Soccer Fun Starts Here…
Benefits Last A Lifetime!
Soccer Fun Starts Here…
Benefits Last A Lifetime!
Soccer Fun Starts Here…
Benefits Last A Lifetime!
What is Lil’ Kickers?
At Lil’ Kickers, our mission is simple:
to inspire children to grow and thrive
while having a blast learning soccer.
Our carefully curated classes, led by
high-energy coaches, are packed with
creative games designed to help kids
tackle important developmental
milestones. Rooted in renowned child
development theories, our innovative
curriculum offers children ages
18 months to 9 years the chance to
learn soccer skills and grow as
individuals—all in an exciting,
fun-filled environment.
Why Choose
Lil’ Kickers at
Maracana Indoor
Sports Arena?
- Fun-Focused: Our classes are
wildly fun, making every session
something your child will look
forward to. - High-Energy Coaches: Our
enthusiastic coaches bring joy
and energy to every class,
ensuring your child is engaged
and excited. - Innovative Curriculum:
Based on child development
theories, our programs are
designed to help your child
grow both on and off the field. - Skill Development: From
learning colors and counting
to mastering soccer skills, our
classes cover it all. - Weekly Classes: Classes meet
weekly for 50 minutes of non-stop fun
and learning.
- 18 – 24 Month
- Parent participation.
- Focus: Group
learning and
sensory-motor
activities led
by our Coach.
- 2 – 3 Years
- Parent participation.
- Focus: Active
engagement
with the coach and
peers, fostering
early social skills.
- 2½ – 3½ Years
- Parent participation.
- Focus: Helping
preschoolers gain
some independence
while still having
parental support.
- 3 & 4 Years
- Focus: Fun,
engaging class
helping kids
learn to follow
directions with
ample guidance
from their coach.
- 3 & 4 Years
- Focus: Fun,
fast-paced
classes tailored
for children
with prior
experience
who are looking
for their next level.
- 5 & 6 Years
- Focus: Introduction
to organized soccer
for children who are
less competitive,
emphasizing fun and
basic soccer skill
development.
- 4 – 9 Years
- Focus: Designed for
kids who are more
competitive, with an
emphasis on soccer
fundamentals and
game-like situations.
What is Lil’ Kickers?
At Lil’ Kickers, our mission is simple: to inspire children to grow and thrive while having a blast learning soccer. Our carefully curated classes, led by high-energy coaches, are packed with creative games designed to help kids tackle important developmental milestones. Rooted in renowned child development theories, our innovative curriculum offers children ages 18 months to 9 years the chance to learn soccer skills and grow as individuals—all in an exciting, fun-filled environment.
Why Choose Lil’ Kickers at Maracana Indoor Sports Arena?
- Fun-Focused: Our classes are wildly fun, making every session something your child will look forward to.
- High-Energy Coaches: Our enthusiastic coaches bring joy and energy to every class, ensuring your child is engaged and excited.
- Innovative Curriculum: Based on child development theories, our programs are designed to help your child grow both on and off the field.
- Skill Development: From learning colors and counting to mastering soccer skills, our classes cover it all.
- Weekly Classes: Classes meet weekly for 50 minutes of non-stop fun and learning.
- 18 – 24 Month
- Parent participation.
- Focus: Group learning and sensory-motor activities led by our Coach.
- 2 – 3 Years
- Parent participation.
- Focus: Active engagement with the coach and peers, fostering early social skills.
- 2½ – 3½ Years
- Parent participation.
- Focus: Helping preschoolers gain some independence while still having parental support.
- 3 & 4 Years
- Focus: Fun, engaging class helping kids learn to follow directions with ample guidance from their coach.
- 3 & 4 Years
- Focus: Fun, fast-paced classes tailored for children with prior experience who are looking for their next level.
- 5 & 6 Years
- Focus: Introduction to organized soccer for children who are less competitive, emphasizing fun and basic soccer skill development.
- 4 – 9 Years
- Focus: Designed for kids who are more competitive, with an emphasis on soccer fundamentals and game-like situations.
