Building Champions: Developing our Little Saints
South Hills Catholic continues to offer our Pre-K to 2nd graders opportunities to develop into athletes.
What do we offer?
We have three returning Little Saints Programs back for this year:
Little Kickers - Fall & Spring
Little Runners - Fall & Spring
Little Dribblers - Winter
NEW THIS YEAR! We are working on creating a
Little Shooters program for 1st and 2nd graders for January-March.
About our programs
Little Saints Kickers - Grades Pre-K to K
The Little Kickers is an intramural program that runs from early September to late October in the Fall and from early April to late May in the Spring. There is one session per week. There are no formal games.
Little Kickers focuses on the most fundamental skills and fitness, such as:
| Technique: | Dribbling; Shooting |
| Fitness: | Balance; Running; Jumping; Introduce the idea of warming up |
| Tactics: | Where am I on the field; What goal to kick at |
At this level, we want to supply a positive and enjoyable environment where the athletes engage in running and kicking games and other fun soccer activities. Also at this level, we begin teaching the need for listening to the coach, respecting teammates, sharing and fair play. Heading the ball is not allowed.
Little Saints Dribblers - Grades K to 2
The Little Dribblers is an intramural program that runs from mid-October until late November. There is one session per week. The program usually culminates in a half-time performance at one of the Turkey Shoot Tournament games in late November. There are no formal games. Little Dribblers focuses on the most fundamental skills, such as:
- Dribbling – left and right hand, not looking at the ball while dribbling, two ball dribbling, etc.
- Passing - Chest and Bounce passes
- Pivoting
For certain players at this age, you can introduce shooting. However, for most Little Dribblers using good form on a shot is not yet possible.
At this level, we begin teaching the need for listening to the coach, respecting teammates, and practicing discipline on the court.
Little Saints Runners - Grades Pre-K to 2nd
The Little Runners is an intramural program that runs from early September to late October in the Fall and from early April to late May in the Spring. There is one session per week at approximately one hour per session. There are no formal meets.
Little Runners focuses on the most fundamental skills and fitness, such as:
- Proper running form
- Proper technique for dynamic stretches
- An introduction to relays
At this level, we want to supply a positive and enjoyable environment where the athletes engage in running games and other fun running activities. We also begin teaching the need for listening to the coach, respecting teammates, sharing and fair play.
*NEW* Little Saints Shooters - Grades K to 2nd
Little Shooters Basketball teaches children the basic motor skills necessary to play organized basketball. The program focuses on teaching children and their parents dribbling/ball handling, shooting, passing/catching, and running/agility without the threat of competition or the fear of getting hurt.
Little Sports sessions are held one time per week for 6 weeks, and each week the exercises become increasingly difficult as the class progresses and the children show improvement.
Benefits of Participation
- Builds confidence and self-esteem in children
- Fun and positive early experience in sports
- Helps prepare kids for future sports participation
- Helps prepare kids and parents for specific sports
- Provides quality time together for parents and children
- Teaches parents how to support and teach their child
As this is a new program, we are still developing the program. We are looking to 'tip off' in January 2025.
