U7 First Three Weeks
The exact 45-minute session to run for the first three weeks of an U7 squad.
▦Session blocks
Animal Warm-Up
The warm-up is also the engagement test. If a kid won't be a bear, that's important information — they may need a one-to-one moment from you before the session. Most kids commit by minute 3.
First Touch Everywhere
Every kid needs their own ball. Run rounds 1-3 only — skip the wild ball round in the first 2 weeks (introduce in week 3). The goal is touches and joy, not technique.
First Shots — Mini Goals
Set up four mini-goals before training starts so transition is fast. Cue: 'point your toe at the goal'. Don't add the weaker-foot rule in week 1 — that's week 2 material. By week 3, run the 'who can score in all four goals?' competition.
3v3 Game (Future Fit U7 Format)
Run two 3v3 pitches in parallel if you have 10+ players. NO rotation in week 1 — let kids bond with their first teammate. Add rotation in week 2. By week 3 they'll be asking for it. End on a high — pull them in for a 30-second 'what was your favourite bit?' debrief.
Goodbye huddle
Pull kids in. Quick 30-second 'hands in, three two one — Wildcats!' (or your team name). Then thank them for coming. The huddle is the ritual that signals 'we're a team'. Skip this and the session feels unfinished.
◆What you'll need from yourself
Clear demonstrations and high energy. Keep the session moving with minimal queuing, and reinforce one or two key coaching points rather than overloading players with information.
!Common problems
Players standing in queues (set up enough stations to keep everyone active) and the session running too long on one activity (keep blocks tight and move on while engagement is high).