What is Lil’ Kickers?
At Lil’ Kickers, our mission is simple: to help your child grow and thrive while having a blast. Our carefully curated classes, led by high-energy coaches, are packed with creative games designed to help kids tackle important developmental milestones. Rooted in renowned child development theories, our innovative curriculum offers children ages 18 months to 9 years the chance to learn soccer skills and grow as individuals—all in an exciting, fun-filled environment.
Why Choose Lil’ Kickers Maracana Indoor Sports Arena?
- Fun-Focused: Our classes are wildly fun, making every session something your child will look forward to.
- High-Energy Coaches: Our enthusiastic coaches bring joy and energy to every class, ensuring your child is engaged and excited.
- Innovative Curriculum: Based on child development theories, our programs are designed to help your child grow both on and off the field.
- Skill Development: From learning colors and counting to mastering soccer skills, our classes cover it all.
- Weekly Classes: Classes meet weekly for 50 minutes of non-stop fun and learning.
- 18 – 24 Month
- Parent participation.
- Focus: Group learning and sensory-motor activities led by our Coach.
- 2 – 3 Years
- Parent participation.
- Focus: Active engagement with the coach and peers, fostering early social skills.
- 2½ – 3½ Years
- Parent participation.
- Focus: Helping preschoolers gain some independence while still having parental support.
- 3 & 4 Years
- Focus: Fun, engaging class helping kids learn to follow directions with ample guidance from their coach.
- 3 & 4 Years
- Focus: Fun, fast-paced classes tailored for children with prior experience who are looking for their next level.
- 5 & 6 Years
- Focus: Introduction to organized soccer for children who are less competitive, emphasizing fun and basic soccer skill development.
- 4 – 9 Years
- Focus: Designed for kids who are more competitive, with an emphasis on soccer fundamentals and game-like situations.
“All 3 of our kids have been
in Lil’ Kickers because they
love it, and because we
could see them growing in
skill and confidence.”
~ Jenny C.
“All 3 of our kids have been in Lil’ Kickers
because they love it, and because we
could see them growing in
skill and confidence.”
~ Jenny C.
“All 3 of our kids have been in Lil’ Kickers because they love it,
and because we could see them growing in skill and confidence.
~ Jenny C.
What is Skills Institute?
In the Skills Institute program, our goal is
to educate, develop, and inspire all while
having fun. Our program is specially
designed for kids ages 5 – 12 years old
who love the game of soccer and want to improve
their skills. Rooted in child development
theory, our classes are not just about
soccer—they’re about helping children grow
and succeed both on and off the field.
Why Choose
Skills Institute at
Maracana Indoor
Sports Arena?
- Tailored Curriculum: We offer
a personalized approach to teaching
fundamental soccer skills in a
proven weekly model. - Age-Appropriate Soccer Instruction:
Our curriculum is structured to
meet the developmental needs of
children, ensuring they get the
right challenges at the right time. - Small Player-to-Coach Ratio:
With a low ratio, each child gets
the attention they need to learn
and thrive. - Holistic Development: Kids
gain technical, tactical, physical,
and social skills during each class. - Fun Environment: Our classes
are fast-paced and engaging,
making learning safe and enjoyable. - More Touches on the Ball:
Small-sided games mean more
interaction and faster skill
development for each player.
Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12
Focus: Basic fundamentals like
dribbling, passing, and attacking with numbers.
Milestones: Players learn
to follow multi-step directions
and stay engaged for the full class duration.
Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12
Focus: Advanced Dribbling, Ball Control,
Finishing, & Attacking progressions.
Milestones: Players maintain ball control,
pass accurately, and respond well to coaching.
Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12
Focus: 2v2 – 3v2 Progression,
Possession & Advanced Attacking.
Milestones: Players make strategic
decisions, communicate effectively,
and show an increased Soccer IQ.
What is Skills Institute?
