Author: feature3a

Pre-school football classes are not only where your tots score goals, but you, dear parent, can score some serious wellbeing points too. 

It’s a win-win situation, and here are the reasons why.

Stress reduction: Give yourself a break

First things first – parenting can be a marathon of meetings, school runs, and deadlines. Childrens football classes will give you that much needed pause in your demanding routine. 

Taking some time away from work and daily chores to immerse yourself in something completely unrelated can work wonders for your wellbeing.

Imagine this: you’re on the sidelines, watching your little one giggle, kick a ball, and make friends. All those work worries and to-do lists melt away, if only for a little while. It’s a stress reduction technique that doesn’t involve spa days or meditation (although those are great too) – it’s the pure, unadulterated joy of watching your child having fun.

Social interaction: You’re not alone

Let’s talk about the social scene – or lack thereof – in the lives of working parents. Between drop-offs, meetings and dinner prep, it can feel like you’re on a deserted island, far from the shores of any adult social interaction. 

A toddler football club is like an oasis in this social desert.

While your little ones are busy learning social skills in the class, you have the chance to connect with other parents. You’re all in the same boat – juggling kids, work, and life’s little curveballs. The parents you meet in these classes can relate to your daily struggles, share parenting tips, and become your support network.  

Quality time: Bonding beyond the chaos

Amid the chaos of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending list of tasks. But kids football classes offer something precious: quality time with your little one. It’s a chance for bonding experiences and special memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Picture this: you and your toddler, side by side, chasing a football or cheering on their first mini-goal. These are the moments that create strong parent-child bonds. They remind you that amidst the chaos, you’re building memories together, one kick at a time.

Learn and grow: Insights into child development

Parents are constantly learning on the job. And let me tell you, toddler football classes are a goldmine of insights into child development. Watching the coaches interact with the kids, you’ll discover new ways to engage and nurture your child’s growth.

You’ll witness firsthand how coaches encourage teamwork, communication, and motor skills development in young children. These observations can translate into valuable parenting strategies that enhance your relationship with your little one and help them thrive.

Feel a sense of achievement: Celebrate milestones

Bringing up kids is the hardest and most rewarding job in the world. But let’s face it, there are days when you wonder if all your efforts are making a difference. That’s where pre-school football classes come in as a confidence booster for parents.

When you see your child scoring their first goal or confidently dribbling the ball, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that’s unmatched. It’s tangible evidence that your hard work as a parent is paying off, and that emotional reward can boost your overall sense of achievement.

Healthy lifestyle: Early lessons stick

Here’s a nugget of wisdom: teaching kids about healthy and active lifestyles while they’re still knee-high to a grasshopper means you won’t have to wage an uphill battle later on. Toddler football training introduces your child to physical activity in a fun and exciting way.

By seeing their parents participating in these activities, kids learn that being active is not a chore but a source of enjoyment. It sets the stage for a lifelong love of physical fitness, and you, as a parent, play a crucial role in modelling these healthy habits.

Structure and routine: Setting the foundation

Introducing structure and routine in your child’s life when they’re very young can pay dividends for the whole family. Childrens football classes offer a structured environment where your child learns to follow instructions, manage their time, and engage in organised activities.

And here’s the bonus – this structured routine extends to your life too. You’ll find that you become more organised and better at scheduling your time as you manage work, family, and football practice. 

Feel part of your local community: Connect and belong

Being a locally run company, we at SoccerDays know the importance of community. 

Engaging with your local community is not just good for your wellbeing; it keeps you grounded with a sense of belonging. Pre-school football classes offer the perfect opportunity to connect and build those community bonds.

You’ll meet parents from diverse backgrounds, all coming together for a common goal – supporting their children’s growth and development. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone in this journey of parenthood, and your community is here to cheer you on.

Pre-school football classes are more than just a weekend activity; they’re a win-win for your family’s wellbeing, and they’re right in your community. So lace up those trainers, grab your little one’s hand, and get ready to score some goals!

Got a question? Get in touch

If you want to know anything else about our football classes, or to share your experience of a SoccerDays football session, you can call us on 01268 410680 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, drop us an email at info@soccerdays.co.uk, or use this contact form and we’ll get back to you as fast as possible. 

