout dates, NSU encourages still registering and noting the absence – coaches may accommodate evaluations in some cases​.

Other Clubs and Select Teams: While Bavarian and NSU are the primary competitive clubs based in the North Shore area, families are not limited to those. Some North Shore players also join clubs based slightly outside the area:

Milwaukee Kickers Select: The MKSC organization sometimes forms higher-level teams (such as MKSC Academy teams) for U11+ that draw from all regions. These teams compete in select leagues as well. If your child thrives in the Kickers rec program and seeks more competition, ask the regional director about any “select” team opportunities or all-star squads for older ages.

SC Wave North Shore: The SC Wave (formerly Elm Grove Soccer Club/Waukesha) opened a North Shore satellite in recent years, primarily operating out of Port Washington State Bank (PWSB) Soccer Park in Cedarburg. This is actually the home facility that NSU uses​. SC Wave’s presence indicates additional options for high-level play, but as of now NSU and Bavarian cover most North Shore competitive needs.

FC Wisconsin: This club is known for elite girls teams (ECNL league) and is based in the Milwaukee area. While their main training sites are not in the immediate North Shore, a few top players from the region may commute to FC Wisconsin. This is generally only for highly advanced players, and many North Shore families find the local clubs meet their needs.

In summary, North Shore families have excellent competitive soccer choices without having to travel far. It’s worth attending a few clubs’ tryout sessions or open houses to see which is the best fit in terms of coaching style, team culture, and logistics. All the established clubs in the area (Bavarian United, North Shore United, and Milwaukee Kickers) share a passion for developing players and offer pathways from the early years up through college showcase levels.

Indoor and Outdoor Fields & Facilities

One of the perks of the North Shore is the abundance of quality fields and facilities for soccer. Knowing where practices or games might be held can help parents plan. Here are some of the popular soccer fields and facilities in these communities:

Outdoor Fields and Parks

Local Parks and School Fields: Most recreational and younger competitive teams practice and play on municipal or school fields conveniently located in each village.

In Shorewood, youth teams often use River Park (along the Milwaukee River) and the high school or intermediate school field for practices. Shorewood’s Atwater School field is frequently home to little-kid classes and summer camps​

In Whitefish Bay, common soccer spots include Klode Park (a lakeside park with open fields) and school grounds like Cumberland and Richards Elementary fields. These are used for both rec leagues and club practices​. Whitefish Bay’s Cahill Park is another hub where the village has hosted recreation league games in the fall.

In the Nicolet area (Glendale/Fox Point/Bayside), teams utilize Nicolet High School’s athletic fields for programs (the back soccer field at Nicolet hosts camps and some club trainings)​. Stormonth School in Fox Point has a field used for youth soccer as well. A unique location is Doctor’s Park in Fox Point – while known as a beach park, its upper area serves as a Mikro Soccer site for Milwaukee Kickers, giving tiny tots a beautiful backdrop for learning soccer​. Glendale’s Kletzsch Park and Lincoln Park are also sometimes used for informal games or practices (though they’re more open public spaces). And just west of Glendale, Brown Deer Park is listed as a field for some rec leagues​

In Mequon & Thiensville, the go-to soccer venues are often city parks. Rotary Park in Mequon is a major soccer complex – a large park with multiple soccer fields that hosts rec league games and club practices regularly. North Shore United uses Rotary Park as a key practice location for its Mequon-based teams​

Another site is Thiensville Village Park for younger kids, and River Barn Park in Mequon which has open space for drills. As players get older, they might play at Homestead High School’s turf field for certain matches or events (Homestead is the local high school, with a quality stadium field).

Club Facilities: A highlight in Glendale is the Bavarian United Soccer Complex. This 15-acre dedicated soccer facility (at 700 W. Lexington Blvd in Glendale) features multiple well-maintained grass fields and lights. It’s the home base for Bavarian United SC, and hosts many games, especially for older youth and tournaments​. Families love the atmosphere there – it’s a historic club with a clubhouse on-site (and yes, Bavarian Bierhaus restaurant next door for a post-game bite!). When your child’s team gets a “Friday night under the lights” game at Bavarian Field, it’s a treat​

Meanwhile, North Shore United’s primary home facility is the PWSB Soccer Park in Cedarburg (just 10–15 minutes north of Mequon). This complex has multiple fields as well and is used for NSU’s home games and their annual Fall Classic tournament​. If you join NSU, expect some practices or Saturday games at PWSB (also known as Cedarburg Soccer Park). NSU also sometimes utilizes Concordia University’s turf field in Mequon or other school fields for training when available.

