Children get to kick up some fun at AFM Midrand Impact Christian Centre in Halfway Gardens
HALFWAY GARDENS – Young soccer players aim to impress their coaches before awards day.
Every Saturday morning you will find children playing their hearts out in soccer matches and drills on the fields at AFM Midrand Impact Christian Centre, Halfway Gardens.
This Little Kickers Midrand group is approaching its annual awards day in early December, and the youngsters all have something to prove to their coaches and even their parents who watch excitedly from the sidelines. Owner of the club, Manuela Jardim said they have four soccer classes at the venue, each tailored to a different age group.
“Starting from the tender age of 18 months, we progress with them up to eight years old,” she said.
“However, we have two core beliefs that we take into every session. Firstly, we believe in something we call ‘Play not Push’. It means teaching football in a fun, pressure-free environment.”
She said this gave children a positive introduction to sport as a whole so they were more likely to stay healthy and active as they grew up. “Secondly, we believe football can be educational. Coached in the right way it can stimulate imagination and aid early development skills such as learning colours and numbers, following instructions and playing as a team.”
The club is active at several of the Midrand and Kyalami schools in the form of an extramural activity.
Jardim said these schools were also preparing for their awards ceremonies, where each player received a medal, certificate and gift for their hard work and commitment.
She encouraged any interested parents to contact her about enrolling their children, as there were no specific start and end dates in the year-long season.
Details: Email Little Kickers Midrand on midrand@littlekickers.co.za or visit their website www.littlekickers.co.za
Talk to us about this story by emailing our sports editor on nicholasz@caxton.co.za
