Soccer is one of the most popular ways for Perth kids to get active, make friends and build coordination. This guide walks you through what junior soccer programs involve, suitable age ranges, typical costs and how to choose the right provider for your family. We feature a couple of well-rated local options to help you get started.
Total Martial Arts Centre in Malaga, WA offers martial arts training for children and adults, including Muay Thai, Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, wrestling, and weaponry systems. Led by Hanshi Justin Boylan. A free introductory lesson is available. Children's programs focus on self-discipline and development in a safe environment.
Arena Joondalup offers kids swimming lessons at its Swim School in heated indoor 25m and 50m pools, focused on year-round water safety. Social sport including outdoor soccer is also available. No named instructors, age ranges, or trial information are explicitly stated on the website.
Junior soccer programs for younger children are far more about fun, movement and confidence than competition. Sessions are usually built around games, drills and small-sided matches that teach the fundamentals — dribbling, passing, shooting and basic teamwork — in a way that keeps kids engaged. For the littlest players (often called "little kickers" or mini soccer), the focus is on balance, running, kicking and following simple instructions, with plenty of encouragement along the way.
As kids get older, programs gradually introduce more structured skills, positional awareness and proper match play. Many local clubs and academies run skills-based classes during the week, while community clubs play organised fixtures on weekends through the cooler months.
Most Perth providers cater to a wide range of ages:
If you're unsure where your child fits, ask the provider — most are happy to recommend the right group based on age and experience.
For a first session, dress your child in comfortable sportswear, a hat for outdoor venues, and runners or soccer boots if they have them (runners are usually fine to start). Bring a drink bottle and apply sunscreen if you're playing outside.
A typical class runs 45–60 minutes. Younger groups tend to be shorter. Expect a warm-up, some skills drills broken into fun stations, and a small game to finish. Coaches will usually introduce themselves, explain the structure and keep things light-hearted. Don't worry if your child is shy at first — good coaches are experienced at settling nervous kids in.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early so you can sign in, meet the coach and let your child watch the warm-up before joining.
Pricing varies a lot depending on the format, venue and length of program. As a general guide for Perth (and always confirm directly with the provider, as prices change):
Some providers offer sibling discounts or early-bird rates, and WA families may be eligible for the KidSport voucher scheme, which can help cover club fees. It's worth asking what's included — uniforms, equipment and insurance can add to the total.
With plenty of options across the metro area, here's what to look for:
Working With Children Check: In WA, anyone coaching or supervising children should hold a valid Working With Children Check. Don't hesitate to ask a provider to confirm that all their coaches are checked and cleared — reputable providers will be happy to do so.
Coach-to-child ratios: Smaller groups mean more individual attention and a better experience for your child. Ask how many kids are in each session and how many coaches supervise.
Free trial classes: Many providers offer a free trial or a discounted first session. This is the best way to see whether your child enjoys it and whether the coaching style suits them before committing to a full term.
Reviews and reputation: Check recent reviews and ratings. For example, this page features Total Martial Arts Centre in Malaga (5★ from 21 reviews) and Arena Joondalup in Joondalup (4.3★ from a large number of reviews). Look for consistent feedback about friendly coaches, organisation and how well kids are looked after.
Location and timing: A venue close to home or school, with session times that fit your routine, makes it far easier to stay consistent across a term.
Before enrolling, it's worth asking:
Asking these upfront helps you avoid surprises and find a program that's a genuine fit.
The best approach is to shortlist two or three providers near you, check their reviews, and book a free trial where one's offered. Watch how the coaches interact with the kids, whether your child is smiling, and how well the session is run. From there, you'll have a clear sense of which Perth soccer program is right for your little kicker.
Or read the full soccer guide, or browse all Perth providers.
Many Perth providers run introductory little kickers sessions from around age 2–4, with more structured skills classes from age 4–6 and competitive match play from about age 9. Check with each provider, as their groupings vary.
As a general guide, casual classes run roughly $15–$30 each, term programs around $120–$250, and seasonal club registration roughly $150–$400. Always confirm current pricing directly with the provider, as it changes.
Yes. In WA, anyone coaching or supervising children should hold a valid Working With Children Check. Ask the provider to confirm all their coaches are checked and cleared before you enrol.
Many Perth providers offer a free trial or discounted first session. This is the best way to see whether your child enjoys it and whether the coaching style suits them before committing to a full term.
Comfortable sportswear, runners or soccer boots, shin pads if required, a hat and sunscreen for outdoor venues, and a drink bottle. Check with your provider whether any equipment is supplied.