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Junior football coaching Bristol

Latest post · 7 September 2026

5 Football Activities That Improve Coordination and Balance

UK guidance asks children aged one to five to build up at least 180 minutes of physical activity across the day. That does not mean your three-year-old needs three hours of coaching. Running, climbing, chasing and playing all count. That point matters whether you are searching for kids football c…

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Football Builds Focus Through Active Play

31 August 2026

How Football Helps Children Improve Their Concentration

A First Steps Soccer pre-school session lasts 40 minutes, while a school-age session lasts 50 minutes. That does not mean a young child should focus on one thing for the whole lesson. A parent searching for kid soccer training in Bristol may still wonder whether a child who gets distracted can re…

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Building Life Skills Through Kids Football

19 August 2026

Important Life Skills Children Learn Through Football

At First Steps Soccer, each child can bring an attendance chart to class. They collect a sticker for every session they attend. After 20 stickers, they receive a prize that recognises their commitment. That small routine says something important about children’s development. Useful life skills ra…

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Children Football Coaching in Bristol

4 August 2026

Why the Loudest Child Is Not Always the Most Confident on the Pitch

Picture a six-year-old at football training who calls for every pass and tells other children where to stand. Beside them, another child says little. They listen to the coach, lose the ball, recover it and move into the next activity without complaint. Most adults notice the first child and may a…

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Junior Soccer Coaching in Swindon

30 July 2026

The Quiet Confidence That Grows When Nobody Rushes a Child

Every First Steps Soccer coach recognises this moment. A child arrives holding Mum or Dad’s hand, football tucked under one arm, watching the warm-up from the edge of the group. They aren’t refusing to join in. They’re deciding whether this feels like a place where they belong. The session begins…

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Kids soccer training in Bristol

24 July 2026

What Football Training Reveals About the Different Ways Children Build Confidence

A four-year-old stands at the edge of a football session for ten minutes. Nearby, another child runs straight towards the first ball they see. Most adults would call the second child confident. That comparison misses what may happen next. The quieter child might watch until the routine makes sens…

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kids' football training in Swindon

14 July 2026

Why Some Children Thrive in Small-Sided Football Games but Struggle in Full Matches

Picture a seven-year-old who spends a coaching session asking for the ball, taking players on and celebrating every goal. Two days later, that same child plays in a larger match. The ball rarely reaches them. Calls for a pass fade, and they seem unsure where to stand. Parents often see this contr…

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Pre school football classes in Swindon

24 June 2026

Why High-Tempo Repetition Builds Better Footballers

“Won’t they get bored doing the same thing every week?” It’s one of the questions we hear most from parents. You’re standing on the sidelines watching your three-year-old dribble around another cone. From where you’re standing, it looks like they’ve already done the same activity several times. T…

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Football Training Sessions in Chippenham

16 June 2026

Fast-Moving Fun, Paced for the Player: How FSS Builds Football Skills

“He loves football in the garden. But I’m worried he’ll just stand there.” If you’ve got a hesitant four-year-old, you’ve probably had the same thought. It happens more often than many parents realise. A child happily dribbles around the patio, then arrives at their first coaching session and sud…

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kids football training Swindon

8 June 2026

How Football Helps Preschoolers Learn to Follow Instructions

Getting a four-year-old to put their shoes on often feels like a negotiation. You ask them to listen at home, and they ignore you. You ask them to listen at school, and they get distracted. Preschoolers are wired for constant movement. Sitting still and following orders is not natural for them. T…

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Kids' football training in Swindon

25 May 2026

Why Children Aged 2 – 5 Learn Best Through Movement and Play

Picture a three-year-old weaving between the legs of dining chairs. To most adults watching, this looks like chaos. To the child, it’s work, serious, focused, necessary work. They’re calculating gaps, adjusting speed, correcting when they clip a leg. None of that happens consciously. All of it bu…

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Kids football training Swindon

16 April 2026

Why Praise Might Actually Be Hindering Your Child’s Ball Skills

Parents naturally want to encourage their children. On the football pitch, that often comes out as quick praise—“Great job!”, “Brilliant!”, or “You’re a natural!”. It feels supportive and positive. Yet constant praise can sometimes work against a child’s learning, especially when they are develop…

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Kids soccer training Bristol

