Citizen FC Little Champs

Building the Love of Soccer From the Very Beginning

Citizen Little Champs is our introductory soccer program designed for our youngest players.

The program combines outdoor soccer, indoor futsal, and monthly small-sided festivals to create a positive, professional, and fun first soccer experience.

Our mission is simple: To help every child fall in love with soccer.

At this age, the goal is not only to teach skills. It is to help children feel comfortable, confident, excited, and proud every time they step onto the field.

The Story Behind THIS PROGRAM

For many years, I have had the opportunity to create and develop soccer programs for young players, and working with the little ones has always been one of my favorite parts of coaching.

After spending years building and focusing on a Little Champs program for another local club, I decided to bring that experience to Citizen FC, improve the structure, and create something that truly reflects the values I believe youth soccer should represent:

Development. Confidence. Family. Community. Love for the game.

Citizen Little Champs is not simply a beginner soccer class. It is the first step in helping young players become confident, happy, and passionate members of a soccer community. Program Structure

Three Partners. One Childhood.

Together, creating the best possible first soccer experience.

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Citizen FC: Home Club

Citizen FC is the home and registration organization for Little Champs.

Every player becomes part of the Citizen FC community, wears the club crest with pride, and begins a pathway toward future Academy and Competitive programs.

Citizen FC provides the outdoor training environment, the coaching structure, and the sense of belonging that helps young players feel part of something bigger than themselves.

Our Tuesday field sessions will be led by Coach Emma Pemberton, a former competitive soccer player who has been part of our soccer journey for many years.

Emma first played under Coach Christelle Castillo’s coaching with NPSC, where she played for three years. She then continued with Coach Castillo at NP Elite FC, where she was also coached and developed by Coach Josue Castillo.

Emma was a team captain, showing leadership, commitment, responsibility, and care for her teammates. Over the years, she became more than just a player. She became someone who believed in the way we teach, the way we develop players, and the values we bring to the game.

Today, as we begin our new journey with Citizen FC, we are very proud that Emma has chosen to follow us and continue being part of our soccer family.

Emma is currently a student at Moorpark College. Although she has stopped playing competitively, she has decided to give back to the game by helping our youngest players develop confidence, skills, and love for soccer.

We are excited to have Coach Emma as part of the Citizen Little Champs program. Her story is a great example for our young players: with the right environment, soccer can create long-lasting relationships, leadership, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game.

Infinity Futsal Academy: INDOOR DEVELOPMENT

Citizen FC is proud to partner with Infinity Futsal Academy to include weekly indoor futsal training on Fridays in the development of our youngest players.

Indoor sessions focus on:

• Ball mastery

• Coordination and movement

• More touches on the ball

• Creativity

• Quick decision-making

• Confidence

• Fun games in a different environment

Outdoor soccer and indoor futsal complement each other, giving players two unique ways to learn and enjoy the game.

Voila Soccer Events: Festival Experience

Through Voila Soccer Events, Little Champs players will participate in the monthly Futbolito Festival, a U5–U7 grassroots soccer experience affiliated with Cal South.

Inspired by the French “plateau” model, each event brings young teams together for:

• Small-sided games

• Fun training stations

• Rest periods

• Shared snacks

• New friendships

• Positive family experiences

The focus is not standings, scores, or trophies.

No pressure. Just soccer, smiles, and learning.

Exclusive Citizen FC Benefit

Through the partnership between Citizen FC and Voila Soccer Events, Citizen Little Champs teams receive complimentary registration for the monthly Futbolito Festival. Where teams from other clubs register separately, festival participation is included for Citizen Little Champs players as a special benefit of the program.‍ ‍

Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:30

Del Prado Playfields

Fridays 5:00 to 6:00

Dos Vientos Community Center