Welcome to Academy of Play

Your Home Base for Youth Programming and Play-Based Learning!

Your home base for youth programming!

Academy of Play brings play-based learning through youth sports and enrichment programs to locations around the 417 region. We partner with schools, churches, local coffee shops and other venues to offer leagues and classes in locations that are convenient for you. Enjoy a coffee while your little one makes friends, tries hands-on activities, plays games, and develops a love of learning! Check out our current offerings and complete the interest form to receive notification of classes near you!

Scientists have discovered that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain, unless it is done in play, in which case it only takes 10 to 20 repetitions. 
-Karyn Purvis
Presentational Ozark Tiger Kicks - SMSYSL School Site visual

Ozark Tiger Kicks - SMSYSL School Site - Fall 2024

Ozark Tiger Kicks is an instructional soccer program for players 3 - 7 years. Sessions are held on Monday evenings from September 9 - October 14 at the Ozark High School Practice Fields. Sessions begin at 6 p.m.

The HappyFeet division for ages 3 - 5 years includes a 25-minute practice followed by a 25-minute game. Sessions last approximately 50 minutes.

The Future Legends division for ages 6 - 7 years features a weekly skills training and scrimmage. Players in this division will also have the opportunity to sign up to participate in additional games held on Saturdays at CY Sports. Sessions last approximately 50 minutes.

*Please note towards the end of the fall season, we may adjust session times as needed to accommodate earlier sunset times. Any adjustments will be communicated.

Tiger Kicks sessions are led by staff coaches and players from the Ozark High School Soccer Team! High school players complete a pre-season coaches training and utilize a progressive, age-appropriate curriculum that combines concepts of child development and soccer knowledge to teach real soccer skills in a way young players learn. 

Interested in taking the next step to more advanced training and play? Check out our Legends U9 team that includes two weekly practices at CY Sports and games through Lake Country Soccer.

Registration Status:
Open
Regular Registration:
Monday, July 29, 2024 - Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Late Registration:
Thursday, September 5, 2024 - Monday, September 9, 2024
Program Duration:
Monday, September 9, 2024 - Monday, October 14, 2024
Regular Registration Cost:
$78.00 - $80.00
Late Registration Cost:
$88.00 - $90.00
Presentational Republic Tiger Kicks - SMSYSL School Site visual

Republic Tiger Kicks - SMSYSL School Site - Fall 2024

Republic Tiger Kicks is an instructional soccer program for players 3 - 8 years. Sessions are held on Mondays from September 16 - October 21 at the Republic High School Practice Fields. Monday, October 28 is reserved for a makeup day due to any necessary weather cancellation. A player shirt is included with registration.

The HappyFeet division for ages 3 - 5 years is held from 5:30-6:20 p.m. and includes a 25-minute practice followed by a 25-minute game.

The Future Legends division for ages 6 - 10 years is held from 5:45-6:45 p.m. and features a weekly skills training and scrimmage. Players within this age division will be divided into training groups based on age and experience level. Players in this division will also have the opportunity to add on participation in additional games played on Saturday mornings at CY Sports in Nixa. 

Tiger Kicks sessions are led by staff coaches and players from the Republic High School Soccer Team! High school players complete a pre-season coaches training and utilize a progressive, age-appropriate curriculum that combines concepts of child development and soccer knowledge to teach real soccer skills in a way young players learn.

Interested in taking the next step to more advanced training and play? Check out our U9 Boys and U11 Girls Republic Legends Teams that include a Monday practice in Republic plus an additional practice option in Springfield and games through Lake Country Soccer.

Registration Status:
Closed
Regular Registration:
Monday, July 29, 2024 - Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Program Duration:
Monday, September 9, 2024 - Monday, October 28, 2024
Regular Registration Cost:
$78.00 - $88.00
Additional Late Registration Fee:
$10.00
Presentational Springfield/Nixa Fall League - HappyFeet Legends Soccer visual

Springfield/Nixa Fall League - HappyFeet Legends Soccer - Fall 2024

Instructional Soccer for ages 2 - 10 in Springfield/Nixa. Sessions held at CY Sports.

Little Toes (age 2 - just turned 3) includes a weekly class lasting approximately 40 minutes. During class, staff coaches teach foundational soccer skills using fun games and activities. Parents are welcome to join their child on the field as needed or to sit on the sideline to cheer. Choose between Saturdays or Thursdays. Classes begin on September 5 or 7. Includes 6 weeks of class.

