Ages 2 to 6
First Kicks
An introduction to football in a fun, friendly environment — which in practice means games, a bit of skill, and a lot of confidence-building. They come away a Mini Bee or a Mini Badger, with the T-shirt to prove it.
The sessions
When they run
Three age groups. The two morning sessions are for the ones not at school yet; the after-school session runs on Thursdays.
- Ages 3–4
- 10:30–11:30amEvery Tuesday
- Ages 2–3
- 10:30–11:30amEvery Thursday
- Ages 4–5
- 4–5pmEvery Thursday
- Ages 5–6
- 5–6pmEvery Thursday
These are session times, not opening hours — ring us for anything outside them.
What it costs
Five pounds, and no contract
Come once and see how they get on. If it suits, there’s a block that works out cheaper and still doesn’t tie you to a date.
Every child who joins gets their own training T-shirt, kindly sponsored by Nathan Perry Carpentry and Building Services Ltd and JS Scaffolding Services Ltd.
Joining in
How to get a place
Drop us an email or give us a ring and we will tell you which sessions have room, and get your child signed up.
What happens
An hour, indoors, at their pace
An hour is a long time when you’re two, so the session moves.
Sessions are led by Coach Will and assisted by a member of WDR staff. Around 45 minutes of games, football techniques, confidence-building and teamwork, with short water breaks throughout to keep everybody going.
Fun football activities and games, movement and coordination, getting comfortable with the ball, simple skills, learning through play, building confidence and independence — and plenty of encouragement.
Being indoors is most of the point. It doesn’t get called off, it isn’t freezing in February, and the ball stays on the pitch instead of in a hedge.
Questions
The things parents ask
Is signing up a commitment to join a football club?
No. Becoming a Mini Bee or Mini Badger does not mean your child is committing to join a football club. It is simply an opportunity to develop their football, confidence and enjoyment while being part of the WDR Coaching pathway. For children who want to progress further, the pathway can provide opportunities to connect with Harborough Town Football Club and Borough Alliance. There is no pressure and no commitment — just an opportunity to learn, develop and enjoy football.
What should my child bring and wear?
Comfortable sports clothing they can move around in, along with appropriate footwear to kick a ball. Once signed up we would love them to wear their Mini Bee or Mini Badger training top. Bring a water bottle — there is a refill point on site, just ask a member of the WDR team.
Do parents stay for the session?
Yes — we advise all parents to stay and watch. There is a dedicated seating area with tables and chairs, and colouring activities for younger siblings. All parents are welcome onto the astro pitch to assist their child.
- Ages 2–3: we ask that a parent or guardian stays on site and remains close by during the session.
- Ages 3–4: we ask a parent or guardian to stay on site and encourage their child to take part independently, though you are always welcome on the pitch to help.
- Ages 4–5 and 5–6: we recommend a parent or guardian stays on site, with the child taking part independently.
For a small additional cost, parents of the 3–4, 4–5 and 5–6 groups are welcome to use the gym during the session.
What boots are allowed on the astroturf?
Clean astros, moulded studs or flat-soled trainers. No bladed boots and no metal studs — they damage the pitch and carry a higher risk of injury.
The pathway
Become a Mini Bee or a Mini Badger
We are proudly in partnership with Harborough Town Football Club and Borough Alliance. Harborough Town’s mascot is a bee; Borough Alliance’s is a badger. Sign up, and your child gets a free training top and a first step onto the pathway.
Mini Bees
Yellow training top, proudly sponsored by Nathan Perry Carpentry and Building Services Ltd.
Mini Badgers
Red training top, proudly sponsored by JS Scaffolding Services Ltd.
First Kicks
Mini Bees and Mini Badgers in action
Photographs from the Tuesday and Thursday sessions.
Partners and sponsors
Four ways to use the centre
Nathan Perry Carpentry & Building Services Ltd — Mini Bees · JS Scaffolding Services Ltd — Mini Badgers · Harborough Town Football Club · Borough Alliance Football Club