More than football. Where Confident Little People Begin
Fun, friendly football-based sessions for children aged 3–4 in Shenfield & Brentwood.
We use the ball to build confidence, coordination, listening skills, and independence — all through active play.
No commitment • Limited spaces
Perfect for your child if you want them to:
Grow in confidence
Learn to listen & follow simple instructions
Move better, balance better, and feel capable
Enjoy their first club experience
Sneak peak into one of our sessions
Thinking About Your Child’s First Club?
If you’re here, you’re probably wondering things like:
“Will my child join in?”
“What if they’re shy or clingy?”
“Are they too young?”
“Is it really about fun — or pressure?”
You’re not alone — and you’re exactly who Footie Tots is designed for.
Our sessions are built specifically for early years children who are still learning how to be away from you, listen, share, and take part — all at their own pace.
Football Is the Tool — Not the Goal
At Footie Tots, football is simply the vehicle.
We use the ball to help children:
Build confidence trying new things
Improve balance, coordination & movement
Learn to take turns and share space
Listen to simple instructions
Feel proud when they succeed
There are no drills.
No shouting.
No pressure to “be good”.
Just active play with purpose — led by caring coaches who understand early childhood development.
What Parents Notice After a Few Weeks
Parents regularly tell us their child:
Walks in with more confidence
Joins activities more willingly
Talks about the session at home
Listens better in group settings
Is happier trying new things
These are life skills, not just football skills — and they matter most at this age.
Designed by Coaches Who Specialise in Young Children
Footie Tots sessions are delivered by experienced, child-focused coaches who specialise in working with 3–4 year olds.
Every session includes:
DBS-checked coaches
Safeguarding & first aid training
Calm, positive behaviour support
Clear routines so children feel safe
Your child is never rushed, forced, or compared.
A Typical 45-Minute Footie Tots Session
Our sessions follow a clear, familiar routine each week. This helps young children feel safe, confident, and ready to take part — especially if it’s their first ever club.
1️⃣ Welcome & Free Play (5 minutes)
We begin with relaxed free play, where children explore the space and equipment with their parent nearby.
This helps children:
Settle into the environment
Build confidence away from home
Feel secure before structured activities begin
Coaches use this time to greet each child by name and create a warm, friendly atmosphere.
2️⃣ Movement Game (No Ball) — Theme or Role Play (10 minutes)
Next, we introduce a fun movement-based game without the ball, often built around a theme or story (e.g. animals, superheroes, journeys).
Children practise:
Running, stopping, balancing & jumping
Listening to simple instructions
Moving safely around others
This prepares their bodies and minds — without pressure — and is perfect for early years development.
3️⃣ Dribbling & Ball Exploration (10 minutes)
Now we introduce the football in a playful, guided way.
Children are encouraged to:
Push and stop the ball
Explore different movements
Build coordination and control
There’s no expectation to “get it right” — just curiosity, confidence, and enjoyment.
4️⃣ Passing or Shooting Activity (10 minutes)
Through simple games, children experience passing or shooting in a fun, achievable way.
This supports:
Turn-taking
A sense of achievement
Early teamwork and cooperation
Activities are adapted so every child experiences success, regardless of confidence or ability.
5️⃣ Free Play & Celebration with Parents (10 minutes)
We finish with relaxed free play with parents involved, allowing children to enjoy the space freely and end the session on a positive note.
This helps children:
Leave feeling happy and proud
Associate sport with enjoyment
Build positive memories of being active
Sessions end with praise, high-fives, and smiles — setting children up to want to return next week.
Why This Structure Works
Short, varied activities suit early attention spans
Familiar routines build confidence
Parent involvement creates emotional safety
Play-first learning supports long-term development
Parent FAQs
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This is completely normal — especially for children attending their first ever club.
Children are never forced to take part. Some children like to watch first, stay close to their parent, or join in gradually. Our coaches are experienced in supporting children at their own pace, using gentle encouragement and positive reassurance.
Most children join in naturally once they feel safe and comfortable.
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Yes — parents stay close by and are actively involved, especially at the start and end of the session.
Parent involvement helps children feel emotionally secure and confident, particularly in early years. As children grow in confidence, they often begin to explore and take part more independently — but there is never pressure to separate.
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Absolutely. In fact, many parents choose Footie Tots specifically for this reason.
Sessions are calm, welcoming, and pressure-free. Coaches focus on building trust first, then confidence through play, praise, and achievable activities. Shy children are supported gently and positively — never singled out or rushed.
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No — football is simply the tool we use.
The real focus is on early years development, including:
Confidence and independence
Listening and following simple instructions
Balance, coordination, and movement
Turn-taking and sharing
Enjoyment of being active
These foundations support children in school, sport, and everyday life.
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That’s expected at this age — and completely okay.
Sessions are designed around short activities, clear routines, and simple language that suit early years attention spans. Coaches guide children positively, using encouragement and modelling rather than correction or discipline.
There is no expectation for children to “sit still” or behave perfectly.
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Not at all.
Most children attending Footie Tots are completely new to football — and that’s exactly how it should be. Sessions are designed so every child can take part, regardless of experience or confidence.
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After your free taster, you’ll have the option to join our regular Footie Tots sessions if it feels right for your child.
There is no obligation to continue — the taster is simply a chance to experience the environment, coaches, and session structure.
FIRST SESSION ON US!
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity for your child to kick off their football journey! Sign up today and watch them grow into a confident little player. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now!