North Coast football coach says he’s glad to be kicking again after hard lockdown

Soccer can be both fun and educational, says enthusiastic Little Kickers coach Miki Meduric.

The high energy coach teaches quality football skills in a pressure-free environment to children aged 18 months to 7 years.

Emerging from 7 months off the field and in the online training arena, Miki says lockdown was a tough season for all professional sportsmen and women.

“It was hard not being able to see all the kids that I have gotten to know and had the privilege of coaching.

Their excitement and the anticipation on their faces reminded me daily of why I fell in love with the sport and why I love what I do.

“In the same breath it was hard watching a business I had been building over the last 3 years just fall away in a few weeks and the fear of not knowing what was to come set in. Not being able to provide for my family was tough.”

Miki, who is adored by his young players, believes children need to be allowed to enjoy the simplicity of the game without the pressure of scoring goals or defending against opponents.

Instead the kids hone their skills through fun games that have the additional benefit of aiding early development skills such as learning colours and numbers, following instructions and playing as a team.

“We want to give children a positive introduction to sport as a whole, not just football, so they are more likely to stay healthy and active throughout their lives.”

The Richards Bay-based coach runs Little Kickers classes on the artificial grass at Linc Church in Salt Rock every Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm.

Little Kickers started in the UK in 2002 when a mother, unable to find a suitable exercise programme for her son, decided to start one herself.

The pre-school football academy was a great success and has since expanded to 2 250 coaches with over 300 franchises in 32 countries.

Similarly, Miki discovered the franchise in 2016 while looking for a suitable programme for his son.

He was so impressed with the programme that he bought the Richards Bay and Dolphin Coast franchise and now holds classes in 12 different schools in Richard Bay and comes to the Dolphin Coast once a week.

“We aim to have at least 4 groups with 6 to 8 children per group so that I am able to give each child the individual attention they deserve,” said the avid Liverpool supporter.

On the field Miki is each child’s greatest supporter, encouraging even the shyest child to take part and keep trying until the ball finds the goals.

To learn more about Little Kickers contact Miki at 084 581 8093.