Many kids enjoy playing football, but does your little one want to do more than kick a ball around the garden or the local park? Bring them to a SoccerDays toddler football session.

Toddler football training can be a great way for children to have fun and make new friends. It can also lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle, while also supporting their social and physical development.

Of course there are a few questions to be answered before signing up. Here are our 10 tips to ensure your youngster gets the most out of a toddler football training session.

Is it age-appropriate?

Toddlers have different developmental needs than older children, so it’s important to find football training designed for how old they are. At Soccerdays, we have three classes that are specifically tailored to the needs of the age group they cover.

Is it conveniently close?

We make it as simple as possible to take your toddler to a football training session by holding them across the region. Check out our map to find your nearest class. 

Are the coaches qualified?

Absolutely. SoccerDays’ directors have more than 30 years’ experience of teaching sport to young children. We have coaches who are Football Association qualified and have undergone an enhanced DBS (CRB) check and we provide two coaches for each class.

What are the equipment and facilities like?

We hold our toddler football training sessions at selected school sports halls or gymnasiums in the region, so we know they are clean and fit for purpose. We only ever use equipment that is suitable for the children in each class. 

Is a football kit provided?

We recommend children wear sports clothes and trainers when they come for our free taster session. If you sign up to our toddler football classes, the registration fee includes a football shirt, shorts and socks.

What do the toddlers learn?

First and foremost, our football sessions are about having fun, so the children learn to relax and have a good time at each class! As well as lots of games, each tailored group focuses on developmental goals that evolve as they grow older, from controlling their body movements to sophisticated football skills, such as dribbling, passing and shooting.

What’s the atmosphere like?

The best way for your child to find out if they like our toddler football sessions is to try one. That’s why we offer a free, 45-minute trial. They get to have some fun, while parents can see for themselves what SoccerDays offers.

Is it a competitive environment?

The main aim of a SoccerDays toddler football training session is for everyone to have a great time. Our coaches focus on developing the children’s skills, both physical and social, rather than competition. Football is a team sport, after all.

Can the parents stay?

Yes, in fact we request they stay on the premises to observe their children. For very little ones attending their first toddler football training session, knowing mum or dad is on the sidelines can help them settle. It’s also good for the older children, who love to show off their developing skills!

What do the other parents say?

We welcome all constructive feedback and ideas at SoccerDays. We’re thrilled to say the vast majority of parents who bring their children to our toddler football sessions are delighted, and happily share their views about us on social media and our website.

Book a free trial session

Forget kicking a ball around the park in grim weather. Come and join in the fun at a SoccerDays session!

Your toddler can make friends and play games, all while boosting their social and physical development. Find your nearest location and book your free trial here.

Contact us

Alternatively if you have any questions, you can email us at info@soccerdays.co.uk, or fill in this contact form and a member of our team will get back to you straight away.

We know the joy young children get from being able to kick a ball about, play games and have fun with their friends – we see it all the time at our football sessions. 

Each one is packed with lively games and tasks: there’s noise, laughter and lots and lots of fun. But we also know there’s a lot more going on than a group of kids having a good time. 

The age of five can be a critical one for many youngsters, that’s why our football classes are designed to support them in so many ways. 

Football training for each age group

At SoccerDays, we offer three classes that are designed for children aged from two to seven years, whether they have any football skills or not. 

Each one features games and challenges that are specifically aimed at helping them develop physically, mentally and socially. 

The Orange and Red classes cater to five year old girls and boys, many of which, by this stage, are able to skip, jump and hop while also maintaining a good balance. 

Under the watchful eyes of our vetted coaches, children attending our football sessions are able to hone and improve these motor skills at their own pace.

Beyond basic football skills

Our sessions don’t just provide a chance for children to play football. They’re also a great way to support their growth and development. 

For example: most of the five year old girls and boys in our Orange class are more aware of their surroundings. They tend to be more confident with body movements, so they’re able to learn more skills. 

These youngsters also start to understand the basics of team play, while their physical development comes on in leaps and bounds. 

They are better able to run with and stop the ball, while their striking skills for passing and shooting get stronger. At the same time, their confidence grows and making friends becomes a natural part of the process. 

