Kick & Fun Soccer
‘Kick & Fun’ is an accessible and engaging soccer experience available to communities.
Using a modified soccer format, Kick & Fun enhances participation, skill development, and enjoyment for all players, regardless of skill level.
Kick & Fun is a simple setup that makes it easy to bring to communities and organize games in limited spaces.
Equipment includes a travel box, nets, balls, flags/pinnies and cones
Kick & Fun is supported by Soccer Alberta – thank you!
Activity Benefits:
- Increase Participation: Ensure all children get ample playing time by utilizing smaller areas for 3 vs. 3 or 4 vs. 4 games with no goalies, thereby enhancing their engagement and enjoyment in soccer.
- Promote Skill Development: Foster versatile and holistic player development through the use of small-sided games, allowing players to have more touches on the ball and more active involvement in the game.
- Facilitate Easy Implementation: Provide a straightforward setup that can be easily adopted by clubs and districts, making it feasible to organize games in limited spaces.
- Encourage Community Engagement: Build collaborative relationships within and between communities through soccer, using the accessible and inclusive format of small-sided games to bring people together.
Kick & Fun Setup:
The Kick & Fun program is designed to be adaptable to cater to various community needs and space constraints. The program supports both small and large field setups, allowing for flexibility based on the number of participants and the available space within each community. This adaptability is particularly important for communities that may not have access to traditional soccer fields.
Each box of equipment is curated to include everything needed for setting up one or two fields. This setup allows the program to accommodate up to 16 active participants at a time, making it perfect for communities with limited resources. The equipment box includes portable goals, balls, pinnies, and cones, ensuring that all necessary materials are on hand for a successful soccer session.
The program’s structure emphasizes small-sided games, such as 3 vs. 3 or 4 vs. 4, which do not require goalies. This format not only makes efficient use of available space but also enhances player involvement and development. By reducing the number of players on the field, each child gets more opportunities to touch the ball, make decisions, and engage in the game, fostering a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Equipment:
- Box (Husky Roller): A durable and portable storage solution that ensures all equipment can be easily transported and securely stored.
- Goals (Bownet 3x5): High-quality, portable goals that are easy to set up and take down, designed to withstand frequent use and varying weather conditions.
- Balls (Adidas MLS Size 4): Professional-grade soccer balls that provide a consistent feel and performance, suitable for youth players.
- Pinnies (two colours): Lightweight and breathable training bibs in two distinct colors to easily differentiate teams during games and drills.
- Cones (two colours): Sturdy and visible cones for marking field boundaries, creating training drills, and facilitating various game formats.
Each box of equipment is designed to support one or two fields, accommodating up to 16 active participants at a time. This scalability ensures that the program can grow alongside community needs, providing flexibility in how the game is organized and played.
Game Formats:
Small-Sided Games:
♦ Teams consist of 2-5 players, promoting inclusivity and engagement.
♦ Games are played in 2 vs. 2, 3 vs. 3, and 4 vs. 4 formats, maximizing ball touches and player involvement.
♦ Each match lasts for 7 minutes, followed by a 3-minute break, ensuring high energy and continuous play.
Classic Organization:
♦ Standard soccer rules are applied with specific modifications to enhance inclusivity.
♦ Smaller team sizes and mini goals (4ft x 3ft) are used to increase player touches and involvement.
♦ The focus is on creating a supportive environment where every player can actively participate.
Festival Setup:
♦ Matches follow a 7-minute playtime with a 3-minute break between games, maintaining a fast-paced and dynamic atmosphere.
♦ Winning teams move to the right field, while losing teams move to the left, ensuring a rotation that keeps the games competitive and fresh.
Rules:
Kick-offs, Goal Kicks, and Throw-ins:
♦ Must be executed as flat passes or dribbles, simplifying the game and increasing the chances for successful play.
Free Kicks:
♦ Indirect free kicks are awarded for fouls, encouraging players to work on strategic positioning and ball movement.
Substitutions:
♦ Ideally made after each goal or at set intervals, allowing all players to get ample playing time and rest.