Discovery Academy Mission Hub
Choose a week below to view the Home Mission, Weekend Game Mission & Parent Tip.
WEEK 1: MASTER THE BALL
🏠 HOME MISSION — MY BALL ADVENTURE
Grab a soccer ball and spend 5 minutes practicing at home.
Little touches → Stop the ball → Turn → Find new space → Go again!
Challenge: How many different ways can you move with your ball?
Keep it fun! The goal is simply to spend more time with the ball and build confidence.
⚽ WEEKEND GAME MISSION — FIND THE SPACE
During your game, look for open grass.
When you see space, be brave and dribble your ball into it!
Remember: Crowded space = little touches + Open space = bigger touches
Challenge: Try to dribble into open space at least 3 times during your game.
💡 PARENT TIP — PRAISE THE TRY
At this age, confidence with the ball is more important than perfection.
When your player tries to dribble or control the ball, celebrate the attempt — even if they lose possession.
Try: “I love that you tried to keep the ball!”
WEEK 2: BALL CONTROL CHALLENGE
🏠 HOME MISSION — TOUCH CHALLENGE
Find a small space and complete:
- 10 Toe Taps
- 10 Foundations — inside-to-inside touches
- 5 Pullbacks with each foot
Challenge: Complete the whole mission 3 times before your next game. Don't worry about going fast. Control first, speed later!
⚽ WEEKEND GAME MISSION — KEEP IT CLOSE
When the ball comes to you during your game, try not to kick it away immediately. If you have space, control it and take a few touches!
Challenge: Try to take 3 controlled touches with the ball at least 3 times during your game.
💡 PARENT TIP — LET THEM HAVE THE BALL
When your player gets possession, give them a chance to figure out what to do. Instead of immediately yelling “Kick it!”, encourage them to control it and play. Losing the ball while trying to dribble is part of learning.
Week 3 - FIRST TOUCH
🏠 Home Mission — Stop & Go!
Grab a soccer ball and find a family member or friend. Have them gently roll the ball toward you.
Use your foot to stop the ball, then dribble into open space!
Challenge: Can you control the ball five times using both feet?
⚽ Weekend Game Mission — First Touch Adventure
During your game, try to control the ball when it comes toward you. Once you have it, look for open space and dribble!
Remember, your first touch doesn't have to be perfect. Just keep trying!
❤️ Parent Tip — Celebrate the Little Wins
Learning to control a moving soccer ball takes practice! Watch for moments when your player tries to stop or control the ball before moving.
Try saying: “I loved how you got the ball under control and kept going!”
Celebrate effort and improvement, not perfection.
Week 4 - PASS WITH A PURPOSE
🏠 Home Mission — Pass to Your Partner
Find a family member or friend and stand approximately 5 yards apart.
Practice passing the ball back and forth. Try stopping it before passing it again!
Challenge: Can you complete five passes together? After a few passes, try moving to different spots.
⚽ Weekend Game Mission — Find Your Teammate
During your game, look for a teammate in open space.
When you have the opportunity, look up and try passing to your friend!
After passing, move somewhere new so you can help again.
Remember, sometimes dribbling is the better choice!
❤️ Parent Tip — Celebrate Teamwork
At this age, players are beginning to recognize that soccer is a team game.
Celebrate moments when your player looks for a teammate, attempts a pass, or moves to help someone else.
Try saying: “I loved how you looked for your teammate!”
Even if the pass doesn't reach its target, recognize the decision.
Week 5 - BEAT THE DEFENDER
🏠 Home Mission — Beat the Cone!
Grab your soccer ball and place a cone, shoe, or other safe object in an open area.
Dribble toward the object, make a turn or change direction to go around it, then speed away!
Challenge: Can you beat the cone five times? Try going both left and right!
⚽ Weekend Game Mission — Be Brave!
During your game, look for a chance to dribble past an opponent.
When you see open space, try changing direction and going around the defender!
Make a move → Go fast → Find space!
Remember, it's okay if the defender takes the ball. Be brave and try again!
❤️ Parent Tip — Celebrate the Courage
Taking on a defender can feel intimidating for young players.
This weekend, celebrate the courage to try a move, even when it doesn't work.
Try saying: “I loved how brave you were trying to get past that defender!”
Confidence grows when children feel comfortable trying new things without worrying about mistakes.