Red football classes

This development continues as they grow. Five-year-olds moving into our Red class, home to the oldest age group, are able to kick things up a gear. 

During their sessions with our football coaches, girls and boys improve their co ordination. They learn how to kick and control the ball using different parts of the foot and spend more time playing matches. 

That increases their awareness of positional play and boosts their confidence – but it’s not the only advantage. 

We know that our football training sessions help focus their concentration. Not only does it help them practise a wider range of football skills, their social development can also spill over into their home and school lives, positively affecting their behaviour. 

A safe, friendly environment

We make sure every child attending our football classes has a great time and learns at their own speed in a pressure-free environment. 

Our coaches aim to build the foundations of an active and healthy lifestyle using fun football games, while supporting the children’s development and confidence. 

The SoccerDays training programme encourages all the five year old girls and boys to use their imaginations and express themselves, as well as learning to follow instructions and be a team player. 

Developing skills for life 

Our football coaches always go above and beyond to support all the girls and boys who come to our sessions. 

They make sure every single child goes home with a big smile on their faces, having had a great time with their friends. 

The parents who accompany their kids see for themselves how much fun their five year olds have. They watch as their little ones become more confident and develop skills such as working in a team, they can draw on for years to come.  

There’s no wonder they’re ready and eager to go every week. 

Give your five year old a great start 

If your youngster has bags of energy and loves to have fun, why not bring them along to one of our football classes? 

We hold them continuously at school gymnasiums or sports hall facilities throughout the year apart from the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays. You can also book our coaches for birthday parties. 

Book your free trial 

If your child is a little shy around others or isn’t a massive football fan – we promise it’s not compulsory – give them a taste with a 45-minute free trial. 

We guarantee they will have a great time! Find a location near you here. 

Contact us

Alternatively, if you have any questions, email us at info@soccerdays.co.uk or fill in this contact form and we’ll get back to you straight away. 

We don’t need an excuse to enjoy the World Cup taking place in Qatar, but this tournament is special for one very good reason: it’s the first time female referees have taken part.

At our SoccerDays football sessions, we see first-hand how many girls really love football. It’s been boosted by the success of the Lionesses, who won the Women’s World Cup (WWC) in 2019 and this year scooped the UEFA Women’s Championship.

So it’s amazing to know female referees Stéphanie Frappart, Salima Mukansanga and Yoshimi Yamashita are among the competition’s selected officials.

Let’s find out more about these three female officials who are making sporting history.

Stéphanie Frappart: from Ligue 1 to the Women’s World Cup

Stéphanie Frappart is widely recognised as one of the leading referees in women’s football and a one of the pioneering female referees in the men’s game.

The watershed year of 2019 saw her oversee the WWC final and become the first female official of a French Ligue 1 match. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the French official then refereed the men’s Uefa Super Cup between Liverpool and Chelsea.

In 2020, she became the first woman to oversee a men’s Champions League match and, last year, was the first to referee a men’s World Cup qualifier. In 2022, she took charge of the 2022 Coupe de France final.

Speaking about being among the Qatari tournament’s first three female referees, she said: “It’s a strong sign from FIFA and the authorities to have women referees in that country. I’m not a feminist spokesperson, but if this can make things happen…”

Yoshimi Yamashita: blazing a trail in the J league

Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita became the first female referee of a J1 League game in May 2021, before she officiated games in this year’s Women’s Asian Cup and the Asian equivalent of the men’s Champions League.

“There are hardly any female referees in the Middle East, so I would like to see that change, with the Qatar World Cup as the catalyst,” she said.

“The fact that women are officiating for the first time at a men’s World Cup is a sign to other people that women’s potential is always growing and that is something I also feel strongly about.”

Salima Mukansanga: an AFCON icon

Salima Mukansanga from Rwanda will appear at the Qatar World Cup, 10 months after becoming the first woman to referee a game at the Africa Women Cup of Nations.

She also led the first-ever all-female officiating team at the men’s Africa Cup of Nations, when Zimbabwe took on Guinea.

Mukansanga has also appeared as a referee at the Olympics, the Women’s World Cup and in the CAF Women’s Champions League. “Officiating at the World Cup is every referee’s dream,” she enthused.

