We have had our youngest players training during the afternoon session once a week this year, which has been a challenging time frame for 8-12 year olds. After a full day of engaging in classroom activities to broaden their minds, most of the time the younger age range prefer a fun session to finish the day.
As coaches we try to incorporate a method of hidden learning while the fun continues on the field. We have added an afternoon of multi-sport activities for our kids during term four. The first three weeks has been a big success given the intensity with which the kids are applying themselves. By learning varied sports or games that modify their movements to allow for the different rules, players are demonstrating a great appreciation of playful engagement for the sake of participation.
The players get to try four different games that are managed by four different coaches at each field space. The coaches get to meet and observe all the players at different intervals, which gives us a chance to engage and get to know all the kids in the younger age group.
Fun and games are a fundamental tool for learning. By letting the kids enjoy a multi-sport afternoon once a week with no pressure of winning or losing, they are able to engage in the sport and with the coaches and also their peers. Working together in an environment where learning is not based on ability, but pure enjoyment, we have really found a winning formula.
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