The Kick-Off: Quick Feet & Winter Confidence
⚽ The Kick-Off: Weekly Coaching Update
With the frost beginning to settle on the Essex pitches and the Christmas countdown well and truly underway, there is a fantastic energy around the academy this week. While the days are shorter and the air is certainly crisper, it is the perfect time for our young players to sharpen their skills and keep that momentum building through the winter months.
🏡 The Garden Drill: The “Happy Feet” Shuffle
Goal: This drill focuses on close ball control and developing "quick feet," helping players feel comfortable with the ball in tight spaces even when the ground is a bit damp.
Find a small square of space (even a patio or hallway works if the garden is too muddy!).
Stand with the ball between your feet and use the insides of your feet to rapidly "shuffle" the ball back and forth.
Keep your knees slightly bent and stay on your toes to maintain balance.
Once you have a rhythm, try to lift your head up and look forward rather than at the ball.
The Challenge: See how many touches you can get in 30 seconds without the ball leaving your small square!
🍎 Coach's Corner: Building Match-Day Confidence
Confidence isn't something a player is just born with; it is a skill that we can help them build through the way we support them at home. Focus on "process goals"—like making five good passes or working hard to win the ball back—rather than just the final score of the game. By celebrating their effort and specific skills, you help them develop an internal belief that isn't shaken by a single mistake or a tough loss.
Pro Tip: After a match, try to wait for your child to bring up the game first. This gives them the "breathing room" to process their own performance before receiving feedback.
📍 Essex Community Spot
With the winter weather being so unpredictable in Essex lately, please remember that player safety is our absolute priority. If you are heading to a local pitch for a friendly or training, be proactive with pitch inspections—check for frozen ruts or waterlogged areas that could cause slips or injuries before letting the kids "play out."
In local news, the Essex County FA has reminded all clubs that their offices will be closing for the festive period from 5:00 pm on Tuesday, 23rd December, reopening on Friday, 2nd January. Also, there is an important government consultation open until January regarding the protection of our local playing fields; we encourage all Essex football families to have their say on the Essex FA website to help protect our grassroots facilities for the future.
See you on the pitch this weekend!