But they’re not the only female officials taking part in this year’s FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Female assistant referees at the men’s World Cup

As well as the three female referees, three female assistants will also be participating in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Brazil’s Neuza Back, Karen Diaz Medina from Mexico and the USA’s Kathryn Nesbitt are among the assistant referees overseeing the 2022 World Cup.

Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, said: “We are very happy that… we have been able to call up women officials for the first time in the history of a FIFA World Cup.

“This concludes a long process that began several years ago with the deployment of female referees at FIFA men’s junior and senior tournaments. In this way, we clearly emphasise that it is quality that counts for us and not gender.”

He added: “I would hope that in the future, the selection of elite women’s match officials for important men’s competitions will be perceived as something normal and no longer as sensational.

“They deserve to be at the World Cup because they constantly perform at a really high level, and that’s the important factor for us.”

More girls and women becoming referees

Men currently outnumber women football referees but the gap is closing.

In 2020, the Football Association reported 2,146 female officials across the women’s football pyramid, overseeing 63% of matches in the Women’s Super League.

Change is happening. In January this year, Rebecca Welch became the first female referee of a men’s FA Cup third-round tie, while Sian Massey-Ellis and Amy Fearn are also becoming regular fixtures in the game.

SoccerDays sessions: open to all

We see lots of girls at our fun football sessions who not only love their sport, but are interested in following in the footsteps of Frappart, Yamashita and Mukansanga.

Our aim is for them to lay the foundations of a healthy lifestyle, boost their body coordination and make lots of friends. But who knows, some of them may go all the way and make it to the FIFA international referees list.

Whether your child wants to blow the whistle at a World Cup final, or just wants to have an amazing time kicking a ball around, they’ll find fun and football at our sessions.

Book your free trial here or for more information email info@soccerdays.co.uk or use this contact form, and we’ll get back to you straightaway.

Is there any sound better than the “yes!” of a kid that has hoofed a football right into the back of a goal? We don’t think so.

It’s one of the reasons SoccerDays was created, so as many children as possible can experience that same thrill.

Our football sessions are open to girls and boys aged from 2 to 7 years old. Like all sports clubs, we aim to create a life-long passion for being active and staying healthy.

If every kid attending our classes ends up being a lover of the beautiful game too, well, that’s an added bonus. But what else can you expect from a SoccerDays football class?

Our football classes

Our fun sessions are specifically designed to help even the youngest children participate. Everyone’s encouraged to use their imagination and express themselves in a pressure-free environment.

Of course all us adults know the classes are also about putting in place the foundations of an active and healthy lifestyle, not to mention enhancing development and boosting confidence, even in children as young as 2 years old.

Tailored to a specific age group

Our classes have been specially designed for three distinct age groups. The Yellow class is for 2-3½ year olds, Orange is aimed at 3½-5 year olds, while the Red class is for children aged 5 to 7.

Because the Yellow class caters to some of our youngest participants, it aims to develop a foundation of social skills.

It also includes exercise using various body movements that help the littlest girls and boys get used to the ball, while also learning how to kick with confidence.

Growing and learning

As their time with us progresses and they grow, their essential football skills start to take shape: dribbling, changing direction, stopping the ball.

We never tire of hearing proud parents tell us how their 2 year old loves being part of a team, and that their confidence is sky-high, thanks to our toddler football classes.

The Orange class

As they get older, they will move into the Orange class. Here, children show greater awareness of their surroundings and are more confident using different body movements.

They learn more skills, gain an understanding of basic team play, and develop better control.

They’re able to run with and stop the ball. Their skills for passing and shooting get stronger, confidence builds, and making friends becomes natural.

The Red class

Eventually they’ll reach the Red class, by which time they understand how to kick and control the ball with different parts of the foot.

They have improved concentration and can demonstrate a wider range of skills, so they spend more time playing matches, boosting their confidence.

Supporting child development

Our directors have more than 30 years’ experience of teaching sport to young children between them.

They used that insight and knowledge to design a unique training programme teaching football skills – as well as games that support physical development, social and communication skills – to young children.

Our classes help with the kids’ physical, personal, social, emotional, communication and language development – all areas recommended by the Department of Education Early Years Foundation Stage.

