When Justin Fajota started Hawaii Kickstart Soccer, he wasn’t trying to create just another rec program—he was trying to build something better for the youngest athletes on the island.
As a father of three daughters (ages 3, 5, and 7), Justin had seen the early childhood sports scene firsthand. “A lot of times, people think, ‘These are just 4-year-olds—anyone can do it,’” he says. “That’s not true. We felt that building a strong foundation for kids at this age was really important.”
That focus—on ages 4 to 8—is what sets Hawaii Kickstart Soccer apart. In a world where many sports leagues cater to older kids, Justin’s program creates a dedicated space for the youngest players to build confidence, coordination, and love for the game in a safe, inclusive environment.
“By the time kids are 8, they usually know if they want to keep going with a sport,” Justin says. “So we make sure they have a great start.”
Discovering the Right Fit with MLS GO
In 2023, while researching options for a preschool rec program, Justin discovered MLS GO and immediately saw the fit.
“There was structure, resources, and support, and it was designed for this exact age range,” he says.
Backed by his own soccer background and a community of dedicated parent coaches, Hawaii Kickstart Soccer launched with 80 kids in Mililani, Oahu. Now nearing its first full year, the league has doubled in size—but Justin has intentionally kept it limited to maintain quality.
“We limit the program to keep a six-to-one player-to-coach ratio. For the younger ones, it’s four-to-one,” he explains. “We want every kid to feel seen and supported.”
A League That Feels Like Family
Ask Justin what makes his program special, and he’ll say one word: community.
“When people think ‘community,’ this is as much community as you can get,” he says. “I dropped off my daughter this morning, and every kid was saying, ‘Hi, Coach Justin.’ You go to the grocery store and see the kids who play. The grandparents come to games. The families know each other. That’s what we’re trying to build.”
That sense of belonging is woven into every detail of the program, from the weekly format (one practice, one game) to how teams are coached.
“All of us coaches wear the same shirts and we coach together—no one’s trying to coach against each other,” he says. “At this age, they don’t even know the score. There’s no need to push that.”
Preschool-Inspired Coaching That Works
Hawaii Kickstart Soccer focuses on fun, development, and repetition. The first 15 minutes of every practice are always the same, helping kids feel comfortable and ready to learn. Coaches use bright visuals, small groups, and constant movement—skills Justin picked up from running a preschool program on the side.
“I mimic what preschool teachers do: colors, dots, short lines, always keeping a ball at their feet so they don’t get distracted,” he says. “If you can keep their attention, they’ll surprise you with how much they can learn.”
Many of the techniques Justin uses are also supported in the MLS GO PLAYBOOK, particularly for the U4–U5 and U6–U7 age groups. The PLAYBOOK encourages small-sided games like 3v3 and offers practical tips for keeping young players engaged, such as using visuals, working in small groups, and creating consistent routines.
The Inflatable Field Everyone Loves
One of the most unique features of Hawaii Kickstart Soccer? The inflatable soccer field.
“It’s worth it,” Justin laughs. “We play half our games in the inflatable—it creates this bounce-house effect that kids love. They’re always moving. We only stop when the ball goes out of bounds.”
The field size is small by design—games are played 3v3 or 4v4—which means more touches, more engagement, and more fun.
“If there are 10 kids and one ball, only one kid’s getting it,” Justin says. “But if it’s 3v3, they’re all involved. They’re smart—they know when they’re not getting the ball. And if they’re not engaged, they’ll stop trying.”
Justin’s approach mirrors what the research confirms: kids under six thrive in low-pressure, high-repetition environments. Research from the Aspen Institute’s Project Play shows that small-sided games and creative play help build motor skills, boost confidence, and increase long-term participation.
Looking Ahead to Year Two
With 160 players and over 20 active parent coaches, Hawaii Kickstart Soccer is thriving in its current capacity—but Justin’s already thinking ahead.
“We’re planning to open more sites in year two,” he says. “We want the older kids to keep playing without facing the same 10 or 12 kids every week. We want them to experience real competition—not travel ball, but just enough to feel the next level.”
Still, the heart of the league will always be the same: a high-quality, fun-first experience that gives kids the tools—and the love—for the game.
“If we can bridge the gap between fun and development, and make sure kids feel excited to come back? That’s the goal,” Justin says.
About Hawaii Kickstart Soccer
Hawaii Kickstart Soccer is powered by MLS GO, a recreational soccer program, and serves children ages 4–8 with a focus on skill development, fun, and community. The program includes weekly practices, weekend games, and coaching from experienced volunteers who love the game—and the kids.
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Let’s GO play!