10 April 2026

How Pitch Awareness Improves Real-World Safety

For young children, football is fun. They run, laugh, chase the ball, and celebrate every small success. Yet behind the fun sits something more valuable. The game quietly teaches habits that help children move safely through the world. One of those habits is pitch awareness. In simple terms, pitc…

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child soccer coaching Swindon

12 March 2026

5 Questions to Ask Your Child After a Training Session

Young players develop best when football remains fun. At child soccer coaching in Swindon, coaches aim to create an environment where children learn through play and positive encouragement. What happens after the session matters too. The questions parents ask on the drive home can shape how a chi…

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junior football coaching Chippenham

6 March 2026

Why the ‘Quiet’ Child Often Becomes the Best Tactician on the Pitch

Youth football is often associated with energy, noise, and visible enthusiasm. The loudest player is usually the one people notice first. They call for the ball, direct teammates, and celebrate every moment with excitement. But football does not always reward volume. The players who talk the most…

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junior football coaching Bristol

20 February 2026

Why Kids Should Start Football Coaching Early

Soccer is more than a sport for young children. It is a simple, joyful way to help them grow strong bodies and sharp minds. From the first kick of the ball, kids learn how to move, think, and work with others. Early exposure to the game builds habits that stay for life. It teaches children…

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pre-school football classes Bristol

18 February 2026

Why Pre-School Football Classes in Bristol are Essential for Siblings-Free Families

Only children often grow up in calm, organised homes. They receive full attention from parents and plenty of quiet time to learn. But they may miss out on the daily back-and-forth that siblings provide. Simple things like sharing toys, negotiating turns, or coping with small disagreements usually…

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kids football training Swindon

16 February 2026

Simple Routines to Reduce Your Child’s Anxiety Before Kids Football Training in Swindon

Consistent pre-match routines give children a sense of comfort and control. When they know what to expect, they feel safer and more prepared. Familiar habits help them shift their focus from worry to action. Simple rituals can turn nervous energy into useful preparation. Many coaches in pre-schoo…

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junior football coaching Chippenham

10 February 2026

How Junior Football Coaching in Chippenham Helps Kids Handle Disappointment

Football teaches kids that losing is part of the game. Not every pass works. Not every shot goes in. That is where the real learning begins. In junior football coaching in Chippenham, children experience both wins and losses in a safe, supportive setting. Every match offers lessons in bouncing ba…

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junior soccer coaching Swindon

15 January 2026

How Pre School Football Classes in Swindon Build Neural Pathways in Toddlers

When toddlers kick a football, they are not just burning energy. Every movement sends signals through the brain. These signals help form neural pathways that support learning, behaviour, and coordination. Early childhood is a period of rapid brain growth. Activities that combine movement, focus,…

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Pre school football classes Bristol

9 January 2026

7 Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Children’s Football Coaching Bristol

Choosing a football program for your child is about more than drills and goals. It shapes how they feel about sport, teamwork, and learning new skills. The right environment builds confidence, coordination, and a love for being active, especially in the early years. For families exploring childre…

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Child Soccer Coaching Swindon

11 December 2025

Children’s Soccer Coaching in Swindon: Why Movement-Based Learning Works for ADHD

Many kids with ADHD find it hard to thrive in classrooms. Traditional learning often expects them to sit still and focus for long stretches. This simple demand can be draining. Sport – and particularly football – works differently. For children with ADHD, it can match the way their brains prefer…

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Junior football coaching Bristol

8 December 2025

When Your Child Is the ‘Odd One Out’: How Junior Football Coaching in Bristol Teaches Inclusion

Every parent’s heart sinks when their child feels left out or different from their peers. You want them to fit in, to thrive, to enjoy being part of something. That’s why seeing them struggle socially or on the pitch can be so painful. Kids football coaching in Bristol offers unique opportunities…

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kids football coaching Chippenham

10 November 2025

Girls in Football: Why Mixed Training Under 8 Creates Fearless Athletes

On the under-8 football pitch, something more than ball skills takes shape: real confidence. This is the moment when young players discover not just what they can do, but who they can become. In recent years, the number of girls getting into football has surged. Clubs and academies across the UK…

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junior football coaching Chippenham

4 November 2025

How 60 Minutes of Football Resets Your Child’s Week

School expectations rise each year. Screen time fills the gaps. Busy routines leave little breathing space. Children carry more pressure than we often realise. A simple one-hour football session can act like a reset button. It breaks up routines, clears the mind, and helps kids reconnect with the…

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junior football coaching Chippenham

10 October 2025

Should Parents Stay and Watch Junior Football Coaching?

