One day he learned to walk. By the next morning, he was kicking a ball.
Now one of my 16-month-old’s first official words is ‘Goooaaaal!’
With a dad who’s Arsenal mad, an uncle who could have gone pro and a big brother who’s been ‘scoring’ since he was in the womb, it’s no wonder that Jed’s footie obsessed.
If your little ones have been inspired by the World Cup and you’re looking for a way to burn up all that restless energy, why not enrol them in a football club? Some will coach dribblers as young as 18 months.
Here’s our pick of where to get your kicks around the capital:
Kiddikicks
Classes around London including Hyde Park and Notting Hill, sessions for ages 18 months to 7 years.
Little Kickers
Popular franchise with classes London and UK-wide including Islington, Kensal Green and Richmond, ages 18 months to 7 years.
Little Soccer Stars
Active-packed courses in Highbury & Islington, Stoke Newington & the City for ages 2-7 years.
TFA’s Toddler Squad
Total Football Academy’s groups in north and west London and Essex, including Crouch End and Chigwell, for ages 2.5-5 years
Ministry of Football
Football development programme on Sundays in Muswell Hill, N10 includes sessions for ages 3-5 years.
Little League One
Fun classes led by FA coaches in Hampstead, NW3 and Totteridge, N20 for ages 3-5 years.
Sharp Shooters
Junior coaching in SW London, mainly Clapham, Wandsworth and Balham, for ages 4-11 years.
That is wonderful. My little girl is a bundle of energy. I wish there was something I could get her involved in, but here in the U.S. they don’t start coaching for anything until about 3 years old. Then again, the average 18 month old here is a complete heathen (and about a year away from even starting potty training), so I understand coaches not having the patience. Stopping by from SITS, by the way!
Hi Joanna,
Ha that’s funny, all toddlers are heathens aren’t they? I’m hoping to start potty training my 16 month old soon but not sure how that will go, eldest didn’t really get it until after two and a half!
Maybe you should start your own football or sports training programme? I’m sure you’d get loads of parents signed up in a minute!
Joanna,
It is quite funny you say that, my son was potty trained a little after a year, and my 9 month old daughter will soon be to follow. Good luck with finding a soccer club, I am looking around too, let me know what you find.
Marisa
Hi Marisa, wow potty training at 9 months. I do hear girls go faster! Do let us know if you dig up anything on the Stateside toddler soccer scene!
Hi
I thought it might be worth mentioning that my little boy and girl both LOVE Little Sports Stars, there staff are amazing and there skills in a variety of sports have just amazed me check them out at http://www.little-sports-stars.co.uk
Hope this is of use
Hi Emma, thanks for the comment. I do mean to check out Little Sports Stars actually as there’s one in my hood. Will do now you’ve reminded me.