Shropshire mum gets ball rolling

Traditional play is becoming a thing of the past as youngsters pile on the pounds. Two worrying trends which are now constantly in the limelight.

No wonder mothers are finally being pushed to do something about it. Even if that means trying something they never imagined doing - like running their own football club.

Move over Steve McClaren because one Shropshire woman is helping to encourage the future World Cup stars with a team of mini players.

With two small children of her own, Shropshire’s Jo Heath knows just how important the early years are in the development of a healthy, fit and happy child, and how much they love kicking a football around - if only they could get the chance to do it.

Originally from Shrewsbury, Jo moved to London to begin her career as a graphic designer after marrying her husband Oliver, also a graphic designer.

The couple moved back to Shropshire to start a family because they wanted a secure, safe and healthy environment to raise their children.

Oliver runs his own graphic design business from home and since having Joseph, three, and Noah, two, Jo has been a full-time mum.

And while she loves spending time with her two sons Jo admits she needed a new challenge.

“After being in London for eight years I felt I had achieved what I wanted in graphic design. I wanted my two children to start a football class so began searching the web for classes in Shropshire. With no luck I eventually began looking into starting my own and that’s when I came across Little Kickers and subsequently bought into the franchise”.

Jo now combines business with home life and nursery school runs.

“It’s shocking to think that 25 per cent of four-year-olds are overweight. Providing children with a positive introduction to sport can help nip this problem in the bud. Studies have shown that children that adopt healthy eating and physical activity patterns are substantially less likely to become overweight adults. It is much easier to prevent children from becoming overweight than to correct the problem at a later date.

“I’m like any other concerned mum. The Government combined with the media has made us realise just how important it is to give our kids their ‘five a day’ and get them active at an early age. By doing Little Kickers I am not only creating a better life for me and my family but I am providing a service that doesn’t yet exist in Shropshire, offering other parents the chance to give their children the start they need.

“Long gone are the days when you could let your children play outside with the kids from next door. Society has put restraints on our children’s level of freedom to play, for fear of their safety. Combine this with television, computer games and the internet and there is not much hope of getting your child to become the next David Beckham!”

Little Kickers classes introduce football to boys and girls aged 18 months to five years. The programme was developed by FA qualified coaches and child health specialists.

It works on the basis that children are much more likely to learn if their imaginations are engaged and skills are introduced through games rather than formal drills.

The company motto is “Play not Push”.

“Little Kickers is exciting for kids, it enables them to meet new friends and have fun in a friendly and safe environment. All my coaches are enhanced CRB checked and adequately first aid trained. Venues are risk assessed prior to any classes commencing.”

Rather than focusing purely on football, the programme incorporates a number of early learning goals.

Valuable concepts such as sharing and teamwork are introduced in an enjoyable environment. Classes also enable children to develop agility, co-ordination and balance while providing them with a positive introduction to sport. Little Kickers has been featured on Supernanny and The House of Tiny Tearaways.

Each class lasts 45 minutes with a maximum of 16 children attending. With two coaches per class, each child receives the best opportunity to learn new skills.

The classes are well structured, separated into three 15-minute sections incorporating a warm-up, followed by ball skill games and finish with a penalty shootout and cool down.

“Rather than simply throwing a ball into the middle of the hall and leaving them to figure out how to play a game, we have designed the class so that the children learn ball skills, technique, control and teamwork,” adds Jo.

“Our coaches will shape the games around the particular age group and their ability so each child will be able to participate at all times - that’s why we have three different groups.

“Our sessions are the perfect chance for your child to learn new skills and burn off a lot of energy, while you enjoy a well earned rest and a chat with the other parents. It’s one thing buying your child the latest trainers, but giving them a head start in sport is a real investment. Obviously we can’t promise you a future star but can offer them the foundation they need to lead a healthy and active life.”

All parents are asked to stay for the duration of the class to encourage and support their child.

“The most important reason we ask the parents to stay is because we like lots of cheering when the children score during the penalty shootouts and plenty of encouragement when they don’t,” said Jo.

By Tracey O’Sullivan