HappyFeet (age 3 - 5) includes a weekly practice + game, all on the same day. During practice, players will use their imaginations as they take their soccer ball on an adventure, learning real soccer skills along the way. Choose between Thursday evening or Saturday morning sessions. Thursday program begins on September 5. Saturday program begins September 7. Includes 6 weeks of practice + game.

Future Legends (age 5 - 7) includes a weekday practice and Saturday games. Future Legends is an instructional league focused on developing deceptive dribbling and goal scoring skills. Choose between Wednesday or Thursday practices. Practices begin the week of September 4. First games will be held on September 14. Includes 7 weeks of practice and 6 games.

Legends Rec (age 8-10) offers an instructional program with staff coaches for players who want to continue growing in soccer knowledge, but do not wish to play on a club or travel team. It includes a weekday practice and Saturday games. Choose between Wednesday or Thursday practices. Practices begin week of September 4. Games begin September 14. Includes 7 weeks of practice and 6 games.

Registration Status:
Open
Regular Registration:
Monday, July 29, 2024 - Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Late Registration:
Saturday, August 31, 2024 - Thursday, September 12, 2024
Program Duration:
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 - Saturday, October 19, 2024
Regular Registration Cost:
$78.00 - $135.00
Late Registration Cost:
$88.00 - $145.00
Presentational Willard Fall League - HappyFeet Legends Soccer visual

Willard Fall League - HappyFeet Legends Soccer - Fall 2024

HappyFeet Legends Spring Instructional Soccer League for Ages 3 - 8 years in Willard. Sessions held on Tuesdays September 3 - October 8 at Renew Church located at 304 S. Farmer Rd.

HappyFeet (age 3 - 5) includes a weekly practice + game, all on the same day. During practice, players will use their imaginations as they take their soccer ball on an adventure, learning real soccer skills along the way. Session held from 5:20 - 6:10 p.m.

Future Legends (age 6 - 8) includes a weekly skills training + a scrimmage game, all on the same day. Future Legends is an instructional league focused on developing deceptive dribbling and goal scoring skills. Session held from 6:10 - 7:05 p.m. Players in this age division may select the add on to participate in additional games on Saturdays at CY Sports.

No need to volunteer, we provide staff coaches. Player shirt is included with registration.

Registration Status:
Closed
Regular Registration:
Monday, July 29, 2024 - Friday, August 30, 2024
Late Registration:
Saturday, August 31, 2024 - Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Program Duration:
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 - Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Regular Registration Cost:
$78.00 - $88.00
Late Registration Cost:
$88.00 - $98.00
Presentational U11 Republic Legends Girls - Fall 2024 (Invitation Only) visual

U11 Republic Legends Girls - Fall 2024 (Invitation Only) - Fall 2024

Registration for Legends teams are by invitation only. If you would like more information or to visit a practice, please contact joanna@trainingsoccerlegends.com.

U11 Republic Legends Girls with Coach Joanna - This team is for girls born in 2014 - 2016. The team will be moving to two practices per week. The first practice will be held on Mondays at the Republic High School practice fields. Availability for the second day of practice will be completed during registration. This team will play games in an all-girls division through Lake Country Soccer and may play additional friendly games booked with regional teams of similar skill and experience level. Practices begin the week of August 12. Game schedules will be released by August 17.

Includes 2 weekly practices for 11 weeks + 8 games or approximately 30 total sessions.

U11 Fees 

  • Enrollment Fee - $210 per season which can be paid out over 3 installments, $70 at the time of registration and additional payments on September 1 and October 1. This fee covers administrative fees, outdoor field use, insurance, MYSA team registration, coaching fees, and more.
  • Uniform Fee - $88 includes 2 jerseys, shorts, and socks. Uniform kids are typically used for 2 years or 4 seasons. Please only select this add on fee if you are a new player this season that needs to order a uniform or if you are a returning player who did not already turn in the uniform fee in the spring.
  • League Fee - The team league registration fee has been covered by our gracious sponsor, Smart Insurance Agency. Thank you to Smart Insurance Agency for supporting our team and players!
  • MYSA Player Registration Fee - Prior to the first game, you will be asked to complete player registration through Missouri Youth Soccer Association which issues player cards for each member of the team. When completing this registration, you will pay a MYSA Registration Fee paid directly to MYSA which costs approximately $17-19.

