Support Zone / Mentoring
Sunday's Kicking at Crystal Palace

It’s Sunday morning and freezing cold, however, in Crystal Palace no one feels the cold especially the team of energetic kids who are running passionately on the football pitch and showing they are ready to kick some footballs.

Adrian, one of the football coaches, explains that every Sunday the kids come along to the beginner’s sessions and learn the art of football. The age range starts from 5 to 14. It’s a chance to support and guide the kids, to develop their football skills and prepare the potentials for professional side teams such as Crystal Palace or see if there may be a budding young Beckham brewing.

“Everyone develops differently, so we train them in small groups and they focus on techniques when passing the ball to each other. They need to understand the game.”

Adrian and his colleague Sam, shouted words of encouragement as goals were being scored and suggestions when there were minor blunders. “They are here to make the mistakes and learn from them.” He adds.

The kids listened intently to their coaches and progress was instantly showing.

It’s not just the kids that are keen, but the parents too as they watched enthusiastically and cheered encouragingly when goals were scored. One parent commented.

“I always bring him each week as it is something he looks forward to on a Sunday morning.”

All in all, everyone was in good spirits and the children will continue, hopefully with more determination kicking some more footballs!