GENESEE COUNTY -- Kicking around ideas about how to keep the little ones busy this summer? Midwest Soccer Academy in Fenton has a couple of options.

Little Kritters, for children ages 2 to 4 and Junior Kritters for 5-8, are innovative programs that introduce children to the sport of soccer. Sessions are starting up at two local parks next week. Programs are hosted by AYSO 417 and AYSO 169. Little Kritters and Junior Kritters sessions feature 20 minutes of skills, 20 minutes of games and 20 minutes of scrimmage.

"The goal of these programs is to provide a fun, holistic approach to each child's educational, physical and communication development using soccer as the tool," said Staci Miracle, district manager for the Little Kritters program.

Little Kritters is being offered at:

* Deer Run Soccer Complex, 16021 S. Linden Road, Linden, 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 8.

*Bicentennial Park, 1505 E. Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, 6-7 p.m. Thursdays,  July 12, 19, 26, and August 2, 9.

Junior Kritters locations and times are:

* Deer Run Soccer Complex, 16021 S. Linden Road, Linden, 7:15-8:15 p.m. Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 8.

* Bicentennial Park, 1505 E. Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, 7:15- 8:15 p.m. Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26, and August 2, 9

The cost for new Kritters is $75, and participants receive an outdoor soccer ball. Returning Kritters pay $70, which does not include a soccer ball.

For details or to register online for Little or Junior Kritters Soccer classes, go to www.littlekritterssoccer.com and click the Register button.

For additional information, email littlekritters@midwestsoccer.net or call (810) 714-5575.