Milestones for 2-year-olds

According to Unicef, by the time a toddler is 2, they are usually talking, walking, climbing, jumping, running and generally getting up to all kinds of mischief.

As well as being able to sort shapes and colours, girls and boys at this age will also explore more of the world around them – and push their boundaries.

Brain development

It’s also the time when they can start to kick and throw a ball, and may begin to develop a dominant hand.

Language and communication

At this stage, toddlers can follow simple instructions and can say short sentences.

Our coaches ensure everyone knows and understands what’s expected of them with easy-to-follow instructions and lots of encouragement.

Social and emotional development

Our football classes are a great way for 2-year-olds to make new friends, and there’s always a rush of excitement from the little ones when they arrive.

This age also sees them start to copy the behaviour of other children and adults, something our coaches understand.

Our coaches

It goes without saying that our high quality programme needs coaches that are professional and dedicated, and we’re proud of the high standards ours achieve and maintain.

They always present the best example to all the girls and boys across the football classes. But we also know there’s more to being a great coach than blowing a whistle or knowing the off-side rule.

Our staff are compassionate and kind, and will always go the extra mile to make sure all the children participate and have lots of fun.

A noisy toddler football class can be an overwhelming environment for a shy 2-year-old, but our coaches ensure everyone feels safe, comfortable and is ready for fun.

Confidence off the pitch

So many parents tell us how our classes have improved their childrens’ confidence but the benefits don’t stop there.

Kids attending our football sessions are regularly active, and that can help boost their concentration at school – top marks on the pitch and off.

Want a free taster of our football classes?

If your daughter or son has energy to burn, why not bring them along to a free 45-minute trial?

You can see for yourself how much fun they can have, there are lots of games to enjoy and new friends to be made. You can even book us for a birthday party.

Find a venue close to you and book your taster session here, and you can find more information on our prices and how to book here.

Got a question? Get in touch

If you want to know anything else about our football classes, or to share your experience of a SoccerDays football session, you can call us on 01268 410680 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, drop us an email at info@soccerdays.co.uk, or use this contact form and we’ll get back to you as fast as possible. 

Most parents understand the importance of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle, and football for three year olds is a brilliant way to establish good habits at a young age.

We understand that not everyone has a pitch-sized garden their little one can charge around, and sport isn’t always part of the school curriculum, so what better excuse to make new friends than with a 45-minute run-around at one of SoccerDays’ sessions?

There’s so much more on offer than just good times with good friends too, and while the kids don’t need to know that, we’ll explore the many benefits of our toddler football classes, and how they can give your child skills that will last a lifetime.

Most parents understand the importance of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle, and football for three year olds is a brilliant way to establish good habits at a young age.

We understand that not everyone has a pitch-sized garden their little one can charge around, and sport isn’t always part of the school curriculum, so what better excuse to make new friends than with a 45-minute run-around at one of SoccerDays’ sessions? There’s so much more on offer than just good times with good friends too, and while the kids don’t need to know that, we’ll explore the many benefits of our toddler football classes, and how they can give your child skills that will last a lifetime.

A fun session for the development of each age group

Our classes have been specifically designed to support the development of three important ages, and each is a tailored environment to ensure every child gets the most from their sports session week after week.

The sessions are always lots of fun, but also include plenty of encouragement to build up the childrens’ confidence across the ages. Let’s take a brief look at each one:

Yellow Class

Aimed at children aged between two and 3½ years, this group helps with the development of a foundation of social skills and exercise using various body movements. It also helps kids get used to the ball and learn how to kick with confidence.

Essential football skills will begin to take shape: dribbling, changing direction, stopping the ball.

Orange Class

This group covers children aged from 3½ to five, and reflects their increased awareness of their surroundings.

They are more confident using different body movements, learn more skills and gain an understanding of basic team play. They also develop better control: running with and stopping the ball, while striking skills for passing and shooting get stronger.

Red Class

Our final group is aimed at children aged five to seven, and helps them understand how to kick and control the ball with different parts of the foot.

Their improved concentration and understanding enables kids to learn a wider range of skills. More time is spent playing matches, so they become more confident practising within a game situation and increase their awareness of positional play.

