The First Kicks Programme run by Island Bay United is part of NZ Football's Whole of Football Framework and is designed to assist players aged 5-6 to develop the basic soccer skills through direct coaching, fun, practice and games.

First Kicks runs on the Wakefield Park artificial turf on Saturday mornings starting at 8am sharp.

Please note parking is always difficult to come by so please come early and consider your transport options carefully.

U5 First Kicks is for players turning 5 in the current playing year.

U6 First Kicks is for players turning 6 in the current playing year.

Players enjoy 3 fun-packed training drills called Station Rotation then the squad of ten players is split up to play short games of 4 or 5 aside, on small fields with no goalkeepers and modified rules (see below).

Players need to bring their own yellow socks, shin pads, and a size 3 ball. The club provides a replica strip from a famous football nation or club, including shorts.

Early engagement into the game should be encouraged as it is necessary to reach excellence. This initiation phase allows players to discover the game, provides for learning basic fundamental movement skills and creates positive football experiences.

First Kicks Guidelines

• Non-competitive short games

• Adults and children work together informally to meet the personal/emotional needs of the youngsters

• Lots of chances to enjoy mini challenges

• Encourage participation in a variety of additional activities to develop physical literacy (e.g. running, jumping, throwing, etc)

• Parents and game leaders bring out the fun of football through guiding and supporting their children to understand the basic rules of first kicks football

Coaches and Managers

Like all club activities we are reliant on parents to run the Saturday morning programme. Coaches will be provided with training and coaching plans but will require parents to help with organising activities and assisting with games. Like everything with children this age, the more parents contribute in the sessions by encouraging and supporting the coach and players, the more the children will benefit. Please give consideration to whether you can take on one of these roles.

Pitch Allocation

The pitch that your team is allocated will be displayed in the club rooms on Saturday mornings.

First Kicks Game rules

1.  8-10 minute mini games

2. hooters signal 'change drill / new game'

3. no goal keepers

4. No offside

5. goal kick - attacking players return to half way

6. no corners

7. no throw-ins, they are replaced by kick ins

8. the pitch is 30 metres by 20 metres with goals that measure 2 x 1 metre

Expected behaviour from children:

• To respect adults and equipment

• Do your best and have fun

• To display good sportsmanship at all times

Expected behaviour from adults:

• Please respect your child’s coach and teammates by being on time, which means arriving sufficiently early to be with the team, kitted up and boots on by 8 am, rather than arriving at 8am

• If you are unable to play please respect your child’s coach and teammates by giving the manager as much warning as possible

• Applaud good play and encourage fair play from both teams!!!

• Avoid criticizing your team or the opposition

Cancellations

In the unlikely event a Southerly blows through and the games are cancelled you should expect a WhatsApp message from your coach or manager advising you of the situation.

If you have any questions please contact our first kicks coordinator