5.3 / 10 (based on 137 reviews)
The series is about a group of girls on a soccer team set in New York City.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family, Sport
Main Cast: Francesca Catalano, Jessica Williams, Jerad Anderson, Craig Robert Young
Creators: Whoopi Goldberg, Alana Sanko
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 14 episodes, 30-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Just for Kicks (2006)
How to Rock (2012)
5.3 / 10 (based on 1579 reviews)
When Kacey Simon gets kicked out of the ‘Perfs,’ she joins a new band called ‘Gravity 5’ and starts a rivalry between the two acts of who will be the number one group.
Genre: Comedy, Family, Musical
Main Cast: Cymphonique Miller, Samantha Boscarino, Max Schneider, Lulu Antariksa
Creators: Jim O’Doherty, David Israel
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 25 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Robot and Monster (2012)
5.8 / 10 (based on 2046 reviews)
Two best friends, Robot and Monster, live together and have adventures while solving and avoiding problems.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family
Main Cast: Harland Williams, Curtis Armstrong, Jonathan Slavin, Maurice LaMarche
Creators: Dave Pressler, Joshua Sternin, Jennifer Ventimilia
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 26 episodes
Star Falls (2018)
5.3 / 10 (based on 175 reviews)
Star Falls follows teen Sophia who persuades a Hollywood star, Craig Brooks, and his family to live in her house while he shoots a movie in town, hoping that he’ll fall in love with her mom.
Genre: Comedy, Family
Main Cast: Dion Johnstone, Elena V. Wolfe, Tomaso Sanelli, Siena Agudong
Creators: George Doty IV
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 20 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
The Other Kingdom (2016)
5.6 / 10 (based on 309 reviews)
A Fairy Princess has to choose between being a fairy princess or becoming human, as she is set to inherit the crown of her royal kingdom of Athenia.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Main Cast: Adam Peddle, Celina Martin, Josette Halpert, Taylor Adams
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 20 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
In the landscape of teen and pre-teen television programming, few shows manage to strike a balance between the drama of adolescence and the universal appeal of team sports. “Just for Kicks,” which premiered in 2006, is one of those rare gems that not only captured the essence of growing up but also the passion and challenges of being part of a soccer team. This show, although not as widely recognized as some of its contemporaries, has left a lasting impression on its audience for its realistic portrayal of friendship, competition, and personal growth.
The Premise
At its core, “Just for Kicks” follows four teenage girls – Alexa, Freddie, Lauren, and Vida – who are brought together by their love for soccer. Set in Brooklyn, New York, the show dives into the lives of these diverse characters, each with her own unique background and challenges, both on and off the soccer field. The premise is simple yet effective, focusing on the day-to-day struggles of balancing school, family, and sports. However, it’s the execution of this premise that sets “Just for Kicks” apart from other shows with similar themes.
Character Depth and Diversity
One of the show’s strongest points is its commitment to character development and diversity. The main characters are not just stereotypes or caricatures; they are fully fleshed-out individuals with distinct personalities, dreams, and problems.
- Alexa, the team captain, is not just a natural leader but also deals with the pressure of living up to her family’s expectations.
- Freddie is the new girl, struggling to fit in and find her place in the team while dealing with homesickness.
- Lauren is the fashionista and the seemingly typical “girly girl,” yet she surprises everyone with her fierce competitiveness and dedication to soccer.
- Vida is the brainy one, constantly trying to balance her academic ambitions with her love for the sport.
This diversity in characters allows the show to explore various themes and issues that resonate with a wide audience, from the pressure of high expectations to the challenges of fitting in and finding one’s identity.
Realistic Portrayal of Teen Issues
“Just for Kicks” doesn’t shy away from tackling real issues that teens face. From dealing with parental divorce to the stress of competitive sports, the show presents these problems in a way that is both respectful and realistic. It doesn’t offer easy solutions or wrap up complex issues in neat bows by the end of each episode. Instead, it shows the characters working through their problems, sometimes succeeding, other times failing, but always growing.
For example, in one episode, the team faces the possibility of being disbanded due to budget cuts. This storyline not only highlights the importance of extracurricular activities in schools but also shows how the characters come together to fight for something they believe in. It’s a testament to the show’s commitment to portraying the power of teamwork and community.
The Soccer Aspect
Of course, at the heart of “Just for Kicks” is soccer. The show does an excellent job of capturing the excitement and intensity of the sport. The soccer scenes are well-shot and choreographed, making them a joy to watch for both soccer fans and those new to the game. Moreover, the show emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship, values that are important both on and off the field.
The portrayal of a girls’ soccer team also serves as an inspiration and encouragement for young girls interested in sports. At a time when female athletes are still fighting for equal recognition and opportunities, “Just for Kicks” showcases the talent, strength, and determination of its female characters, proving that they can stand toe-to-toe with anyone on the field.
Legacy and Impact
While “Just for Kicks” only lasted for one season, its impact has been lasting. For those who watched it during their formative years, the show was more than just entertainment; it was a source of inspiration and comfort. It showed them that it’s okay to be passionate about something, to struggle, and to persevere. It taught lessons about friendship, teamwork, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
The show also paved the way for more sports-centric and female-led programming in children’s and teen television. It proved that there was an audience for stories about young women excelling in sports and dealing with everyday issues, inspiring future shows to explore similar themes.
Conclusion
“Just for Kicks” may not have had a long run, but its impact is undeniable. It combined the drama of teenage life with the thrill of competitive sports in a way that was both entertaining and meaningful. Through its diverse and relatable characters, it tackled real issues and offered valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of following one’s passion.
For those who grew up watching it, “Just for Kicks” remains a beloved memory, a show that captured the highs and lows of adolescence and the unifying power of sports. And for those who are discovering it now, it offers a timeless message of friendship, determination, and the joy of playing the game, both on the soccer field and in life.