FAQ's

GENERAL

Why is my child's school not listed when registering for weekly preschool classes?

We partner with amazing early learning centers throughout the area to serve as an extra-curricular activity that helps supplement their curriculum. The schools listed represent those schools who we have partnered with.

If you believe your school may be interested in including our program please reach out to us!

Why am I not getting any information about my account or my child's participation?

All communication is handled via e-mail if you are not receiving information about your child's participation or about your account and have double checked your junk folder please contact us so we can make sure to get that taken care of!

WEEKLY PRESCHOOL CLASSES

Can I enroll at anytime?

Yes. Our program typically runs month to month and year round. You may enroll at anytime and we will pro-rate your monthly tuition accordingly. The same policy is true for those schools in which we run seasonal class programs.

Who is this "Bob the Bobcat" fella?

Well, Bobby is the soccer ball each of our little soccer stars participate in class with. Throughout the class we will take bobby on adventures, sign songs, and play fun games all designed to get your child moving and his soccer skills improving while having an absolute blast taking care of their little friend... Bob!

What are these stamps on my child's hand for?

The main reason is a reward to our little soccer stars for doing their best and having a blast in class! If your kiddo is coming home with 2 stamps...let her know just how proud you are! It also is a good little signal to you as parents that your little one joined in on the fun! ;)

What will my child be learning?

Because often times we are the first coach to our little soccer stars we believe that above all else we provide a nurturing, safe & fun environment that allows all of our participants to get comfortable with this new experience in the way that is most comfortable for them...but within that the developmental focus of our program stems from our founder, Andy Barney's, coaching philosophy that focuses it's training and development on deceptive dribbling and finishing... with a goal of developing Brave & Creative Leaders for Life! We hope your kiddo leaves each session hot and sweaty with a smile on his face and a sense of accomplishment that results from the success he saw in class!

Where are HappyFeet Classes held and what time are they?

Each of our partner schools is different and in each setting we define the most ideal setting in which to hold our weekly classes. In most of our schools we hold our sessions indoors or have a space indoors in the event of inclement weather. For those schools in which we can't run class indoor we will re-schedule the session and notify all parents via e-mail.

How can I find out how my child is doing?

We will send out newsletters via e-mail. We love hearing from parents and can let you know how your child is doing at anytime, so please reach out to us! E-mail us at jackie@happyfeetcharleston.com

What do I need to do to withdraw?

Because we staff & schedule our sessions based on participation levels we require a 30-day written or e-mail notice to withdraw and can be submitted to jackie@happyfeetcharleston.com

What if we need to take an extended break?

Many of our children go on vacation for extended periods of time, or know that they wont be at school. Simply send us an e-mail or leave a note at school in advance to tell us when you will be gone and we will adjust your tuition to account for the missed weeks. E-mail us at jackie@happyfeetcharleston.com

What if class is cancelled when it rains or is too hot or too cold for class?

In most of our schools we hold our sessions indoors, or have a space indoors in the event of inclement weather. For those schools in which we can't run class indoor we will notify all parents via e-mail and reschedule the make up class within 60 days of the missed session.

WEEKEND LEAGUES

Why am I not receiving any information?

How do you build the teams?

Enrollment for the league is open to all children ages 2-6 years old. After determining the age appropriate program in which the children registered for, we build teams based first off of teammate requests that were listed on the registration form, then by the school of attendance, and finally if possible by any other special requests. Our aim is to make sure we build teams in a way that ensures the best and most comfortable experience for our little soccer stars.

BILLING

Why do I keep getting payment reminders when I already paid?

Typically this happens for parents who pay by check and leave it at the school. Because of the nature of our operation sometimes it takes several days to get those payments collected, applied to customer accounts, and deposited. We do our best to expedite that process as best we can, and have added an online e-check option that you can use if interested.

How can I make a payment?

Upon registration we will set up an online account for you to manage all payments. You will receive an e-mail from us inviting you to view your account along with some login information. You can make payments with a credit card or an e-check payment by providing your bank account information.

Can I set up auto-payments?

Yes, you can make this adjustment within your online account and if you need any help with this please reach out to us at jackie@happyfeetcharleston.com

What is your cancellation policy?

