The idea of four-year-old kids playing football might sound a little daft, but it’s proving incredibly popular.
And the picture to the left here should tell you all you need to know - not only do the youngsters enjoy it, but they take it seriously too!
On Saturday mornings in Horsham Park, the Ted Street Soccer Academy runs 90 minute sessions for youngsters aged 4-7, and on Monday and Tuesday nights more advanced training is held for players aged 6-14.
For a lot of the very young players, the idea of ‘give and go’ is a way off, but a big part of the pleasure comes from interact with others in an organised and (to some degree) competitive game.
And there’s no great fee involved either - children can just turn up and join in for £3.
This year, the academy is ceebrating its fifteenth year. Ted said: “In that time most of the young players you see playing for the youth teams and now moving up to senior football have come through us, which is very rewarding.
“Literally hundreds of players in the Horsham area have started their footballing careers with us, and there are a good number of boys and girls who are at professional clubs through our recommendations.
“Even at four years old you can see that they quickly develop an understanding. We allow them to play and gradually introduce the to skills such as throwing, dribbling and shooting.”
The academy was started in Horsham by Ted, who had been the Youth Development Officer and Youth Team Manager at Brighton & Hove Albion for seven years.
Ted’s partner Dave Barnard, who is a well known referee as well as a football coach, joined and the academy now offers coaching to boys and girls of all abilities from the age of four upwards at different venues around Horsham and at various schools in the area.
Ted (pictured left) has a vast experience in football at all levels over many years, including being a player, Manager, Treasurer and Chairman at Horsham Football Club and managing Worthing Football Club.
All of the coaches are quifield and CRB checked.
l In addition to Saturday morning sessions, further pay as you play training is available for children aged four upwards at Broadbridge Heath on Thursday evenings. On Monday evenings (5.30-7pm) training is held at Billingshurst recreation centre, and on Tuesday (6-7.30pm) at Broadbridge Heath.
For details call Ted on 262806 or Dave on 733641
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