In summary, you’ll find soccer fields tucked in every corner of the North Shore – from lakefront parks to suburban schoolyards. It’s a very “park-oriented” soccer culture, which keeps things convenient.

Indoor Soccer Facilities

Wisconsin weather doesn’t always cooperate, but luckily there are indoor facilities to keep kids playing year-round:

The primary indoor soccer hub is Uihlein Soccer Park, operated by the Milwaukee Kickers. Uihlein (located at 7101 W. Good Hope Rd.) features two full-size indoor fields under a dome and a small futsal court, in addition to a dozen outdoor fields. In the winter and early spring, many North Shore teams or programs will rent space at Uihlein. (For example, Kickers Mikro sessions in winter are held at Uihlein on weeknights​.) Uihlein also hosts indoor leagues and tournaments that some local teams join. It’s about a 15–20 minute drive from most North Shore suburbs.

School Gyms and Fieldhouses: Younger teams will often utilize school gymnasiums for winter footskills or futsal training. The Nicolet High School fieldhouse, for instance, is used for some indoor rec sessions (when not in use for basketball). Clubs like Bavarian and NSU might run futsal games in a gym for their players. While not “open to public” in the same way as a dedicated facility, these spaces are important – your coach might say, “We have an indoor practice at Lake Bluff School gym tonight,” which is quite common in Jan/Feb.

Private Sports Complexes: Within a short drive, there are also private indoor sports centers. Not far west in Cedarburg is the Ozaukee Indoor Sports Complex, and to the south in Milwaukee is the Elite Sports Club – River Glen (in Glendale), which occasionally has indoor turf or open gym time. The Wisconsin Athletic Club (WAC) in Mequon has a small turf training area as well. These are sometimes used for additional training or specialty clinics.

For most families, indoor soccer becomes relevant in late fall through early spring. Many North Shore clubs will offer optional indoor training packages or futsal leagues during the winter. It’s a great way to keep the kids active when the snow flies. Just know that space can be limited – registering early for winter sessions is wise.

Youth Soccer Camps and Skills Clinics

Beyond the regular season play, the North Shore offers plenty of camps and clinics to help kids improve their skills (or just have fun during school breaks). Here are some opportunities to consider:

Community Summer Camps: Local recreation departments often host summer soccer camps that are convenient and affordable. For example, the Nicolet Rec Department’s “Golazo Soccer Camp” mentioned earlier is a one-week camp in June for middle-grade kids, focusing on all-around skill-building​. Shorewood Recreation brings in Challenger Sports to run a week-long British Soccer Camp each August, open to ages 6–14​. These community camps are typically half-day programs (morning or afternoon) and cost much less than overnight camps – they might range from $90 to $170 for the week. They’re a great way to keep kids busy in summer and reinforce fundamentals. Camp coaches often make it fun with World Cup-style tournaments and skill contests.

Club-Run Camps: Both Bavarian United and North Shore United hold summer camps and specialized clinics, which are open to anyone (you don’t always have to be a club member).

General Soccer Camps: Bavarian United SC offers two general youth soccer camps in summer – one in late June and one in mid-July. Families can choose a half-day (9am–12pm) or full-day (9am–3pm) option​. These camps focus on core skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting through fun drills and games. Bavarian emphasizes that the camps are for all skill levels – whether your child is a beginner or more advanced, the coaches group them appropriately and ensure everyone learns and has fun​. The full-day camp even includes lunch break and extra scrimmages for those who want the extended experience. (They offer an early-bird discount and sibling discount to keep it family-friendly​

Specialty Clinics: Many clubs run short clinics targeting specific skills. For instance, Bavarian United has a Striker & Goalkeeper Camp (a 4-day, morning camp in July and another in August) specifically to train scoring techniques and goalie fundamentals​. Players get to dive deep into things like finishing in the final third or proper diving saves, under expert coaching. These kinds of clinics are fantastic for a player who really loves a particular position and wants extra reps. Another example: Bavarian partners with a local training company for a “NexGen” Player Development camp, aimed at competitive players seeking high-intensity training in summer​. North Shore United similarly holds summer camps (often at their Cedarburg soccer park) and may offer clinics like footskills sessions or offseason workouts – keep an eye on club websites and social media for announcements each season.

