U7 First Three Weeks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.