A focus on three year olds

So, we’ve looked at how our football classes support the development of each age group they cover and teach some essential skills.

Now let’s take a particular look at three year olds, and why this age is such an important time in child development.

Parents can be bombarded with information from healthcare professionals and schools about what their child ‘should’ be capable of doing at any particular age, often known as development milestones.

While it can be a bit intimidating, it’s all to do with making sure their co ordination and motor skills are fully developed, and this is where our football classes can be a real benefit.

Helping kids develop essential skills

It’s always wonderful to watch the little ones who join our classes at a really young age as they progress, sometimes at lightning speed!

Boys and girls who attend our sports sessions get to have a great time with our amazing coaches, but they also learn really important physical skills that can be passed on to schools, without even realising it. It’s the ultimate sneaking in of the veggies!

Let’s take a closer look at some of the physical skills they will get to grips with and hone as they get older and how they support development at all ages.

Using both feet

We encourage the little ones who join our football sessions to use both their feet when dashing around at this stage, building up the strength on whichever is their weaker side.

As well as improving their dribbling, shooting and skills, it can also help bolster their agility balance.

Greater motor control

Some youngsters can struggle with their gross motor skills and co ordination, so our football classes are a brilliant way to help them improve before moving on to their respective schools.

Without getting too sciency, our football classes also help children get to grips with their full body control mechanisms, so they can hold positions while moving or standing still. All this can help with concentration, and will eventually lead to increased body awareness, better co ordination and muscle growth (but we’re not looking to develop any mini Arnold Schwarzenegger’s at this stage!)

How our football classes teach children social skills

The structured environment offered by our football classes also has a part to play in helping the children develop essential skills which, even if their love of sport takes them in a different direction from soccer, will still stand them in good stead at a later stage.

Listening

Parents and teachers both know that getting kids – particularly younger children – to listen and pay attention at home and in schools can be tricky, but clubs like ours can actually help improve some little ones’ attention spans, all while having fun.

The coaches in our football classes, no matter the age group, gently underscore the importance of discipline at all ages.

As one of the most important social skills, if children can learn this concept through sports and play, then it can reap rewards later when they start school.

Taking turns

Of course, discipline means many things, that includes waiting your turn! Our football classes help teach children patience, even among the most excitable girls and boys who we know “just wanna score a goal”.

Our coaches’ experience means they’re able to help children wait for their moment to compete and show them the rewards and benefits are worth the wait.

Team work

Football is a team sport, and our classes provide the ideal foundational environment for girls and boys to learn about the importance of each child working together.

Our coaches work hard to develop the children’s social skills through play across the classes and age groups.

Being able to forge connections with other kids, creating mini teams and encouraging group participation among children is a crucial stage in a toddlers’ development, because they suddenly realise there’s more going on in the world than what affects them!

Using their imagination

Kids of all ages love using their imagination, and our football classes are a brilliant place to feed that enthusiasm, boost the development of their brains and watch their confidence fly!

While a parent might watch their child dribbling a ball around some markers, in actual fact they’re navigating a perilous pathway, where one false move spells doom…

Our football sessions are a chance for children to forget whatever is going on in the outside world and play in a safe, nurturing environment among a team of friends.

Problem solving

So: you’ve got the ball and all that stands between you and victory for your team is the three-and-a-half year-old girl in front of you who looks like she means business. What do you do?

Where do I put my foot to get the football around this cone? How hard do I have to hit it to get the ball to my friend? What happens if I shoot and miss?

Many kids of all ages love a good puzzle, and our football sessions can be as much of a work-out for the childrens’ minds as it is their bodies.

School teachers have said they see the benefits for children who do sports that have had a go at problem solving during play. Who thought football was just shoot and score?

The long-term benefits of SoccerDays’ football classes

Physical activity

Many children have energy to spare and football is a brilliant way to burn some of that excess, all under the eagle eye of our expert coaches.

Getting your child interested in sport at an early age not only fires up their bodies and minds, it can establish a life-long love of sports and exercise, and the physical benefits of that are almost limitless.

Sports, children and community

Participating in a physical sport at an early age helps children form friendships, learn social skills and boost self-confidence in a way that is fun, educational and enjoyable.

