Next Play Soccer · Long Island, NY
Small Group Soccer Training on Long Island, NY
Focused coaching for youth players in groups of 4–6. Work on your first touch, decisions and confidence with teammates and opponents in game-like situations, while your coach can still see the details of your game.
The format
More involvement than a full team practice
Small group training sits between individual coaching and a team session. Players receive direct feedback while they pass, receive, attack and defend against other players. The point is to practice a skill and then use it when the picture changes.
We consider age, experience and goals when discussing the right group. Tell us about your player and we will confirm the current location, schedule, session length and pricing before you commit.
On the field
What players work on in small groups
The focus follows the players' needs. Technical repetitions lead into decisions under pressure and situations they recognize from a match.
First touch & ball mastery
Receive with an open body shape, prepare the next action and keep control in tighter spaces.
Passing & movement
Pass with purpose, scan for options and move to support a teammate after releasing the ball.
1v1 attacking & defending
Choose when to take on an opponent, protect the ball and defend with better timing and position.
Shooting & finishing
Work on striking technique, movement into space and choosing the right moment to finish.
Scanning & decisions
Recognize pressure earlier, adjust the speed of play and make the next choice with more confidence.
Small-sided play
Use the skills in competitive, game-realistic sequences rather than ending the work at an isolated drill.
The Next Play approach
Practice the detail. Read the game. Apply it.
In a group of 4–6, the coach can correct an individual action without removing the interaction that makes soccer challenging. A receiving exercise, for example, can progress from first-touch technique to finding a teammate while an opponent closes space.
That makes this format useful for players who want supplemental work alongside club or school soccer, more ball contacts, and practice making decisions at match speed.
Meet Next Play's coaches →
Choosing a format
Small group, 1-on-1 or team training?
Each format has a different job. The best fit depends on what a player needs next.
| Format | Best for | How the work feels |
|---|---|---|
| Small group | Players who want individual feedback and live interaction with others | 4–6 players; technical work followed by pressure, combinations and small-sided decisions |
| 1-on-1 soccer training | A player with a specific personal priority who benefits from the coach's full attention | One player and one coach; pace and feedback shaped around that player |
| Team practice | Working on the team's collective patterns and match plan | Larger roster; shared objectives, roles and full team situations |
Who it suits
Built for players ready to take the next step
Small groups can help a young player build a technical foundation or give a travel, club or school player extra practice in the actions they face during games. Players preparing for tryouts can focus on first actions, 1v1 moments and quicker choices under pressure.
- Youth players developing control and confidence around others.
- Travel and competitive players seeking purposeful work between team sessions.
- Friends or teammates who want to inquire about training together, subject to appropriate age, level and availability.
For a broader overview of age-appropriate options, see soccer training for kids in Long Island.
A purposeful session
How a small group session works
01. Set the focus
The coach considers the group and the skill or game situation the players need to work on.
02. Get repetitions
Players practice the technical action with feedback and a clear reason for doing it.
03. Add pressure
Partners, opponents and changing space make players scan and adjust their choices.
04. Apply it
Competitive sequences connect the work to team practice and match day.
Coaching experience
Guided by people who know the game
Next Play Soccer was founded by Nico Serolini. His player development background and master's degree in Sports Data Analytics and Result Measurement shape a practical coaching question: what should the player improve, and how will it help in a game?
Meet Nico and the coaches, see their backgrounds and learn more about Next Play's approach on the coaching team page. The coach assigned to a session depends on availability.
Local training
Small group soccer training on Long Island
Next Play works with players from Nassau and Suffolk counties. The exact training location depends on the group and current availability.
Nassau County families
Share your town, the player's age and level, and the days that work for you. We will discuss an appropriate group and confirm the practical location.
Suffolk County families
Tell us whether your player is training for technical development, competitive play or an upcoming tryout, along with your preferred schedule.
Training with friends?
Let us know how many players you have, their ages and playing levels. We will confirm whether a suitable small group can be arranged.
Getting started
Ask about current small group options
The page currently offers a single session and 4- and 8-session options. Ask for current pricing, availability, session length and location before choosing.
4 sessions
Build consistency with repeated practice and feedback over several sessions.
Request details →8 sessions
Make space for regular small group work alongside the player's team training.
Request details →Options are shown as currently described on this page; their availability and terms are confirmed when you inquire.
Parent questions
Before your player joins a group
How many players train in a small group?
The program is described as 4–6 players per group. Tell us the player's age and level so we can discuss a suitable group.
What ages and skill levels can join?
Next Play works with youth players at different stages. Groups should make sense for a player's age, experience and goals; send those details when you inquire so we can discuss the right fit.
How is this different from private 1-on-1 training?
In a small group, players receive coaching while also responding to teammates and opponents. In 1-on-1 training, the entire session is centered on one player's individual priority.
Can my child use small group training to prepare for tryouts?
Yes, ask about a group that fits your player's age and level. The work can include first touch, 1v1 actions, movement and decisions under pressure. Share the tryout date when you contact us.
Where and when does training take place?
Next Play serves Long Island players from Nassau and Suffolk counties. Current training location, days, indoor or outdoor setting and session duration are confirmed with you before scheduling.
How much does small group soccer training cost?
Pricing is not listed here. Tell us the player's age, level and preferred schedule and ask for the current price and available options.
Can friends or teammates train together?
Tell us how many players are interested and share their ages and playing levels. We will let you know whether an appropriate 4–6 player group can be arranged.
Your next play
Ask about small group training
Share the player's age, playing level, town, training goal and preferred days. We will discuss the right group, location, availability and pricing.
Explore all training programs if you are comparing formats.