VFC Development Squad
The aim of Vinters F.C. Development Squad is to provide an opportunity for Year R, Year 1 & Year 2 children in the local area to learn to play football. They will be able to develop their skills and understanding of football, progressing to be part of a competitive Vinters team from the age of Under 8. The Development Squad welcomes both boys and girls from between the ages of 4 and 7, with sessions held every Saturday morning at the Valley Park Community School playing fields from 10am to 12noon.
Under 5s (Year R) & Under 6s (Year 1)
Vinters F.C. aim to make learning rather than performance the focus of our young players' development years.
The sessions are organised by coaches who have recognised Football Association qualifications (either Level 1 or Level 2), and all coaches and helpers have undergone the appropriate CRB checks.
We follow the Football Association's recommended learning methods for young players, by introducing fun games and football with variety and challenge where they can run, dribble, shoot, score, tackle, turn, gets lots of touches of the ball. Our sessions are designed upon player-centred learning, but also endeavouring to manage the differences between the players.
We encourage the children to help organise the activities, by marking out the area, even designing some of the games themselves, and getting their views on the sessions. The trick with the younger ones is to get them to relate to things they link to fun and excitement such as games, TV shows, and movies.
Interspersed with the warm-ups and ball sessions, are fun non football games such as Chain Tag or Tiger Tails, and all these incorporate the FUNdamental movement skills of Agility, Balance, Co-ordination and Speed.
Each session has a core theme, such as Running with the Ball, or Turning, or Shooting. Firstly we practice the Technique, and then progress this into a Skill session, with the introduction of an opponent/defender against whom to test their football techniques. This often takes the form of a "monster' or group of "aliens' trying to gobble them or their ball. We then progress to a match situation where the children can try out their techniques by making decisions and mistakes, problem solving and learning for themselves. These matches are kept as 3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4 to allow the children to maximise their opportunities to touch the ball.
By adopting the Football Association's principles of Long Term Player Development, we aim to focus as much upon the development of the child as upon football. Fun and "breakthrough' are important in primary age children because young children need realistic praise from others to satisfy social approval.
At this young age, it is essential that there is always an appointed adult responsible for each player watching at all times. We encourage parents to adopt a positive reassuring approach to their child's learning, whilst the coaches aim to provide feedback on the child's progress to the parents.
Under 7s (Year 2)
Football Association rules do not permit children to play in matches until the 1st September after their 6th birthday. So this means that when a child reaches Year 2 it will be the first opportunity for the child to play competitive matches, and most are keen to get started. Those players who are ready for competitive matches will be divided into teams (Vinters Park, Vinters Green & Vinters Valley). These teams are fluid and players can move between the groups based on ability and understanding of the game.
Friendly matches are arranged with other local teams, and although striving to win is an important aim, we place the emphasis on player development. Most important is the fun derived from playing, or being with friends and accomplishing something new.
There will be regular training for the Under 7 teams, although we continue to run a Development Group for those players that still require an understanding of a game situation.
Then, throughout the following summer, the teams will be entered into various local tournaments, to prepare the teams for joining the Maidstone Invicta Primary Football League as Under 8s in the following season.
If you would like further information on the Vinters F.C. Development Squad please contact Kevin Seaward, Head of Development by phone on 07757 696925 or via e-mail kevinseaward@yahoo.co.uk.
Under 5s (Year R) & Under 6s (Year 1)
Vinters F.C. aim to make learning rather than performance the focus of our young players' development years.
The sessions are organised by coaches who have recognised Football Association qualifications (either Level 1 or Level 2), and all coaches and helpers have undergone the appropriate CRB checks.
We follow the Football Association's recommended learning methods for young players, by introducing fun games and football with variety and challenge where they can run, dribble, shoot, score, tackle, turn, gets lots of touches of the ball. Our sessions are designed upon player-centred learning, but also endeavouring to manage the differences between the players.
We encourage the children to help organise the activities, by marking out the area, even designing some of the games themselves, and getting their views on the sessions. The trick with the younger ones is to get them to relate to things they link to fun and excitement such as games, TV shows, and movies.
Interspersed with the warm-ups and ball sessions, are fun non football games such as Chain Tag or Tiger Tails, and all these incorporate the FUNdamental movement skills of Agility, Balance, Co-ordination and Speed.
Each session has a core theme, such as Running with the Ball, or Turning, or Shooting. Firstly we practice the Technique, and then progress this into a Skill session, with the introduction of an opponent/defender against whom to test their football techniques. This often takes the form of a "monster' or group of "aliens' trying to gobble them or their ball. We then progress to a match situation where the children can try out their techniques by making decisions and mistakes, problem solving and learning for themselves. These matches are kept as 3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4 to allow the children to maximise their opportunities to touch the ball.
By adopting the Football Association's principles of Long Term Player Development, we aim to focus as much upon the development of the child as upon football. Fun and "breakthrough' are important in primary age children because young children need realistic praise from others to satisfy social approval.
At this young age, it is essential that there is always an appointed adult responsible for each player watching at all times. We encourage parents to adopt a positive reassuring approach to their child's learning, whilst the coaches aim to provide feedback on the child's progress to the parents.
Under 7s (Year 2)
Football Association rules do not permit children to play in matches until the 1st September after their 6th birthday. So this means that when a child reaches Year 2 it will be the first opportunity for the child to play competitive matches, and most are keen to get started. Those players who are ready for competitive matches will be divided into teams (Vinters Park, Vinters Green & Vinters Valley). These teams are fluid and players can move between the groups based on ability and understanding of the game.
Friendly matches are arranged with other local teams, and although striving to win is an important aim, we place the emphasis on player development. Most important is the fun derived from playing, or being with friends and accomplishing something new.
There will be regular training for the Under 7 teams, although we continue to run a Development Group for those players that still require an understanding of a game situation.
Then, throughout the following summer, the teams will be entered into various local tournaments, to prepare the teams for joining the Maidstone Invicta Primary Football League as Under 8s in the following season.
If you would like further information on the Vinters F.C. Development Squad please contact Kevin Seaward, Head of Development by phone on 07757 696925 or via e-mail kevinseaward@yahoo.co.uk.
RSS Feeds