Our teams
Teams Aged 5-8
Where it all begins… this is likely to be a player’s first experience of football. This isn’t the time to impose the ‘adult’ game on our kids. Instead, HJFC focus on helping them to build a secure and confident connection with the ball – one that allows experimentation, creativity and exploration. At this age, we want every child to:
Build a 'future-proofed' technical ability that rarely breaks down.
Explore different ways to master the ball.
Consolidate and extend this mastery throughout their football journey.
Become creative and exciting players.
Work on techniques that will allow them to be a great team player.
Feel confident in possession.
Teams Aged 9-12
At this age, we want our players to develop a greater sense of how their team works together; however, it’s important that individual ‘mastery’ of the ball remains top priority. So, building on the aims for those aged 5-8, we want every child to:
Make better tactical decisions as a result of improving mastery of the ball.
Have the technical ability to play in different positions.
Understand how their ability fits into the team.
Recognise how improving their skill can benefit the team.
Develop a growing understanding of the game – both on and off the ball.
Teams Aged 13-17
For teams aged 13-17, we stress the importance of aiming to develop players who
behave positively – apply appropriate focus and meet the collective expectations
are good learners – engage in learning to develop themselves and their game
are good team players – understand their own and others' roles within the team
manage relationships well – work effectively with others both on and off the pitch
show independence – display traits of independence in a positive and constructive way.
Developing youngsters socially will positively impact them as players in how they relate to their teammates, and how they better connect and work together in a game. Ultimately, success is developing people and players with individuality and self-expression who can operate within – and contribute to – a collective team ethos, on and off the pitch.