Professional Soccer Camps: Milwaukee’s professional soccer organizations bring an extra excitement to summer camps:

The Milwaukee Wave (professional indoor soccer team) runs extremely popular summer camps at locations all over the Milwaukee area – including sites in the North Shore like Whitefish Bay (often at the JCC fields) and Mequon. Wave camps cater to ages 4–14 and all skill levels. Notably, the Wave offers a variety of camp formats: standard half-day or full-day camps, a Mini-Kickers camp for the little ones, specialty Striker and Goalkeeper clinics, team camps for pre-formed groups, and even an overnight academy for advanced players​

Wave camps are known for their energetic pro-player coaches (sometimes actual Wave players serve as instructors) and the extras each camper gets – typically a Wave soccer ball, t-shirt, and tickets to a Wave game​. These camps often appear in local summer camp guides and tend to fill up, so early registration (by late spring) is recommended.

Challenger International Soccer Camps: Challenger (a company that runs British and other international coaching camps) frequently partners with local clubs or rec departments. We saw Shorewood Rec’s Challenger camp above; Whitefish Bay and Mequon have also hosted Challenger camps in past summers. These usually bring in coaches from the UK or Europe, giving kids a fun cultural experience along with training. Kids learn new drills (and maybe a cool accent or two) and often get a camp shirt and ball. Challenger camps typically run for one week in summer, with options for a tiny-tikes 1-hour camp, a half-day, or a full-day camp depending on age.

College Soccer Camps: While not specific to the North Shore suburbs, local universities like Concordia University (Mequon) or Marquette University sometimes hold youth soccer camps or clinics. For instance, Concordia’s men’s or women’s soccer program might have a day camp on campus. If your child is older and looking to prepare for high school soccer, attending a college-run camp can provide excellent coaching and exposure to the campus environment.

Seasonal Skills Clinics: Outside of summer, there are still opportunities to build skills. Many are shorter-duration clinics:

Fall/Spring Clinics: Some clubs open their in-season training to non-members via clinics. For example, Bavarian United offers a “First Touch Soccer School” clinic on Friday nights in spring, where ages 3–8 get extra skill practice guided by licensed coaches​. It’s a mix of fun coordination games and individual skill work that supplements their normal team activities. These kinds of clinics often run once a week for 6–7 weeks.

Winter Footskills and Futsal: During winter, look out for futsal leagues or footskills classes in the area. Futsal (5-a-side indoor soccer with a small ball) is excellent for technique. Some North Shore clubs host internal futsal for their players. Additionally, private training companies or even the Milwaukee Kickers might offer an indoor clinic at Uihlein or a school gym. The Wave has, in the past, run a Futsal Academy as mentioned in their offerings​. These are great to keep touches on the ball during the off-season.

Goalkeeper Training: If you have an aspiring goalie, specialized goalkeeper training is invaluable. Most competitive clubs (Bavarian, NSU, etc.) include goalkeeper practice nights led by a keeper coach. There are also independent goalkeeper academies around Milwaukee. Within the North Shore, a number of summer specialty camps (like the Bavarian Striker/Keeper camp​ or Wave’s keeper clinics) focus on this position. Don’t hesitate to seek these out – goalkeeping is a unique skill set, and training in a small group of keepers can boost confidence tremendously.

In short, you’ll never run out of soccer activities for your child. Whether they want to spend their whole summer vacation on the pitch or just do a one-week camp, there’s an option available. Be sure to check village recreation guides and club websites each season – new clinics and camps pop up frequently (for example, a “Spring Break Soccer Camp” might be offered in April by one of the rec departments, or a one-day shooting clinic might come to the area). Trying a camp or clinic can be a low-commitment way to sample a club’s coaching style or to give your child a boost in specific skills.

Additional Tips for Soccer Families

Finally, here are some practical tips and advice for families venturing into youth soccer in the North Shore:

Registration Timing: Mark your calendar so you don’t miss sign-ups! For community rec leagues and club programs, summer is key registration season. Full-year recreational leagues typically open registration around May and close by mid-August for the fall start​. (Many will accept late registrations only if space is available, often with a late fee.) Spring-only rec programs often take registrations in January/February if you missed fall. Competitive club tryouts occur in June, so you’ll usually register for tryouts in May. Look for tryout announcements on club sites and local Facebook groups by mid-late May, attend any pre-tryout camps if offered, and have your player ready for evaluations in early June​. In short, plan ahead: late spring and early summer is when you commit for fall soccer.

Gear Up Properly: The right equipment makes a big difference in your child’s comfort and safety.

Shin Guards: Required for all youth soccer programs – even the littlest dribblers in SoccerTots need them. Get a pair that fits under your child’s long socks. (Tip: For toddlers, the kind that have an ankle sleeve attached offer extra protection.)

