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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

Does your Reception child do after-school football?

19 replies

Legacy · 05/04/2007 22:23

DS2's class have been offered after-school football by an outside company. He is keen to do it, but he's only 4.8 and I just wonder whether he'll cope OK with
a) a school day that lasts until 4 pm
b) having to get himself organised and into football kit etc himself after school (since it's not really part of the school curriculum the teachers/TAs don't help or anything)
c) concentrate enough to really learn anything

Anyone any experiences - good/bad? Suggestions? (I wondered if I should try to go for the first couple of sessions and help him out a bit with getting his stuff together, or is that just TOO overanxious parent?)

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shouldbedoingsomethingelse · 05/04/2007 22:27

our school did this too and although they said the teachers wouldnt be supervising etc there was always someone around and willing to lend a hand to LOs.

FWIW my DS still "needs" help getting dressed for school but manages to get dressed for PE fine (although in Reception we could always tell PE days as his shirt was inside out!)

The only bad bit about our footy course was it was hap-hazard and wasnt on every week, then it folded and we have a new one starting.

foxinsocks · 05/04/2007 22:27

all the mums/dads/childcarer stay for after school football for the reception kids (or we look after each other's children)

none of them can lace boots for a start!

ds (who loves football) couldn't manage to do it every week - he was just too knackered

bozza · 05/04/2007 22:30

If he is keen I would let him do it, you can always withdraw it.

a) not sure but will it be much different than what he normally does after school
b) he will cope, they do, although expect his uniform to come home in a crumpled up ball.
c) does it matter if he does or not if he is enjoying himself and having a good time with his friends.

They run soccer schools from our local professional team for a few weeks every so often and DS's first one was this term in reception. It is a much gentler introduction in the warm weather and light nights IMO. DS really enjoyed doing it. You could maybe turn up for the first couple of sessions to help him (and his friends) change and to take an interest so you can talk to him about it afterwards.

princesscc · 05/04/2007 22:30

Our school offers course from the local premiership team. Its open to all years and a couple of dads help out. They all want to do it, in case someone really famous comes in!

Original poster

Legacy · 05/04/2007 22:41

Hmm - looks like I'd better pack my folding Millets chair then and be on the sidelines...

Good idea about parents etc helping - perhaps I could get an informal rota going with some of the other mums?

OP posts:

foxinsocks · 05/04/2007 22:44

I think that's wise Legacy. I am of the not- very-over-protective sort but I think an adult should be around for the first couple of sessions just to get a feel for it - some of these coaches are brilliant and pitch it at the right level but sometimes, it can be very overwhelming, especially when they are knackered.

And if they do winning/losing stuff, someone is bound to burst into tears

HotXMum · 05/04/2007 22:52

Well, at our school, you still have to go at the usual pick up time and get them dressed into their kit. Leave them and come and pick them up when its all over.

Gobbledigook · 05/04/2007 22:56

Ds1 did it in reception (still does but in yr 1 now). It was straight after school, at school, till 5pm. He was fine. Loves it.

Gobbledigook · 05/04/2007 22:57

Oh, because I have to go to school to collect ds2 from school nursery anyway, I meet ds and his friend in the hall and help them get ready and make sure their uniform is all in their bag to take home. A few mums do this and we manage things between us.

Original poster

Legacy · 06/04/2007 14:02

OK - next daft question - what did your boys wear?

I know there is a bit of a 'football shirt' culture (with names on the back etc as they get to about Y1/2) but I had a look at the mini- England kits in JJB sports today and I just hate all the nylon thing going on there....

Does it have to be official kit do you think, or are there any acceptable alternatives? (We're not particular team supporters in our house...)

OP posts:

Gobbledigook · 06/04/2007 18:30

At first he just had sports shorts and a t-shirt but he has kits now (England and Man U - home and away) as that's what everyone else has. He has his name on the back of them as well.

He is only allowed to wear them for playing football - they are deffo not allowed for everyday wear! Yuk!

Original poster

Legacy · 06/04/2007 20:18

Hmm - looks like an England kit is required then, but I am TOTALLY with you on the 'not outside the football pitch' - can't stand it when I see kids wearing them every day!

OP posts:

foxinsocks · 06/04/2007 20:23

ds would sleep in his kits if he could. In fact, today was one of the first days in living memory that he chose to wear 'normal' clothes

have a feeling there was a new England home kit out (fairly recently) - however, most of the boys will probably wear the away kit (the red one) and it's far easier to get clean than the home (white shirt) kit!

CowsGoMoo · 06/04/2007 20:58

Hi my son does after school football coaching by Coerver but its only from Year 3 onwards. They get 5 mins to change into their kit which over winter consisted of, t-shirt, waterproof jogger top and jogging bottoms (my ds being nearly 8 would only wear Adidas!) shin pads, footie socks and boots, now spring is on its way they can wear t shirts (arsenal for us!!) and shorts. His training last for an hour and I pick him up at 4.15, its a long day even for an almost 8 year old but he loves it!
I would encourage any outside of school interests your son shows, especially one that will keep him fit and active. If he is tired after it, early tea, bath and bed early, big bonus is you get a longer quieter evening!!!!

Gobbledigook · 06/04/2007 21:18

Ditto Foxinsocks.

Last night, I went in to kiss the boys goodnight before I went to bed. Ds1 had on Man U PJs and he was also cuddling a football and had his new Man U scarf wrapped round his neck!! Ha ha!!

Original poster

Legacy · 06/04/2007 21:22

I'm going to need the age 4-5 "infant" kit. I can't seem to find (online at least) the away strip - it's all the white one. Have looked at JJB sports/ Debenhams. Most of the 'proper' shirts only start in age 6-7 which would be too big?

Can anyone help me find one?

( I was hoping to buy one of those shirt/shorts/socks combos!)

OP posts:

Celia2 · 07/04/2007 09:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Gobbledigook · 07/04/2007 09:55

Legacy - I have to buy that size too. Actually ds1 has the away kit in 4-5 but the home kit in 5-6. The shirt of the 5-6 is fine but teh shorts are too big for his skinny waist so I just use the black away kit shorts with the red shirt. I just need to tack the white ones to make them a bit smaller round the waist.

I find it's easier to get hold of the right size in JJB shops or in the Man U Megastore. Really hard to get them online.

Celia2 · 07/04/2007 12:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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