FOOTBALL-MAD tots are to be given a perfect platform to develop their skills and have lots of fun thanks to the arrival of Little Kickers to the area.

A brand-new wing of the successful multi-national brand is being set up in Bridgwater and a variety of other venues throughout North and Mid-Somerset, and will be on offer to fledgling footballers from as young as 18 months old right up to the age of seven.

The sessions are to be overseen by certified coaches fully geared up to putting enthusiastic boys and girls through their paces, while parents and mentors will be afforded an opportunity to actively participate and ensure there’s a familiar face to hand should their young protégés require that extra bit of encouragement!

Little Kickers, formed in 2002, is the UK’s leading toddler football programme comprising dozens of centres, with classes held throughout the year, including school holidays.

Owner of the Little Kickers’ North and Mid-Somerset initiative, Andy Parkinson, is keen to hear from enthusiastic, child-friendly coaches with suitable credentials eager to get involved.

And he explained: “Football is as popular in Somerset as anywhere but what we’re offering here is the chance for parents and guardians to come along and get their little ’uns involved at a very early age in a properly organised and controlled setting. All children who register will receive a full Little Kickers kit that will be theirs to keep, and wear during sessions so that they really feel part of the team. “The emphasis is very much on kids running around with big smiles on their faces and having a great time. Yet through this scheme there are some subtle and powerful messages to relay, about team ethics, sportsmanship and will and determination.

“Young children can be extremely impressionable and given the right voices and the right approach to their development, football can be a wonderful way of building confidence, enthusiasm and fitness levels in kids, and is a means of showing them how to tackle the highs and lows we all experience on and off the football pitch in the appropriate manner.

Andy knows all about the impact junior football has on young lives, as he has coached and managed his own sons, Sam and Nic, at thriving Worle-based club Priory Pumas over several years, with the assistance of his eldest son, Ben.

He insisted: “Catch youngsters as early as possible and the positive life skills they can adopt through football and sport in general are little short of invaluable. Children’s experiences in Little Kickers centres, such as the ones currently being set-up across the north and middle sections of the county, can mould their futures in a truly profound and positive way.

“Little Kickers has a motto ‘Play not Push’ and naturally we’re mindful of the fact children at such a young age won’t always conform fully to what you’re asking of them during our classes! That is why we request adults to be to hand, ready to ‘catch them’ if necessary, and we’ll always try to have two coaches present to keep a keen eye on things.

“There’s an enormous amount of satisfaction to be had through watching children of such a young age develop their football skills AND positive behavioural patterns. And these classes give parents and guardians a great, regular opportunity to get together and unite to help shape the destinies of their offspring and others in a friendly and relaxed environment.

“The sessions are not about trying to unearth future superstars, but if we can set some promising and talented children on their way to something fruitful through Little Kickers, then we’ll be delighted to have played a small but worthwhile part.”

Anyone wishing to know more about Little Kickers, or keen to register their child on to sessions, can visit www.littlekickers.co.uk or call Andy Parkinson on 01934 525658. Alternatively email him at aparkinson@littlekickers.co.uk