How Long Should Kids Train at a Young Age? A Real-World Look at Early Soccer Development

One of the most common things I get asked by parents is, “How long should my child be training each day?” While there’s no single answer backed by a perfect study, I’ll share what we’ve consistently seen from working with kids ages 5 to 12.

From our experience on the field—across different personalities, energy levels, and learning speeds—here’s what seems to work best:

• Ages 5–7: 45–55 minutes

• Ages 7–12: 60–75 minutes

  
  

The goal at these stages isn’t to run them into the ground—it’s to build a habit, teach structure, and keep them engaged without burning them out. The sweet spot is when they leave practice tired but happy, not overwhelmed.

Progress Isn’t Linear—And That’s Okay

Some kids will show up on day one and fly through a session. Others? They’ll struggle to finish a circuit. But give them two weeks, and suddenly they can finish one full round. Another month? Two rounds. By month two or three, many are doing three circuits and hitting the 45-minute mark.

Once a kid can train for 45 to 60 minutes without zoning out or shutting down, everything else—skills, game sense, confidence—starts to stack on top. That’s when we increase reps, add intensity, and introduce more advanced movements.

Real Outcomes We’ve Seen

Out of a group of 25 players, about 20 were fully game-ready within 6 to 9 months. By that, I mean they could train for a full hour, play an entire match, and stay focused throughout. The other 5 needed more time—not because they lacked ability, but because their consistency wasn’t there yet. Once that clicked, their growth came quickly.

It’s Not Just About Soccer

This mindset—starting with small wins, building discipline, and being okay with repetition—translates beyond the field. It’s the same in school, music, any structured environment. You’re not just building a player. You’re helping shape a confident, committed learner.

Final Thought: Start Simple

At this age, the biggest hurdle is just showing up and staying on the field for 55 minutes. We don’t start with complex skills. We build from the ground up, keeping milestones clear and realistic. It’s tempting to focus on flashy plays or compare kids, but real development happens quietly, over time.

There are no shortcuts—and that’s a good thing. Soccer is a game that rewards effort, not just instinct.