In the Skills Institute program, our goal is to educate, develop, and inspire all while having fun. Our program is specially designed for kids ages 5 – 12 years old who love the game of soccer and want to improve their skills. Rooted in child development theory, our classes are not just about soccer—they’re about helping children grow and succeed both on and off the field.
Why Choose Skills Institute at Maracana Indoor Sports Arena?
- Tailored Curriculum: We offer a personalized approach to teaching fundamental soccer skills in a proven weekly model.
- Age-Appropriate Soccer Instruction: Our curriculum is structured to meet the developmental needs of children, ensuring they get the right challenges at the right time.
- Small Player-to-Coach Ratio: With a low ratio, each child gets the attention they need to learn and thrive.
- Holistic Development: Kids gain technical, tactical, physical, and social skills during each class.
- Fun Environment: Our classes are fast-paced and engaging, making learning safe and enjoyable.
- More Touches on the Ball: Small-sided games mean more interaction and faster skill development for each player.
- Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12
- Focus: Basic fundamentals like
dribbling, passing, and attacking
with numbers. - Milestones: Players learn to
follow multi-step directions and
stay engaged for the full
class duration.
- Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12
- Focus: Advanced Dribbling,
Ball Control, Finishing, &
Attacking progressions. - Milestones: Players maintain
ball control, pass accurately,
and respond well to coaching.
- Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12
- Focus: 2v2 – 3v2 Progression,
Possession, & Advanced Attacking.
Milestones: Players make
strategic decisions, communicate
effectively, and show an increased
Soccer IQ.
What is Skills Institute?
In the Skills Institute program, our goal is to educate, develop, and inspire all while having fun. Our program is specially designed for kids ages 5 – 12 years old who love the game of soccer and want to improve their skills. Rooted in child development theory, our classes are not just about soccer—they’re about helping children grow and succeed both on and off the field.
Why Choose Skills Institute at Maracana Indoor Sports Arena?
- Tailored Curriculum: We offer a personalized approach to teaching fundamental soccer skills in a proven weekly model.
- Age-Appropriate Soccer Instruction: Our curriculum is structured to meet the developmental needs of children, ensuring they get the right challenges at the right time.
- Small Player-to-Coach Ratio: With a low ratio, each child gets the attention they need to learn and thrive.
- Holistic Development: Kids gain technical, tactical, physical, and social skills during each class.
- Fun Environment: Our classes are fast-paced and engaging, making learning safe and enjoyable
- More Touches on the Ball: Small-sided games mean more interaction and faster skill development for each player.
- Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12
- Focus: Basic fundamentals like dribbling, passing, and attacking with numbers.
- Milestones: Players learn to follow multi-step directions and stay engaged for the full class duration.
- Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12
- Focus: Advanced Dribbling, Ball Control, Finishing, & Attacking progressions.
- Milestones: Players maintain ball control, pass accurately, and respond well to coaching.
- Ages 5/6, 7/8, 9-12
- Focus: 2v2 – 3v2 Progression, Possession, & Advanced Attacking.
- Milestones: Players make strategic decisions, communicate effectively, and show an increased Soccer IQ.
“They LOVE the imaginative
games that are teaching
soccer skills without them
realizing it. They love their
coaches & look forward to
soccer every week!”
~ Lindsey B.
“They LOVE the imaginative games
that are teaching soccer skills without
them realizing it. They love their
coaches & look forward to soccer every week!”
~ Lindsey B.
“They LOVE the imaginative games that are teaching soccer skills
without them realizing it. They love their coaches & look forward
to soccer every week!”
~ Lindsey B.
About This Location
Maracana Indoor Sports Arena was
established in 2010 by Mladen Kozak,
a Bosnian refugee and American citizen.
Although Mladen studied to work as an
electrical engineer, his love for sports
and childhood playing volleyball and
soccer through family tradition inspired
a change in his plans. His grandfather,
Stanislav Kozak, played for FK Sarajevo
and the Yugoslavian National Soccer team.
In 2009, Mladen recognized Tucson’s need
for indoor turf fields for soccer and other
field sports. Driven by his passion for soccer
and community, and his vision to create a
place where families and friends can lead
active lives through sports, Mladen, together
with his wife Jess Zeitler, established
Maracana Indoor Sports Arena.