Weekly Preschool Classes - Because we staff & schedule our sessions based on participation levels we require a 30-day written or e-mail notice to withdrawal and can be submitted to jackie@happyfeetcharleston.com or a notice can be left in the HappyFeet folder at your child's school. *In the event a refund is required we will apply whichever funds weren't refunded towards your account that can be used towards any future participation.

Weekend League Program - 100% refund 21 days prior to the first scheduled session, 75% refund inside 20 - 7 days prior to the start of the first scheduled session, 50% refund inside 6 - 1 days prior to the start of the first session. Once the first day of the league is upon us no refund can be provided. *In the event a refund is required we will apply whichever funds weren't refunded towards your account that can be used towards any future participation.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Credit Cards - Visa, Master Card, American Express

Checks - Paper Checks

Everything you need to know about our weekend leagues:

Please make sure you are getting a welcome email and weekly emails from Jackie@HappyFeetCharleston.com

1. HappyFeet League Description- Ages 2-7, fun hour long sessions, play with friends! We will have professional coaches guide children thru a fun, creative 30 minute warm up activity followed by a 30 minute 4v4 game. The kids will have fun as we work with them to improve their balance, coordination, speed, agility, social skills, soccer skills and more!

HappyFeet Philosophy- The HappyFeet Legends Soccer brand and curriculum is renowned for teaching the fundamentals, individual skills, and encouraging kids to have fun. It develops tremendous creativity, courage, self-concept, responsibility, and leadership in innovative ways. Our players become confident, brave, well-rounded life leaders. We expect the kids to be creative and make brave mistakes! As a result, no risk is feared. HappyFeet Legends players experience no guilt, no shame, and no blame.

U.S. Soccer “Let them Dribble”- The U.S. Soccer Federation's Player Development Guidelines point out that "At the younger ages (under 10 years old), soccer is not a team sport. On the contrary, it is a time for players to develop their individual relationship with the ball. "Do not demand that the more confident players share the ball. Encourage them to be creative and go to goal. Do the same for the rest of your players."

HappyFeet Dribbling 1v1 Moves- The HappyFeet Legends way completely embraces individual skill, confidence, creativity, and athletic excellence. The centerpiece of this approach is the individual ball handling skills. The main objective of HappyFeet Legends curriculum is to promote and emphasize the technical abilities of young soccer players; at this age mainly Dribbling Skills or Ball Mastery. Why Dribbling Skills? Dribbling is the foundation for all the other fundamental skills of soccer, such as controlling the ball, passing and shooting. It takes years to become a comfortable and confident dribbler. Players have to learn to combine body control, agility, coordination and balance with the mechanics of dribbling, and the sooner they start the better. Coaches will use a range of age-appropriate training activities and techniques to maximize a player’s touches on the ball, including small-sided games that foster skill development, as well as imaginative, creative play. Our Ball Mastery focus will help foster confidence, creativity and composure during game play.

2. How will I be updated on what’s going on? Please make sure you are getting our weekly updates from Jackie@HappyFeetCharleston.com. We will send weekly updates that will be important to read over.

3. What team is my child on and what field and time do they play? We will send out an email each week with your child’s team, time and Field number.

4. Player Improvement: Your child will develop at his/her own rate but here are 3 key factors that play a major roll in improvement. Please help us encourage your child to:

Show up to practice
Listen to the Coaches Instructions
Do the best they can and have fun doing it!

5. Each player will get a numbered HappyFeet Game Jersey. We will provide the soccer balls, but each child will need to bring and wear:

Athletic Shorts
Shin guards
Soccer Socks over Shin guards
Cleats (Optional)
Water Bottle

6. Game Expectations: our coaches will do their best to encourage players to try the skills we learned during the warm up and get each player as much playing time as possible. The coaches will read the kids and session and do the best they can to make sure it is a fun and safe environment for all the players to improve. Our coaches are trained in the "Love and Logic" approach and will use those techniques with each player. For more information please go to www.loveandlogic.com.

HappyFeet Games will follow the KINS Program guidelines- The KINS (Kicking Is Not Soccer) Program’s main objective is to promote and emphasize the skill of DRIBBLING and discourage the aimless booting of the ball that is all too prevalent at these young ages. When young players are conditioned to just kick the ball forward as far as possible, their skill development is stunted, making it harder for them to reach their true potential.