Many parents of young footballers wrestle with the same question: Should I stay and watch the session, or drop my child off and leave? Both choices have strong arguments. Some parents fear their child may feel alone. Others worry their presence might interfere. The truth is: both are valid. In th…

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kids football coaching Bristol

3 October 2025

Why Kids Football Coaching in Bristol Prioritises Small-Sided Games Over Full Matches

Many parents imagine their child running on a full pitch, playing a classic 11v11 match. It looks like real football. It feels official. But what kids actually need at early ages is constant involvement, practice, and growth. In full matches, some children may rarely touch the ball. They wait, ch…

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preschool football classes Bristol

12 September 2025

7 Essential Football Skills Taught in Pre School Football Classes in Bristol

Starting football at age three helps little ones build confidence while they grow strong. They learn to explore movement. These early sessions give their bodies a gentle jump‑start. In toddler football classes in Bristol, play is the key. Coaches focus on simple moves—running, kicking, stopping—w…

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junior football coaching Chippenham

2 September 2025

What to Do When Your Child Wants to Quit Football

Every parent faces this moment—your child suddenly wants to quit football. It happens more than you think. There’s no need to panic. What matters is how you respond. Stay thoughtful, not reactive. And this makes all the difference. #1 Listen First, React Second Give this a moment. Let your child…

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child soccer coaching Swindon

21 August 2025

How Child Soccer Coaching Supports Better Sleep

Parents know the routine. Many kids aged 2 to 10 toss and turn. They wake in the night. They struggle to fall asleep. They wake up early or refuse rest. Bedtimes can be stressful. Routines collapse. Mornings feel rough. In Bristol, Swindon, and Chippenham, parents seek help. They look for natural…

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kids football coaching Bristol

16 August 2025

5 Signs Your Child is Ready for Kids Football Coaching

Every parent wonders when their little one is ready to take their first steps onto the football pitch. It’s a big moment. At First Steps Soccer, we’ve coached children aged 2 to 10 in Bristol, Swindon, and Chippenham for many years. In this post, we’ll explore the five key signs that show your to…

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junior football coaching Chippenham

12 August 2025

How Junior Football Coaching Helps Shy Children Thrive

Every parent of a shy child knows the challenge of finding activities that build confidence without overwhelming. Football training, especially in supportive environments like First Steps Soccer, can gently help shy children grow. The structure of junior football coaching in Chippenham helps chil…

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children's football coaching Bristol

8 August 2025

Nutrition Tips for Children’s Football Coaching in Bristol

Fueling a child with the right food matters. As they train in children’s football coaching in Bristol, a balanced diet gives them stamina and strength. When young players eat well, their performance improves. Growth stays on track. Recovery is faster. Injury risk drops. Food truly supports every…

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kids football training Swindon

18 July 2025

Life Skills Kids Learn Through Football Training in Bristol

Football is one of the most popular sports for children in the UK. Parents often see it as a way to keep kids active and healthy. But it offers far more than exercise. Football training shapes young minds, building important life skills that stick with them well into adulthood. At first glance, f…

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junior football coaching Chippenham

9 July 2025

Can Football Make Your Child Smarter?

When you imagine children playing football, you might picture running, kicking, and cheering. But did you know that football also strengthens their brains? Yes, harnessing both body and mind in each session helps young players grow sharper and more agile, on and off the pitch. Physical activity b…

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Youth Football Classes Bristol

25 June 2025

12 Surprising Facts About Football You Probably Didn’t Know

Football is a heartbeat for cities, a reason for weekend gatherings, and the spark for countless childhood dreams. With billions watching, playing, and following the sport, football is easily the most loved game on the planet. Yet, even the most ardent fans might be unaware of some of its most fa…

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children’s football coaching in Bristol

