FUN, CHALLENGING, PROGRESSIVE
FESTIVALS OF FOOTBALL
MINI KICKS
(4-5 yr olds)
(Nursery/Reception)
"LET'S PLAY"
objectiveS
Festivals of Football are a celebration of our values of inclusion, enjoyment, creativity and learning. We will deliver:
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A program promoting children's football for children, guaranteeing a positive experience for all - helping in the development of creative, confident, skilful footballers, enhancing joy through play without pressure.
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An approach that is flexible and relies upon the use of common sense to emphasise children’s enjoyment, fun and engagement more than the outcomes of winning and defeating opponents
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A platform that grows a positive environment in which parental involvement and support from those who believe in the same values is encouraged.
No coaching, no instruction, no substitutes, no fixed goalkeepers
- Just a perfect environment for young children to thrive in!
2v2 FORMAT
When children are introduced to football at 4-5 years of age, they lack the intellectual capabilities to grasp the objectives and meaning of the game. Socially, they are only concerned with themselves. They are not “playing football,” but using the game to develop skills. For the earliest age 4v4 & even 3v3 can be too big and too complex.
In "match situations" we begin with 2v2, after all team work starts with two. This format offers children opportunities to learn how to work & problem solve together.
Children learn that, in a team, they can share responsibilities and are dependent on each other. More importantly they are 100% involved in the play,
either with the ball or in a helping role.
Let’s Make Sure ‘Play’ Does Not Become the Next 4-Letter Word.
Pete Sturgess - National Lead Foundation Phase (5-11) - The FA
GAME DAY
HOW IT WORKS
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Each team will have two players, with no substitutes - Maximum playing time for all children
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Games for the Mini Kicks group will take place on Saturday afternoons (1-2pm)
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Our venue address is: Kingsway Sports Centre, Turf Hill Rd, Rochdale, OL16 4XA.
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All children will play 3 x 10 minute games, with 5 min breaks in between.
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The teams will be chosen by First Kicks staff
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Children will rotate teams over the course of the hour mixing between other members of the group.
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There will be no team kits. Bibs will be available.
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There is no commitment. We will run the festivals on a weekly basis.
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For non First Kicks trainers, a simple online registration & payment process is available
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It's that simple! - Just relax & prepare for FUN!
FESTIVALS OF FOOTBALL
Our Ethos
First Kicks passionately believe in small-sided games (SSGs) to teach skills and develop creative, confident players and children.
To complement our individually focused coaching sessions we also provide children with the opportunity to learn through play at our weekly "Festival of Football" games program.
Session Timing
Saturday afternoons (1-2pm) Kingsway Sports Centre, Turf Hill Rd, Rochdale, OL16 4XA.
Our Focus
No coaching, no instruction, no substitutes, no fixed goalkeepers. Just a perfect environment for young children to thrive in!
The Mini Kicks Curriculum
Formats of the game that are proven to accelerate development:
2v2
Above all else we promote FUN!
Costs
Weekly festivals open to all - Pay as you Play
£3.50 - Members, £5.00 - Non Members
(No substitiutes policy - 100% game time guaranteed)
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
It's exactly what you said it would be
- no coaching, no subs,
small goals, lots of fun.
No pressure put on them,
no shouting.
We found it fast and fun!
The games were well organised,
with children in charge of the game.
It was a joy to see the
children's enthusiasm.