Getting your kids active from a young age is a great way to set them on a healthy, happy path in life — and there are so many different ways to do this. One way that’s particularly popular with kids all around the world is football!
Football is fun, easy to understand, and fantastic for kids of all ages to enjoy.
A study by Frontiers in Pediatrics has shown that regular football practice can improve fundamental movement and motor skills, and it’s not just our physical health that stands to benefit. (1)
Playing football can also boost our emotional well-being and cognitive development.
This is largely because it’s an opportunity to work as a team and learn key social skills. Aiming and kicking the ball also helps to improve coordination from an early stage in a child’s development.
If you’re ready to get your toddler started with a football class in North London, the following groups are a great choice. Many of them also offer classes for older children so that your child can progress through the different age groups alongside their new friends.
1. Little Kickers
Areas: St John’s Wood, NW8 8LA (+ more areas around the UK)
Ages: 1.5 – 5 year olds
The toddler group at Little Kickers is called Little Kicks. Here you’ll discover a fun, friendly, and welcoming space for your little one to learn basic ball skills through play.
The focus is on ‘learning to learn,’ with football-based games used to teach independence, build social skills and improve confidence.
Little Kickers NW London reviews
“1st class today. My 18-month-old had the opportunity to run off lots of steam as well as learn about colours, body parts, and obviously kicking a ball. He loved interacting with the other children.” – Emma.
Find a Little Kickers class
Find a Little Kickers class on Loopla: Little Kickers NW London or visit their website for more information.
2. JP Pro Football
Areas: St Albans, Hemel Hempstead
Ages: 2 – 13 year olds
Launched by Jordan Parks, a former professional footballer, JP Pro Football is now home to more than 700 young players.
The Footy Tots sessions for two- to three-year-olds offer the opportunity to learn football basics in a fun, safe environment, with a focus on enhancing motor skills and cognitive abilities.
Through problem-solving ball games, each child will be encouraged to think up creative solutions in a team setting, which is great for social skills too!
You can also book football parties featuring games and training from an FA-licensed coach!
JP Pro Football reviews
“Footy Tots sessions do not only develop footballing ability but they look to develop the child’s coordination, teamwork and discipline.” – Chris and Laura.
Find a JP Pro Football class near you
Find a JP Pro Football class on Loopla here or visit their website for more info.
Find football classes near you: search football
3. Kiddikicks
Areas: Hackney, Brent, Westminster
Ages: 18 months – 8 year olds
Launched by a husband and wife team in 2005, Kiddikicks aims to help kids fall in love with football and play for many years to come.
All new players will receive a Kiddikicks uniform to wear to practice, so your little one can truly feel part of the team!
Kiddikicks reviews
“Our son thoroughly enjoys these classes, they are fun and varied with the activities.” – Meenesh
Find a Kiddikicks class near you
Visit the Kiddikicks website to book and for more information.
4. The Little Foxes Club
Areas: Hampstead Heath, Queen’s Park
Ages: 18 months – 11 year olds
The Little Foxes Club offers a range of sporting activities, including football, tennis, rugby, and more.
A lot of these activities are outdoor classes, so your little one can enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
Football classes with The Little Foxes are all about making new friends and creating memories together.
Each session aims simply for your child to develop their skills and enjoy a boost of confidence.
Little Foxes Club reviews
“Our son has been going to Little Foxes at Ravenscourt Park for the last 2 years. His coach AJ spends a lot of time with each kid giving bespoke advice to each of them. He always tries to get the best out of each kid. Our son thoroughly enjoys the classes. Would definitely recommend!” – Rocio.
Find a Little Foxes Club class near you
Visit the Little Foxes Club website to book and for more information.
5. Supa Strikers
Areas: Enfield, EN1 1HQ + EN1 1YP
Ages: 2 – 5 year olds
The youngest children will be in the MiniStrikers group, which focuses on learning how to stop the ball, move with the ball and change direction while maintaining control.
This helps each child to develop their balance and coordination skills while also making new friends and having lots of fun.
Parents are encouraged to join in, with the sessions offered on a membership basis to ensure their kids see familiar faces every time.
You can also enjoy the sibling discount if you have more than one child who wants to play!