12 June 2025

Football Legends Who Started Young: The Power of Early Training

At just four years old, Lionel Messi was already dribbling a football across the dusty pitches of Rosario, Argentina. By the time he turned 13, he was on a plane to Barcelona with a youth contract in hand. He wasn’t the first, and he won’t be the last. Many of the world’s greatest footballers have…

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child soccer coaching in Swindon

20 May 2025

Indoor Drills for the Little Footballers on Rainy Days

2 to 10 – an age range where children have far too much energy and far too little opportunity to burn it. It is also in this range that their little minds are trained and guided to help them reach their best versions as they grow up to be fine individuals. Sports, namely football, is…

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Kids Football Coaching Chippenham

9 May 2025

5 Benefits for Kids Football Coaching in Chippenham

A competitive and challenging sport, football allows kids to grow into fit, strong, and resilient adults. Whether played rigorously or recreationally, the sport offers many benefits to kids and adults alike. Apart from helping you stay on your feet, football also helps with mental and cognitive g…

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Junior Soccer Coaching Swindon

22 April 2025

Why Consistency in Junior Football Training Makes a Big Difference

A child’s growth in sports depends on structure. Regular football practice provides that base. Coaches and parents in junior soccer coaching in Swindon have seen the long-term benefits. When children attend training sessions regularly, they build more than just physical skills. Their confidence,…

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Kids Football coaching in Bristol

10 April 2025

How Movement and Body Language Can Guide You to the Right Position

Watching how a child moves during a match gives useful clues. Some kids stay close to the action; others drift wide. A few scan the field constantly. Those who move toward the ball and pass quickly may feel comfortable in midfield. Children who stay alert near the goal may lean toward attacking o…

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Kids Football coaching Bristol

24 March 2025

Why Football is the Best Sport for 7-Year-Olds and How to Get Started

Kids football coaching in Football helps build social skills and other benefits, something that parents want to see in their child as they grow up.

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Junior Football Training Bristol

12 March 2025

How Football Classes Prepare Preschoolers for Future Sports Success

Are thinking of enrolling your kid in a junior football training in Bristol? Check out this post to know its benefits and importance in your kid’s life.

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Children's football coaching Bristol

1 January 2025

Football Coaching for Kids: Turning Screen Time into Field Time

Today, kids spend more time on screens than ever. They binge-watch shows, play games, or scroll through social media, which makes them less active. Enrolling in children’s football coaching in Bristol is a great way to fight this lazy lifestyle and turn too much screen time into fun, active time…

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Youth Football Classes Bristol

1 January 2025

Creative Warm-Up Routines for Young Football Players

Warming up is vital to any game, but much more in football. It involves more than just getting young players’ bodies ready for exercising but also a lively, fun, and enjoyable session. Normal warm-ups sometimes become a bit dull, especially to the young. This is why the fun warm-up routines reall…

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kids football training Swindon

22 November 2024

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Football Match

It might be challenging to control the excitement and anxiety that come with a child’s first football game. Whether your child is a seasoned pro from local kids football training in Swindon or a budding star just starting out, the first game is a big milestone for kids and their parents. It is th…

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Junior Soccer Coaching Swindon

21 November 2024

Top 10 Tips for Parents to Support Their Child in Football

Football is an amazing activity that helps kids develop tenacity, discipline, and collaboration. Whether your child is just getting started or aiming for competitive leagues like junior soccer coaching in Swindon, parental support is essential. Here are some useful suggestions to help your child…

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unior soccer coaching Swindon

30 October 2024

Does Youth Football Classes Help Academic Performances in Any Way?

Sports are typically viewed as an excellent approach for young people to build important life skills. Football, in particular, is one of the world’s most popular and extensively played sports, with millions of young players and supporters. Beyond the physical benefits, junior soccer coaching Swin…

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Kids Football Training Swindon

25 July 2024

Debunking the Most Common Myths about Youth Football

Youth football is often celebrated for its athletic benefits, fostering teamwork, and building strong bodies. But there’s a whole game plan of advantages waiting to be discovered! Football teaches perseverance and grit. Whether it’s mastering a skill or bouncing back from a tough loss, young play…

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Junior Soccer Coaching Swindon

24 July 2024

How Coaches Tailor Drills to the Skill Levels of Junior Players

Coaching junior athletes requires a special touch. Unlike seasoned players, juniors possess a wide range of skill levels, from complete beginners to budding stars. The key to fostering their love for the sport and maximising their potential lies in creating effective training drills that cater to…

