An indoor soccer franchise focused on youth development is preparing to kick off its first Massachusetts location.
KidsUnited is gearing up to open at 125 Church Street, Unit 100 in Pembroke‘s RK North River Plaza, according to a social media update from real estate development firm RK Centers. The franchise also has two additional Massachusetts locations in the works in Woburn and Walpole, though specific details about those outposts have not yet been announced.
Founded in 2018, KidsUnited currently operates more than 60 locations across the United States and Canada, serving over 10,000 members. The franchise combines soccer instruction with early childhood development, offering structured programs for children ages 18 months to 9 years. Through age-appropriate activities and coaching, young players work on everything from basic motor skills and coordination to teamwork, leadership, and decision-making.
One of the concept’s defining features is its climate-controlled indoor facilities, which give children a place to play and learn throughout the year, regardless of the weather. The studios also provide a setting for parents and children to participate together, particularly through the franchise’s youngest programs.
KidsUnited organizes its curriculum into three levels, each designed around a child’s age and developing abilities. The Foundation program (ages 1.5 to 3.5) includes Parent & Me classes that use soccer to introduce movement and encourage important early milestones. The Fundamental program (ages 3.5 to 9) builds on those early skills, gradually introducing more advanced techniques and challenges. For children ready to take their game to the next level, the Advanced program (ages 4.5 to 9) focuses on technical development, field awareness, and cognitive decision-making.
KidsUnited’s approach goes beyond teaching soccer fundamentals, with an emphasis on helping children develop confidence, perseverance, leadership, and teamwork along the way.
“In our state-of-the-art indoor facility, our small-format classes [are] led by two highly trained coaches,” said franchisee Joe Leahy, who will operate the Pembroke location. “KidsUnited welcomes students of all skill levels to join their classes – no soccer experience required. We also provide one-on-one individualized feedback to parents after every class so you always know how your child is progressing at soccer and life skills!”
Leahy told What Now Boston that the team is currently building out the facility and hopes to celebrate its grand opening in February or March 2027, though an exact opening date has not yet been set.