Supa Strikers reviews
“This is a great class for little ones, my son loved his time here and I would highly recommend the Cheltenham class at Bournside. Ash in particular is brilliant with the children. Thanks all!” – Lucy
Find a Supa Strikers class near you
Visit the Supa Strikers website to book and for more information.
Find football classes near you: search football
6. Sport4kids
Areas: Enfield, Southgate, North Finchley
Ages: 18 months – 7 year olds
Sport4kids football classes are inspired by Montessori teaching methods and designed to help your child develop their motor, cognitive, and social skills.
Parents must join in with the sessions, but the little ones are encouraged to become more independent over time.
You can expect to participate in listening exercises, problem-solving activities, and games designed to teach patience and teamwork.
For extra fun, Sport4kids has created an app that allows you to track your youngster’s progress.
Your kids can also use the app to continue their practice at home with follow-along video tutorials.
Sport4kids reviews
“Andrew and Helen’s team in North London (Southgate/ Enfield), have been amazing. I have kids with additional needs and they have been by far the best providers. Staff are lovely, polite and my children really like them. Great staff.” – Stella.
Find a Sport4kids class near you
Visit the Sport4kids website to book and for more information.
7. Pro Elite Football Academy
Areas: Barnet, Palmers Green, Enfield, Edmonton, Southgate
Ages: 18 months – 12 year olds
The toddler sessions from Pro Elite Football Academy are designed to teach foundational football skills that can be built upon as your children move up through the age groups.
The emphasis is on socialising and boosting confidence through football-based activities that also teach colours, numbers, and animals. A free trial is available, and birthday parties and half-term camps are also on offer.
Pro Elite Football Academy reviews
“Lessons with Pro Elite are the best! Coach Ems is a real star, coach Costa also is wonderful! They are the most amazing, encouraging and supportive coaches I ever met!” – Lydia.
Find a Pro Elite Football Academy class near you
Visit the Pro Elite Football Academy website to book and for more information.
8. BabyBallers
Areas: Pinner, Leytonstone, Wanstead
Ages: 16 months – 5 year olds
BabyBallers advocates for learning through play with a combination of football and other sporty activities.
The group specialises in developing your child’s footballing ability whilst also helping with their social development. They’ll also provide your child with support once they age out of BabyBallers!
BabyBallers reviews
“Excellent! My son loves it, the coaches are brilliant with the kids and make it very enjoyable!! Definitely will be recommending to friends.” – Danielle.
Find a BabyBallers class near you
Visit the BabyBallers website to book and for more information.
9. London Football School
Areas: Tufnell Park, London Fields, Caledonian Park (only from June 10th to July 23rd), Whittington Park (only from June 10th to July 23rd)
Ages: 2 – 14 year olds
The Toddler Squad sessions for preschool to reception-age children focus on engaging in ball games.
By helping your kids to build friendships through football, this group is fantastic for building your young one’s self-esteem and confidence.
Find a London Football School class near you
Visit the London Football School website to book and for more information.
10. Little Strikers
Areas: Clissold Park
Ages: 18 months – 7 year olds
At Little Strikers, the most important thing is creating an enjoyable environment where everyone can develop at their own pace.
Each session begins with a warm-up before the kids get to learn football skills through innovative games. The toddler groups always end with a musical game, ensuring that everyone leaves in high spirits!
The weekly classes for toddlers offer a discount for siblings. You can enjoy a free trial class as a bonus, so you can always check this group out.
Little Strikers reviews
“Superb football coaching for kids. It is the highlight of our son’s week.” Jonny.
Find a Little Strikers class near you
Visit the Little Strikers website to book and for more information.
Why is football great for toddlers?
Football is great for young kids for so many reasons! From developing their physical fitness and motor skills to teaching them all about teamwork, cooperation, and social skills, there’s much to be gained from getting on the pitch at an early age.
Given that parents are typically required to participate in football classes for toddlers, this is a fantastic way to spend quality time with your child or children.
Most importantly, playing football at a young age is a simple way to have fun and make new friends. Your kid doesn’t have to be gifted at sports to enjoy playing football with their peers, and it could even prove to be the start of a life-long passion or hobby.