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Kids Football Training Swindon

2 May 2024

Attributes to Look for When Choosing a Junior Football Academy

Football isn’t just about kicking a ball around. It is a fantastic way for kids to develop important skills, build confidence, and have a blast! And as parents, nurturing your children’s physical, social, and cognitive development is a paramount priority. One engaging and holistic avenue for achi…

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youth football classes Bristol

1 May 2024

How Team-Building Activities Enhance Cohesion Among Young Players

There’s more to youth soccer than just winning matches and scoring goals. It’s a platform where children can develop vital life skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication. For long-term success and a rewarding athletic experience, building an excellent team is just as vital as developing…

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Football Classes For 7-Year-Olds Near Me

14 March 2024

Top Small-Sided Games to Keep Training Sessions Engaging

Any successful soccer team needs training sessions to develop its players’ talents, increase their level of fitness, and foster a sense of camaraderie amongst teammates. However, players may lose interest and excitement in traditional drills and workouts if they become too repetitive. Small-sided…

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football classes for 5-year-olds near me

12 March 2024

What Are the Best Football Drills for Under-10 Players?

Football has a particular place in the hearts of millions of people worldwide. People of all ages, especially children, love this sport. However, if your child aspires to become a professional player, they must build a strong foundation. This is where football drills prove to be immensely benefic…

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youth football classes in Bristol

8 February 2024

How to Enhance Goalkeeping Skills of Young Soccer Players

Football, commonly known as “the beautiful game,” provides young athletes with a platform to cultivate not just physical fitness but also essential life skills. Within the array of positions on the field, goalkeepers assume a distinctive and pivotal role in determining the team’s success. They se…

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Junior Football Academy

7 February 2024

A Guide to Choosing the Right Junior Football Academy

Soccer, often referred to as “the beautiful game,” offers young athletes a platform to develop not only physical fitness but also critical life skills. By focusing on foundational techniques, fostering effective communication, and developing both physical and mental attributes, coaches providing…

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2 May 2015

Size Guide for Team, Ball, Goalpost and Pitch

This infographic illustrates some effective measures to ensure safety of soccer players.

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Professional Soccer Coaching

31 March 2015

The Benefits of Focussed Professional Soccer Coaching for Children

Playing any sport properly to a good standard brings a whole range of benefits for a young child, and can have a massive impact on their physical and mental well-being. Many parents assume that sporting talent is innate; a genetic inheritance that enables certain children to excel, whilst their f…

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6 February 2015

Eleven Characteristics of Elite Junior Footballers

Thousands of players have passed through the First Steps Soccer Academy over the years, and it always gives the Coaches a great thrill to see our graduates competing, whether it’s for their school, junior club, or a professional academy/centre of excellence. We all find it fascinating to watch pl…

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15 January 2015

TEN SMALL WAYS TO IMPROVE JUNIOR FOOTBALL UNDER 7, 8, and 9

Football Associations, like Governments, are instinctively drawn to Big Ideas whenever they are faced by a perceived crisis. So, when England are knocked out of yet another major Tournament, an F.A. representative is unlikely to shuffle his feet, look at the floor, then shrug his shoulders and sa…

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17 November 2014

The Trials of Arsene Wenger, and How Not to Manage a Junior Football Team

As the equalising Anderlecht goal hit the net, my Arsenal supporting friend had seen enough, “That! That…..!”, he moaned, eyes boggled, struggling for the words to express his disgust at another defensive capitulation. “My Under 13’s team defends better than that!” Poor Arsene Wenger is a man und…

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4 November 2014

The F.A. Youth Development Review; Will It Create Better Players?

It’s two years since the FA Youth Development review, and now that the key changes in the junior game have been properly phased in, I think its worth assessing whether the FA national game strategy of ‘developing better players’ is being served by these new approaches in youth football. Let me na…

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25 September 2014

Soccer Training Academies: Helping Children and Parents Grow Together

Studies have shown that introducing a child to sports programmes at a young age goes a long way to improve their health and fitness. The standard P.E. class a child receives at Primary School will be in a large group, and often lead by non-specialist staff, so it makes sense to supplement these w…

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