But joining teams and taking part in our football classes can also help create a sense of community, both among kids and parents.

Football is a fun, warm and inviting club, and anyone jumping into the game even as a child, can make long-lasting friendships with our coaches, the kids on their team and anyone else they play against.

Positive thinking for children

Our football classes are a balance of great fun and conscious effort: they are created to help kids’ physical, social and educational development, and delivered by coaches who understand the power of lifting up children.

Professional sports people know a positive mindset can be hugely important, and even among kids who just want to play sport, we ensure children are taught in an environment that helps them listen and learn, and encourages and rewards participation across all the ages.

The value of sports for children 

We encourage positive parental participation during our football sessions – cheering the children on from the sidelines is all part of the fun – but we’re also proud of the values our coaches try to foster.

Our football sessions focus on fun for three-year-olds, and our sports coaches will pull out all the stops to ensure each child is supported and encouraged in a way that will help their development, giving them skills they can transfer to school and beyond.

The amazing achievements of every child in our games, at every stage of their development, are celebrated in a warm and uplifting way, allowing parents to see their confidence grow with each sports session.

Football = fun for all ages

That’s because our end goal is a positive one: we want children who come to our football sessions to have the most fun it’s possible to have in 45 minutes.

We want these girls and boys who love sports to meet and interact with other children in a safe, warm environment where taking part is everything, and fun is the name of the game.

We want each and every child that joins our football sessions to go home with a huge smile on their faces, ready to play more sport, either at home or school, and eager to come back for more sessions with our coaches and other children.

Book a free trial for your 3 year old

Try us with no obligation, and see how much fun your child has – we have a sneaky feeling they’ll love it. Get your free trial while places last at https://www.soccerdays.co.uk/Find-a-Class/?booking.

Football is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in the UK and the world, with children of all ages enjoying it. Local clubs, classes, and groups offer a variety of great football training programs that begin taking kids from the age of 2 years old. It gives your kid the chance to get involved in football at an early age so they can reap the benefits.

At SoccerDays, we host a range of classes for toddlers to enjoy and offer a different selection of venues to choose from. Still looking for a reason to get in touch? See our top benefits of getting your child into football this winter.

Fitness and Health

Some hot topics amongst parents nowadays are both childhood obesity and the amount of time children spend on electronic devices such as iPads. Giving kids the opportunity from a young age to be included in regular, challenging sporting activities lays a foundation to build on from which they make football and exercise part of their daily lives as they grow older.

Just some of the positive effects playing football regularly can have on the body include;

• Increased muscle and bone strength
• Reduction in body fat (when combined with a healthy diet)
• Increased stamina and speed from cardiovascular fitness
• Good for heart health and blood pressure

For some children socialising doesn’t come naturally and making friends can be difficult. Being part of a football class or team is a great opportunity for kids to speak to, engage with and become friends with children their own age. Kid’s football classes are also a great tool for building up confidence in young children. Whether it’s encouraging and praising them for their speed, ability to dribble the ball or simply how hard they tried – there are a lot of ways that football can help them.

Team Building Skills

Being part of a team is a great life lesson to teach children at a young age. Many activities that kids experience are based on solo effort, with success being gained by a lone individual rather than a team. The camaraderie kids get to experience when they are part of a football team is a positive and enjoyable practice that can help them understand and recognise the emotional needs of those around them.

Football challenges children to rely on their team mates and to think outside of just themselves and their needs or capabilities. Whether it’s learning when to pass the ball rather than take the shot, to encourage team mates not to give up or to console their fellow players after a defeat – there are so many ways in which football can help kids
grow and develop not just as players but as people.

Discipline

Whether it’s mental discipline or physical discipline – football can be tough and challenging in a whole host of ways that young kids can benefit from.

Mentally as parents of course nobody wants their child to feel sad but playing football and accepting the loss of a match is a very good way of helping kids to develop mental toughness and acceptance that defeat is part of the game. It gives them the coping skills that with the help of their coach, team mates and parents will allow them to handle setbacks not only on the football pitch but in life and learn how to bounce back from them.

Children should be encouraged to get involved with sport. Through our years of experience in running football classes for 1,000’s of toddlers, we know the skills that can be passed onto your child through football.

