Bringing soccer to kids in local parks
MELROSE – Children between the ages of three and eight learn soccer skills and much more while socialising with other children in the neighbourhood.
Looking for an affordable extra-mural activity to get your young child active and interacting with other children in your neighbourhood?
Soccerhood has created a space linking children between the ages of three and eight with trained coaches for a fun 40-minute session where they will get to interact with other children while learning life skills, soccer skills, numeracy, balance, coordination and decision making.
The model also allows local residents to play their part by providing employment for previously disadvantaged coaches who run the soccer circles.
Coordinator and overseer of Soccerhood Barbara Mallinson said, “My three-year-old daughter joined a soccer club last year and we were disappointed with some of the comments made by a coach there which were inappropriate. We decided to join a group of friends together and find something new.”
Mallinson explained that her programme was of dual benefit to coaches by giving opportunities to the underprivileged, imparting skills in management, coaching, first aid, communication and more before giving coaches experience on the field.
She went through a rigorous recruitment process, selecting 10 individuals from 100 applicants to become coaches and leaders of the various circles.
Coach Menzi Ntuli said he felt this was the perfect platform for him as a life-long football fan and coach.
“I believe this is the best activity for kids because it doesn’t only teach football but mental and emotional education,” said Ntuli.
Soccer circles meet at local parks including James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose, George Hay Park in Parkview, Verity Park in Parkhurst, Lonehill Park, Bryanston Park and more.
Parents book convenient times through an app and pay a termly fee or alternatively book for one session to try it out. Coaches receive up to 90 per cent of the fees paid, depending on how full the group is. Parents can also make available their unused garden space for the circles and be reimbursed for this.
“Soccerhood helps kids ignite a passion for ball sports, being outdoors and having fun. They make friends with kids from all walks of life,” said Mallinson.
To find out more visit www.obami.com/portals/Soccerhood/_SSP_Soccerhood or email Barbara on bmallinson@obami.com