Legends strives to keep fees as affordable as possible for players and families while still covering the rising costs of operating programming. We never want cost to limit a player from participating. We will be participating in a team fundraiser this fall to assist players in raising funds to cover fees. If you are in need of additional accommodations, please contact Joanna (joanna@trainingsoccerlegends.com) to discuss scholarship assistance options.

Registration Status:
Closed
Regular Registration:
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Friday, August 16, 2024
Program Duration:
Monday, August 12, 2024 - Thursday, October 31, 2024
Regular Registration Cost:
$210.00
Presentational U9 Legends Boys - Fall 2024 (Invitation Only) visual

U9 Legends Boys - Fall 2024 (Invitation Only) - Fall 2024

Registration for Legends teams are by invitation only. If you would like more information or to visit a practice, please contact joanna@trainingsoccerlegends.com.

U9 Legends Boys with Coaches Jaysen & Nick - This team is for players born in 2016/17. Practice will be held twice a week at CY Sports or the Republic High School practice fields. This team will play games through Lake Country. Practices begin the week of August 12. Practice availability will be completed during registration. Game schedules will be released by August 17.

Includes 2 weekly practices for 11 weeks + 8 games or approximately 30 total sessions.

U9 Fees 

  • Enrollment Fee - $210 per season which can be paid out over 3 installments, $70 at the time of registration and additional payments on September 1 and October 1. This fee covers administrative fees, outdoor field use, insurance, MYSA team registration, coaching fees, and more.
  • Uniform Fee - $88 includes 2 jerseys, shorts, and socks. Uniform kids are typically used for 2 years or 4 seasons. Please only select this add on fee if you are a new player this season that needs to order a uniform or if you are a returning player who did not already turn in the uniform fee in the spring.
  • League Fee - A team registration fee of $635 is paid to Lake Country. This fee is divided by the number of players. With approximately 10 players per team, this comes to $63.75. This can be paid by check made out to Lake Country Soccer and turned in at the first week of practices or to pay by credit card, you will select it as an add on fee during registration.
  • MYSA Player Registration Fee - Prior to the first game, you will be asked to complete player registration through Missouri Youth Soccer Association which issues player cards for each member of the team. When completing this registration, you will pay a MYSA Registration Fee paid directly to MYSA which costs approximately $17-19.

Legends strives to keep fees as affordable as possible for players and families while still covering the rising costs of operating programming. We never want cost to limit a player from participating. We will be participating in a team fundraiser this fall to assist players in raising funds to cover fees. If you are in need of additional accommodations, please contact Joanna (joanna@trainingsoccerlegends.com) to discuss scholarship assistance options.

Registration Status:
Closed
Regular Registration:
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Friday, August 16, 2024
Program Duration:
Monday, August 12, 2024 - Thursday, October 31, 2024
Regular Registration Cost:
$210.00
Presentational Preschool HappyFeet Class Registration visual

Preschool HappyFeet Class Registration - Annual 2024

Weekly class held at your child's preschool. All participants must be currently enrolled at this preschool location to attend onsite classes. 

Classes are ongoing and held year-round. Tuition is $30 per month. Participants will pay $30 at the time of registration. Recurring monthly tuition will be automatically drafted each month. Participants may enroll at any time during the month.

*Cancellation requires a 30-day written notice through our online cancellation form.

Registration Status:
Open
Regular Registration:
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Program Duration:
Sunday, October 1, 2023 - Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Regular Registration Cost:
$0.00
Presentational Preschool Class Registration - Staff Only visual

Preschool Class Registration - Staff Only - Annual 2024

Weekly class held at your child's preschool. All participants must be currently enrolled at this preschool location to attend onsite classes. 

Classes are ongoing and held year-round. Special tuition rate for children of preschool staff members and teachers is $10 per month. Participants will pay $10 at the time of registration. Recurring monthly tuition will be automatically drafted each month. Participants may enroll at any time during the month.

*Cancellation requires a 30-day written notice through our online cancellation form.

Registration Status:
Open
Regular Registration:
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Program Duration:
Monday, October 2, 2023 - Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Regular Registration Cost:
$0.00