Jess Zeitler-Kozak, a faculty member at the
University of Arizona and a learning experience
designer, is a former collegiate long-distance
runner and a lifelong athlete. She has training
in exercise science, learning science, and
curriculum development. Since moving to Tucson
in 2006, she has been an active part of the local
soccer and running communities.
Today, Mladen and Jess run Maracana Indoor
Sports Arena, a 28,000 square ft. facility featuring
one large turf field (150×60 ft) for various field sports
and two Padel courts (66×33 ft), bringing both
field and racket sports indoors. These multi-sport
Padel courts are ideal for youth soccer (U10),
volleyball, and other activities.
In addition to adult and youth soccer leagues,
Padel open play and leagues, and youth soccer
classes, Maracana offers birthday party and event
rentals, as well as youth soccer camps.
Maracana Indoor Sports Arena was established in 2010 by Mladen Kozak, a
Bosnian refugee and American citizen. Although Mladen studied to work as
an electrical engineer, his love for sports and childhood playing volleyball and
soccer through family tradition inspired a change in his plans. His grandfather,
Stanislav Kozak, played for FK Sarajevo and the Yugoslavian National Soccer team.
In 2009, Mladen recognized Tucson’s need for indoor turf fields for soccer and
other field sports. Driven by his passion for soccer and community, and his vision
to create a place where families and friends can lead active lives through sports,
Mladen, together with his wife Jess Zeitler, established Maracana Indoor Sports Arena.
Jess Zeitler-Kozak, a faculty member at the University of Arizona and a learning
experience designer, is a former collegiate long-distance runner and a lifelong athlete.
She has training in exercise science, learning science, and curriculum development.
Since moving to Tucson in 2006, she has been an active part of the local soccer and
running communities.
Today, Mladen and Jess run Maracana Indoor Sports Arena, a 28,000 square ft. facility
featuring one large turf field (150×60 ft) for various field sports and two Padel courts (66×33 ft),
bringing both field and racket sports indoors. These multi-sport Padel courts are ideal
for youth soccer (U10), volleyball, and other activities.
In addition to adult and youth soccer leagues, Padel open play and leagues, and youth
soccer classes, Maracana offers birthday party and event rentals, as well as
youth soccer camps.
Maracana Indoor Sports Arena
555 E. 18th St.
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-235-7094
Programs offered: Lil’ Kickers
About This Location
Maracana Indoor Sports Arena was established in 2010 by Mladen Kozak, a Bosnian refugee and American citizen. Although Mladen studied to work as an electrical engineer, his love for sports and childhood playing volleyball and soccer through family tradition inspired a change in his plans. His grandfather, Stanislav Kozak, played for FK Sarajevo and the Yugoslavian National Soccer team.
In 2009, Mladen recognized Tucson’s need for indoor turf fields for soccer and other field sports. Driven by his passion for soccer and community, and his vision to create a place where families and friends can lead active lives through sports, Mladen, together with his wife Jess Zeitler, established Maracana Indoor Sports Arena.
Jess Zeitler-Kozak, a faculty member at the University of Arizona and a learning experience designer, is a former collegiate long-distance runner and a lifelong athlete. She has training in exercise science, learning science, and curriculum development. Since moving to Tucson in 2006, she has been an active part of the local soccer and running communities.
Today, Mladen and Jess run Maracana Indoor Sports Arena, a 28,000 square ft. facility featuring one large turf field (150×60 ft) for various field sports and two Padel courts (66×33 ft), bringing both field and racket sports indoors. These multi-sport Padel courts are ideal for youth soccer (U10), volleyball, and other activities.
In addition to adult and youth soccer leagues, Padel open play and leagues, and youth soccer classes, Maracana offers birthday party and event rentals, as well as youth soccer camps.
Maracana Indoor Sports Arena
555 E. 18th St.
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-235-7094
Programs offered: Lil’ Kickers
