Weekly Football Development Sessions

These sessions sit at the heart of J W Football Coaching. Children receive plenty of time with a ball, clear coaching points, purposeful repetition and game-based challenges that allow them to put their learning into practice.

Groups are organised by age and stage, helping younger children build strong foundations while older players develop greater technical detail, decision-making and confidence.

Introduction

Every child arrives with a different level of experience and confidence. Our groups are organised by school age and stage of development, allowing activities to be appropriately adapted while children continue progressing at a pace that feels right for them.

Minis & Reception

A fun and welcoming introduction to football for children from approximately three years and nine months. Sessions develop balance, coordination, listening and confidence through imaginative activities, simple challenges and plenty of time with a ball.

Years 1 & 2

Children begin building stronger technical foundations through dribbling, turning, passing, receiving, shooting and one-versus-one activities. Small-sided games encourage them to make decisions, become more independent and enjoy expressing themselves.

 

Years 3 to 6

Coaching introduces greater technical detail and game understanding while continuing to maximise contact with the ball. Players work on first touch, movement, scanning, decision-making and using their skills effectively within realistic game situations.

More than simply playing a match

Every session has a clear development focus. Activities are planned to give children meaningful repetition, individual challenges and opportunities to apply what they have learned under realistic pressure.

More time with the ball

We minimise queues and lengthy explanations so children remain active. Ball-mastery activities, individual practices and small groups provide the repetition needed to improve control and confidence.

Coaching the individual

Children within the same group will not all need the same challenge. Activities can be adapted through space, pressure, equipment and task difficulty so that each player remains involved and appropriately challenged.

Learning through decisions

Technique is important, but players must also recognise when and where to use it. Opposed activities and small-sided games encourage children to scan, solve problems and make their own football decisions.

Development without pressure

Progress is not measured only through goals, results or selection for a team. We value effort, confidence, understanding and a child’s willingness to keep trying, helping them develop without losing their enjoyment of football.

What a weekly session looks like

Sessions vary according to the age group and development theme, but they follow a clear structure that keeps children active and gradually takes their learning into realistic football situations

01 - Ball mastery and movement

Children begin with a ball wherever possible. The opening activities develop coordination, close control, turning and confidence while also preparing them physically and mentally for the session.

02 - Developing the session theme

We introduce the main technical focus through clear demonstrations and achievable practices. Children are given time to repeat the skill, understand the coaching points and become comfortable performing it

03 - Adding pressure and decisions

Defenders, direction, targets and choices are gradually introduced. This helps players recognise when to use the skill rather than only being able to perform it without opposition.

04 - Learning through the game

Small-sided games give players more involvement and opportunities to apply the session theme. Coaches observe, encourage and use suitable interventions without continually stopping the children’s game.

Before your child attends

Booking and availability

All places must be booked through ClassForKids. The booking page shows the latest age groups, session times, venues, availability and payment information. If you are uncertain which group is most suitable, please contact us before registering.

Clothing and equipment

Children should wear comfortable sports clothing suitable for the weather and playing surface. Please bring appropriate footwear, shin pads and a named drink. Expensive football kits are not required - the most important thing is that children can move comfortably and participate safely.

Arriving for the session

Please arrive approximately five minutes before the advertised start time. This allows children to settle, meet their coach and be ready for the opening activity. Parents should also ensure that the emergency and medical information recorded during booking remains up to date.