Footwear: For beginners, athletic sneakers can suffice, especially for indoor or backyard play. But once your child is regularly on a grass field, invest in a pair of kids’ soccer cleats (outdoor cleats). They provide better traction and are designed for kicking. Prices vary, but you can find affordable options at stores like Dick’s or Stefan’s Soccer. (Avoid baseball or football cleats with a front toe cleat – soccer cleats don’t have that.)

Soccer Ball: Having the correct size ball for your child’s age is important for practice. Size 3 is the ball used for U6-U8 players (under 8 years old)​. Size 4 is for roughly ages 8–12, and size 5 is the adult/pro size for 13 and up. Many programs will provide balls for drills, but it’s great to have your own for at-home practice. Some camps include a ball in the fee; otherwise, a $15–$20 investment will last a couple years.

Water and Weather Gear: Soccer is outdoors in all sorts of weather. Always bring a water bottle to practices and games. For spring/fall, dress your child in layers – those morning games can be chilly (throw a long-sleeve under the jersey if needed). In summer camps, sunscreen and a hat are wise for sun protection during breaks.

Uniforms: Recreational leagues typically provide a team t-shirt or full uniform kit as part of the registration. For example, Bavarian United’s rec fee includes a uniform kit and even a special “Friday night lights” game experience​. Milwaukee Kickers rec also includes a jersey in the cost​. Competitive clubs, on the other hand, require purchasing a uniform kit every 1–2 years (this usually includes home and away jerseys, shorts, and socks). Keep in mind club uniform packages can run $100–$150. Plan accordingly, and size up a bit to get two seasons out of it if possible.

Shin Guard Tips: Have your child wear soccer socks over their shin guards. This holds them in place. Little kids often find this odd at first, so help them put on gear a few times. Some programs (like indoor Mikro) might allow kids to wear guards over the socks, but usually it’s underneath.

For the New-to-Soccer Parent: Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with soccer rules or culture – you’ll learn as you go, and North Shore soccer families are very welcoming. A few things to know:

Games for young ages are small-sided (like 4 vs 4 or 6 vs 6 with no goalkeeper for the littlest leagues). Coaches are often on the field directing traffic. It’s clumpy, chaotic, and cute – embrace it! The focus is on touches and fun, not the score.

Encourage effort and sportsmanship above all.

Volunteer if you can: Recreational programs rely on parent volunteers. Don’t be afraid to step up as a coach or assistant even if you’ve never played soccer – most rec leagues will provide training or a coaching manual. As Bavarian United notes, rec teams are taught by volunteer parent coaches focusing on fun and fundamentals​. It can be a rewarding way to bond with your child and their friends. Even at the club level, team managers (often parent volunteers) are crucial for communication and organization, so there’s always a way to get involved.

Team Communication: Nowadays, most teams use apps or email lists for schedules. Once you register, keep an eye out for an invitation to TeamSnap, PlayMetrics, or a similar app – that’s where practice times, game schedules, and any changes will be posted. It’s a lifesaver.

Navigating Levels: If your child is showing lots of enthusiasm or talent, you might wonder when to jump from rec to competitive. A good rule of thumb is to let them lead with their interest. North Shore has a nice progression: start with park & rec or Kickers at 5–7 years old; by ages 8–10 you could try a club’s academy or a more competitive rec league to gauge their desire. Tryouts at 10 or 11 can sound scary, but remember that clubs aim to find a place for every interested kid at the younger ages. If your child is eager and loves the sport, go ahead and attend a tryout – even if they don’t make the top team, they could be offered a spot on a developmental team which might be the perfect level for growth. On the flip side, there’s nothing wrong with staying in recreational soccer for as long as it’s enjoyable! Many kids in the North Shore happily play rec soccer through elementary and middle school and then move on to other sports or activities. The key is to keep it fun and match the intensity to your child’s personality and interest.

Soccer Resources Nearby: Need gear or advice? The Stefan’s Soccer store (located in Brookfield and online) is a go-to for area soccer families – they carry youth cleats, balls, and the uniforms for some clubs. For extra training, some families use local private coaches or skills academies for 1-on-1 sessions; ask your club or Y staff for reputable contacts if interested. And if you’re looking for more play opportunities, Milwaukee Kickers runs an affordable Winter Rec League at Uihlein for various ages – a fun way to get touches between fall and spring seasons.

Lastly, enjoy the ride! Youth soccer in the North Shore is as much a social community as it is a sport. Whether it’s cheering on a brisk fall morning at Kletzsch Park or carpooling to an away tournament in Madison, you’ll make memories with your kids. This area’s soccer programs are built to encourage a lifelong love of the game – and who knows, you might find yourself kicking the ball around too at the summer family soccer picnic. Good luck and have fun out there!