DRIBBLING is the foundation and preparation for all the other fundamental skills of soccer, such as controlling, passing, and shooting. Laying the proper dribbling foundation at the youngest years will enhance the players’ ability to improve all the soccer skills. No matter what level the players will end up playing, recreational or select, they will derive increased pleasure from the game if they can control the ball better and become more adept at manipulating it.

The spectators will also enjoy the game more if they can watch players who exhibit skill and creativity. The program’s second objective is to promote decision making by the players on the field and reduce their dependence on the adults for problem solving.

NEW BALL METHOD
The idea behind the 'new ball method' is to keep the flow of the game constant and increase the number of ball touches by all the players. The ‘new ball method’ eliminates restarts such as throw-ins and corner kicks and keeps the ball in play continuously.

Restarts might be important to the game results at the highest level of play, but they have NO relevance or developmental benefits at the U6 or U8 level.

Since the objective of the KINS Program is to teach players to DRIBBLE, every aspect of the traditional game that reduces the opportunity to dribble is removed. The basic principle of this method is that, when a ball goes out of bounds, the coach ROLLS a new ball into play.

Implementing the KINS program: When a ball goes out of bounds, the coach yells "new ball!" and rolls a new one in. The players will learn quickly to react to the new ball.

Always roll the ball into the unoccupied space. Players will learn to move towards the ball. Do NOT throw the ball too high in the air since the players are not yet skilled enough to control a bouncing ball.
Coaches can also use this method to get the non-assertive players involved, by rolling the ball towards them. This will help bring them out of their shell. If the players are really shy, simply place the ball at their feet.
Count to five (to yourself) before rolling each new ball into play.
If one team is dominating the game, the advantage can be shifted to the other team by rolling the ball accordingly.
This method can also be used to break up a ‘beehive’. If all the players are bunched up around the ball, shout “new ball” and roll one into the open space.
Remember to always praise the players for every attempt. Keep them excited and motivated.

7. How will I know if games are cancelled? In case of inclement weather, game status will be emailed out and posted on Facebook. Please make sure you check before going out to the fields each week. We will try to make up cancelled sessions if time allows.

8. League Pictures: We will have team pictures on the last league date

9. Coaches Expectations: CREATING BRAVE, CREATIVE LEADERS FOR LIFE! Our coaches are committed to nurturing the self-concept of every child in our program by guaranteeing first individual, then team success. Their commitment is to encourage brave, creative, leadership in every player. We will support children to dare greatly and not be afraid to make mistakes! As a result no risk will be feared- on or off the field. This child-first mentality is exclusive to the HappyFeet Legends Soccer Club. Our players experience no guilt, no shame, and no blame!

Our coaches are trained in the "Love and Logic" approach and will use those techniques with each player. The Love and Logic Approach provides a loving, balanced approach that is neither permissive nor punitive. For more information please go to www.loveandlogic.com.

Work with kids without losing their love and respect.
Focuses on helping children develop personal responsibility, self-control and good decision making skills.
Unlike some approaches we don’t use complicated reward or punishment systems only focused on short-term compliance.
Instead, we focus on nurturing long-term relationships and reinforcing good character.

HappyFeet Legends Club Directors:

Jackie Cooper, Jackie@HappyFeetCharleston.com- Director for HappyFeet Charleston- Jackie has her United States Soccer Federation “C” Coaching License and has coached boys and girls from ages 2-19 for the past 20 years. She graduated from Clemson University and played for the Clemson Women’s Soccer team when they were ranked 9th in the Nation.

MaryJean Phillips, MJ@HappyFeetCharleston.com- Director for HappyFeet Charleston- She has her United States Soccer Federation "D" Coaching License. She played college soccer at Belmont Abbey and professional women's soccer in New Mexico. She has a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and has over 30 years playing and coaching experience.

