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.

The 4v4 format of the game accelerates development of technical ability & game intelligence, whilst building on the lessons 2v2 & 3v3 formats have taught.

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4v4 is the smallest sided game you can have that has all the elements of a real football match without any of the confusions that surround learning to play football.

In a "real match " children have the option of passing the ball forwards, square or backwards. 3v3 cannot do this because one of the directions will be missing. With 5 children the extra one duplicates one of the elements.

They become “also wide, also deep or also back.” This “also” position clutters the picture at this stage of development.

One player is up top for penetration. Two are needed for width and one holds back to supply depth. In 4v4 the responsibilities are very clear. All tasks are covered and none are shared, which keeps things simple, giving children the best introduction to the game before they advance to 5v5 at club level.​

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Game Day

    How It Works

• Each team will have two players, with no substitutes

        -  Maximum playing time for all children

• Games for the Mini Kicks group will take place on

           Saturday mornings (11am-12pm)

• Our venue address is: Kingsway Sports Centre, Turf Hill Rd,

           Rochdale, OL16 4XA.

• All children will play 3 x 15 minute games, with 5 min breaks in between.

• The teams will be chosen by First Kicks staff

• Children will rotate teams over the course of the hour  mixing between

           other members of the group.

• There will be no team kits. Bibs will be available.

• There is no commitment. We will run the festivals on a weekly basis.

• For non First Kicks trainers, a simple online registration

           & payment process is available

• It's that simple! - Just relax & prepare for FUN!