The Benefits of Football for Children: Health, Confidence, and Fun

Why Football is a Great Choice for Kids

Football provides a holistic development platform for children, enhancing their physical health, social capabilities, and mental resilience. The sport improves cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and motor skills through dynamic play that engages the whole body. Consistent physical activity in football supports agility, speed, and endurance—benefits that are seamlessly integrated into enjoyable training sessions.

Football also nurtures social growth by fostering communication and teamwork. Children learn to collaborate, respect others, and build meaningful friendships in an inclusive, anti-bullying environment.

Mentally, football teaches discipline, patience, and confidence. Setting and achieving goals during training or matches helps children develop focus, memory, and decision-making skills that transfer into other areas of life.

What to Look for in a Kids’ Football Class

When selecting a football class, it is important to consider quality, safety, and suitability. Ensure the coaches are experienced and qualified, with appropriate child safeguarding training. All staff at We Make Footballers are DBS-checked and undergo continuous professional development in line with the Football Association (FA) standards.

A safe, structured environment is vital. Look for facilities that maintain strict safety policies, such as anti-bullying measures and nut-free environments. Small group sizes, like the 1:10 coach-to-player ratio offered by We Make Footballers, allow for individualised attention and skill progression.

Choose a programme that matches your child’s developmental stage. Age-specific groupings and a clear curriculum ensure sessions are both enjoyable and appropriately challenging. A balance of fun and technical development fosters long-term engagement and steady improvement.

We Make Footballers: A Standout Option

We Make Footballers is a long-established UK-based football academy offering structured programmes for children aged 4–12. With over 90 academies nationwide, the organisation trains more than 4,000 children weekly. The academy follows a proven philosophy: "Practice makes Permanent", emphasising regular and structured training to reinforce skills.

Training is delivered through several formats:

• Weekly Group Training: Structured 39-week curriculum introducing new skills and topics each session.
• Holiday Camps: Intensive sessions with fun games, matches, and activities during school holidays.
• One-on-One Training: Personalised technical development with dedicated coaching.
• Birthday Parties: Themed football events with fun and competitive elements.
• Performance Programme: Elite-level coaching for high-potential players aiming for professional progression.

The programme is grounded in the FA Four Corners Model, developing players physically, technically, psychologically, and socially. The training approach ensures that every child, regardless of ability, feels included and supported. With over 200 graduates progressing to professional football, the academy demonstrates proven success and reliability.

The Benefits of Booking a Free Session

Booking a free session with We Make Footballers gives parents and children a risk-free opportunity to experience the training environment first-hand. These sessions allow families to evaluate the coaching style, facilities, and structure before committing to a programme.

Children can participate without pressure, explore their interest in football, and begin developing confidence. Parents gain insight into how the sessions align with their child’s developmental needs and preferences. The sessions are designed to be enjoyable and informative, helping families make informed decisions.

Tips for Parents: Supporting Your Child’s Football Journey

Parental involvement is key to a child’s positive football experience. Support should be consistent but pressure-free. Encourage your child to enjoy the game and celebrate their progress rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

• Attend sessions regularly to build routine and momentum.
• Engage with coaches to understand your child’s development and areas for support.
• Provide positive reinforcement at home to build confidence and enthusiasm.

A stable and supportive home environment, combined with professional coaching, enhances both the child’s enjoyment and long-term development in football.