10. Parent Expectations- we are thankful for your support and all you do for your children! Please be aware that most players drop out of soccer by the time they are 12 years old because of the pressure put on them. We want to work together to prevent this! This is recreational soccer and we are all here to have fun and build lasting relationships and memories! Please feel free to encourage all players to do their best from the sidelines, but do not interfere with the practices or games. Please review the Code of Conduct below:

Code of Conduct

Player agrees to become an active member of the team and promises to faithfully abide by the rules and regulations and always stand for clean sports. Parents pledge to provide positive support and encouragement for their child & officials participating in youth soccer by following the Code of Conduct:

I will not coach from the touchline. If I do, I may confuse, distract or frustrate the players as well as contradict a coach’s instructions. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials.
I will treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect.
During games I will stay at least three (3) feet from the touchline and completely away from the area behind the goal.
I will encourage fair play.
I will de-emphasize winning and losing.
I will applaud good plays by members of my team and the members of the opposing team.
I will not bring alcohol or illegal drugs inside the soccer complex.
I will not use profanity around players, fans and officials.
I will remember that my CHILD is the one playing soccer, not me.

11. More than just soccer- Our Leagues are designed to improve your child's:

Self Confidence: Mastering the most difficult skills and being ahead of other children of a similar age.
Early Group Opportunities: League games offer early interactive opportunities where the kids are coached by experts and learn to play with other children in a non-competitive highly challenging environment.
Leadership: Kids learn to master the ball and begin working towards taking the responsibility to make the BIG plays.
Anaerobic Capacity: A better anaerobic threshold is developed because the League incorporates hard physical work in such a way that the children have tons of fun.
Coordination: No other sport expects players to move a ball with their feet at speed, while also moving their body.
Agility: Emphasis on difficult dribbling fakes and ball striking develops a supreme level of agility.
Intelligence: The League players are asked to make challenging decisions, while controlling the ball in designated limited space, while having fun in an active "story time" setting.

12. What to expect from your child at each age group:

2- 3 yr olds

We will start this age group with a 30 minute in length creative warm up activity (National Association for Sports & Physical Education recommendation). Every child constantly has a ball. HappyFeet uses nursery rhymes, songs, stories and fun games with a soccer ball to maximize motor skill development. Two and three year olds love acting out nursery rhymes and songs. The HappyFeet ball is called "Bob the Bobcat"! Kids love taming their "Bobcat"! The 4v4 small sided games for this age are more of a “kick around”. Your child may or may not want to play on the field during the small sided games at this age. We will play with many balls to try to keep the kids engaged and scoring goals as much as possible. They may still want to pick the ball up with their hands at this age and that is ok. Coaches will just remind them to use their feet. Kids at this age are taking in way more than we think, so just getting out to the field and seeing what’s going on and being around other kids in a positive environment can begin to open a child up for participation the next week. We encourage you to keep bringing the kids out! We want the kids to love the game, so please keep it fun and positive!

2/3’s possess limited language skills so the coach must demonstrate by doing. High energy is very important with this age group. It is also important to note the potentially vast developmental differences in a young 2 year old and an older 3 year old. With very young children, the coach must be very silly/goofy on a regular basis to get the children’s attention and make them laugh/feel comfortable. Even if 50% of the lesson is spent conducting these types of activities it is relevant for the long term objectives. Once the children feel comfortable with you they are more likely to follow your guidance and look forward to their happyfeet classes.

2- 3 year old Skill Expectations:

Mastery Skill: Walking backwards, jumping, jogging/ running, throw ball overhead, put objects in a designated area by rolling, kicking or throwing, stomping, walk heel to toe

Developmental Skill: walk on tip toes, walk in straight line, jump with both feet together, stand on 1 foot for more than 5 seconds, sitting criss- cross with good posture, begin skipping

Soccer/ Sport Skill: Stop a rolling ball, kick a ball beyond 6 feet in specified direction, move ball with feet while hands are doing something different (dribbling), kick ball behind (get behind me Bob), step on ball with one foot, kick ball with both feet, tap ball back and forth between feet (tick tock)

HappyFeet Activity: Carrot Garden, Bowling Alley, Take Bob on a trip, Shark Game, Simon Says

3- 4 yr olds

We will start this age group with a 30 minute in length creative warm up activity (National Association for Sports & Physical Education recommendation). Every child constantly has a ball. HappyFeet uses nursery rhymes, songs, stories and fun games with a soccer ball to maximize motor skill development. Two and three year olds love acting out nursery rhymes and songs. The 4v4 small sided games are a more true soccer game starting at this age. They may still want to pick the ball up at this age and that is ok. Coaches will just remind them to use their feet. We encourage you to keep bringing the kids out! We want the kids to love the game, so please keep it fun and positive! While pretending to be a "Star", your child will learn to skillfully perform some of the most difficult moves in soccer. You will be amazed when you see your 3 year old performing advanced dribbling skills after just a few weeks in the program! He/she will also work extensively on striking the ball to score goals.