In order to help improve your child’s football skills, we have collated our top 5 tips to helping develop and improve your child’s football skills outside of our football classes to help them improve their skills further.

SoccerDays Top 5 Tips:

1. Encouragement – We always want each child to feel encouraged to express themselves when playing football. As a parent, you can help them to become more confident by cheering them on at the side line (but keep it friendly!).
2. Goal Size – A toddler will learn a lot by competing against other children on the same level as them. When they are finding their feet, it is important to set smaller goals for your child and reward them with praise when they achieve those milestones first.
3. Practice – When your child attends one of SoccerDays football classes, he/she will learn new techniques that can be practiced at home or in a local park. Having fun and making friends should always be the most important factor in attending one of our classes because this will motivate children to attend more often and develop further.
4. Healthy Diet – Although toddler football classes are not based around healthy eating, it is important that we encourage children to have healthy snacks where possible. If they have a healthy diet whilst attending toddler football classes, their body will be able to develop and recover quicker after training sessions or matches.
5. Respect – Respecting other children is an important factor when attending toddler football classes. This will help your child to develop social skills and allow them to play with others of a similar age more easily.

At SoccerDays, we always strive to give your child the best and most fun experience within our toddler football classes. For more information, head to our find a class pages to find your nearest football class!

Children are always told to make sure they exercise, eat well and get their rest. However, people often overlook mental health as a factor when it comes to taking care of children. Throughout COVID-19, football classes and sport in general was paused due to the spread of the virus. Now that the world has re-opened and we have seen life go back to somewhat normal, sport is available again for kids to help take care of themselves mentally by fostering team work and encouraging them to be positive about themselves.

Using Football Classes to Help Your Children

Our children’s football classes give your child an opportunity to engage with their environment in ways that benefit them both physically and mentally. At any football class for children, young people can learn how teamwork benefits everyone so that they feel better supported once they return home after the football session has finished.

Getting Back into Sports After COVID-19

Sport is increasingly important, especially over the past year where we haven’t been able to get out with our children as much due to lockdown restrictions. There were reports of a decline in children’s well-being and mental health issues and we are determined to help push children’s mental health and physic forward. In fact, football clubs have been used in the past to improve mental health problems in adults. The football sessions can be a great way for kids to meet friends since they are often more open with one another about their feelings than adults are.

Getting Back into Sports After COVID-19

At our football classes , young players will not only learn the basics of football but also important skills that could help them find happiness within themselves. These classes can give your child an opportunity to foster self-esteem which is something that helps create resilience against negative thoughts later on in life.

Interested? Get in contact with us via phone or email and book your FREE trial today.

Would you like to give football classes for children?

Because football is a great sport, it provides many benefits for your child. Our football classes are a great way of allowing your child to use their energy and have fun while teaching them many important life lessons. Our football can be booked for children aged 2 – 7.

When your child takes football lessons, they can reap the following benefits:

1) Develops Listening Skills – Football classes require your child to follow rules and directions from our experienced football coaches. If they don’t, the football team can suffer as a whole.

2) Concentration – During football classes, your child will be required to work with other football team members and understand their roles and traits.

3) Teaches Self-Discipline – Football is a great sport to teach children discipline, which will benefit them in all aspects of their lives.

4) Increases Fitness – Playing football consistently will help towards building up your fitness through our sessions.

5) Increases Confidence – Football teaches children an important life lesson: you can achieve your goals if you put your mind to it.

6) Develops Self-Esteem – Football is a great way to give your child the opportunity to set goals and work towards them in each session.

7) Respect – Your child will learn respect for football team members and opponents, as well as football coaches and referees.

8) Teaches your child how to be a good sport – Football is a great way to teach your child how to lose gracefully and win with dignity.

9) Enhances Physical Coordination – Football requires a great deal of physical coordination.

10) Increases Stamina – Football is a physically demanding sport, so your child will be forced to push their physical boundaries.

Football classes for children can teach them many invaluable life lessons. These football lessons will help your child in everyday life, and football is a great way to get involved with your child and show them that you support their needs and ambitions. If you think football classes may be right for your child, contact us via email or phone to book a FREE trial today.