There’s nothing that beats the buzz of waking up on a Sunday. The sun is shining, not too warm, and you know you’ve got a big game ahead. This is what grassroots football is all about: turning up with your mates, getting warmed up, and going into every match looking to have fun and try to win. But the best way to make sure that happens is consistent, purposeful training.

At Slade Green Knights, we’re proud to have UEFA C and FA Level 1 coaches across our teams. We believe every session should help players learn and progress, with a clear purpose and plenty of enjoyment along the way.
At the heart of what we do is ball mastery. Kids from ages 5 to 12 should be spending as much time as possible with a ball at their feet. Whether that’s dribbling, running with the ball, passing with others, or learning how to shoot properly, the more confident they are on the ball, the more everything else begins to click.

How many times have you seen a player thrash it away and get applauded for their "commitment"? That might be fine in League One or Two. But in grassroots football, we want kids to learn to pass, move, and make decisions. We want them to control the game rather than just chase it.

Our coaches use a mix of small-sided games (3v3, 4v4), technical drills, and game-like situations to prepare players for match day. Each session has a clear goal, which we share with players at the start. This helps them focus and understand what they’re working on.
The players who develop fastest are often the ones who train regularly and play outside of training. That might be in the garden, with friends, or even indoors with a soft ball. Football is a game of repetition, decision-making, and confidence. The more time kids spend with the ball, the more natural it becomes.

At Slade Green, we aim to strike the right balance between fun and development. Of course, everyone wants to win, and we encourage that mindset. But it’s just as important that young players learn how to lose well, reflect on their performance, and see how far they’ve come.
Parents play a massive role in that. Setting the right expectations, supporting the coach’s message, and encouraging players to enjoy the game (not just the result) helps create the right environment for everyone.

If you'd like to learn more about the club or join one of our teams, feel free to get in touch with Benn, Mel or Aman. You’ll find contact details on the Contact page.
Up the Knights!