3-4 year old Skill Expectations:

Mastery Skills: All of the above, walk on tip toes, walk in straight line, jump with both feet together, stand on 1 foot for more than 5 seconds, sitting criss- cross with good posture, skip and march

Developmental Skill: run without watching feet, hop and stand on one foot, throw the ball over hand, catch a bouncing ball, move in all directions with agility and control of body movement, skip and march directionally

Soccer/ Sport Skill: kick ball forward and backward, step over ball, dribble in a specific direction, dribble through wide obstacles, stop a rolling ball and turn, step sideways over ball, touch ball only with feet, Introduce cruyff, pull & push, scissors moves

HappyFeet Activity: Pirates in the Sea, Red Light Green Light, Snake Pit, Simon Says, What Time is it Mr. Wolf, Sharks and Minnows, The Hungry Giant

4- 5 yr olds

4/5 year olds also enjoy this routine (e.g. they will tell you if you forget to do a familiar event such as rocking bob to sleep). However, the content must vary from week to week. Lots of games should be played with this group (especially older 5’s) to keep them engaged – as they are older you can expand many of the games by dividing into two teams, keeping score etc. etc.

4-5 year olds Skill Expectations:

Mastery Skills: All of the Above, run without watching feet, hop and stand on one foot, throw the ball over hand, catch a bouncing ball, move in all directions with agility and control of body movement, skip and march directionally

Developmental Skill: catch a ball out of the air with two hands, run at speed, jump over objects with two feet, refine spatial awareness, refine agility and balance

Soccer/ Sport Skill: Dribble through narrow objects, dribble at higher rate of speed, dribble at opposition, control ball at feet, kick in a specific direction while dribbling, begin attempting skills or moves (ex: pull back in active play), Refine Cruyff, Pull & Push, Scissors, Double Scissors, Introduce Matthews, shoulder feints, etc.

HappyFeet Activity: The Name Game, Zig-Zag, Swamp Monster, Simon Says, Stuck in the Mud, Tunnel Soccer, Foxes and Rabbits

5- 8 yr olds

At this age we will have more advanced skills warm up activities and games followed by a 4v4 small sided soccer game where we encourage kids to use their skills, dribble with confidence and score lots of goals. We will focus on ball mastery. This is a great opportunity for your child to experience a fun yet competitive soccer environment where our professional coaches teach a unique system focusing on dribbling fakes and moves, goal scoring and individual brilliance! Our training system creates a positive environment where players are encouraged to be game changers and develop into brave, creative, leaders both on and off the field!

5-8 year olds Skill Expectations:

Mastery Skills: All of the Above, catch a ball out of the air with two hands, run at speed, jump over objects with two feet, body control and agility

Developmental Skill: move at speed with ball at feet, stop from fast pace and change directions, catch a flighted or bounced ball with one hand, manipulate a ball with both feet, refine agility and balance

Soccer/ Sport Skill: stop a ball from dribble, execute soccer moves while dribbling, strike a ball for a pass or shot properly, introduce complex moves

HappyFeet Activity: Stuck in the Mud, Junk Yard Soccer, Sharks and Minnows, Future Legends Materials

13. HappyFeet Milestones: The HappyFeet curriculum is designed to provide a variety of developmental benefits for your budding soccer star, encompassing all facets of early childhood education. Through repeated exposure to our age appropriate games, each child engages in activities that foster physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. These areas are the foundations for success in adult life, and our program adopts a holistic approach to fitness and soccer! Each child has their own soccer ball during warm up and the fun games time, and our unique approach also gives your child the skills they need to succeed on the field!