HappyFeet Training Center Opens in Waukee; Fall Registration Now Available

If your little kicker didn't attend a daycare or preschool program, then they probably didn't get the chance to experience HappyFeet soccer.

Until now, that is. 

Dan and Hallie Wells, owners of the soccer franchise in Des Moines, have just announced the opening of the HappyFeet Training Center in Waukee.

The new location at 125 N.E. Venture Dr., will allow children who either don't attend or are no longer attending a HappyFeet school to participate in the program.

Classes will be conducted at the new facility on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and evenings and are open to children ages 2 to 6.

is a 30 minute clinic conducted by skilled coaches who use everything from nursery rhymes, songs, stories and games with a soccer ball (known in the HappyFeet world as "Bob the Bobcat") to teach the basics of the game and encourage physical activity.

HappyFeet originated in the Kansas City area in 2006 with founders Andy Barney and Scott Gaither offering mobile clinics at child-care centers and preschools in the metro. There are now more than 45 cities across the United States with a HappyFeet franchise.

HappyFeet Des Moines launched here in June 2011 after Dan Wells, a former coach, goalkeeper and longtime soccer player, found there just weren't a lot of options for the littlest kickers.

To register for fall classes at the training center, visit the HappyFeet website.

HappyFeet is also conducting soccer leagues this fall. The league for ages 2.5 to 5 will meet on Sunday afternoons at the Living Faith Church, 2180 N.W. 142nd St., in Clive.

The Future Legends league for ages 6 to 8 will also meet at Living Faith on Sunday afternoons.

The registration deadline for both leagues is Aug. 17. Both programs run from Sept. 10 to Oct. 22. Registration forms can also be found at right.