It’s not just about winning the game at the Bryanston Warriors Football Club

According to the World Health Organisation, children between five and 17 years old should be doing 60 minutes of exercise every day to build healthy muscles and bones, develop coordination and to prevent health risks such as obesity. 

But how do you encourage them to do this in a fun way?

The Bryanston Warriors Football Club (BWFC) is based at the Kings College grounds in Douglasdale and provides a place for children in the area aged from five upwards the chance to learn and enjoy the game.

On 26 January, the club hosted its first annual registration day for children and their parents to learn more about the club and sign up for the year.

“It’s a chance for children and their families to get to know the club and its members, and also for them to see the soccer kits,” said Maria Lourenco, who sits on the club’s executive committee.

The club’s players are divided into age groups ranging from U5 up to U18, and there are also open teams for older players up to the age of 21.

“When working with the younger age groups, I’ve focused on teaching them the basics such as ball control, passing, shooting and playing well with others,” said coach Shay Olajide, who worked with the U10s last year and will be working with the older players this year.

Colleague KG Mokoena said, “The nice thing about BWFC is that us coaches focus on developing individuals, not the whole group – we want to focus developing players, not only on winning.”

Another coach Moses Mathopa said, “I believe learning about soccer is mostly what I call the double Ps – patience that you’ll improve, and passion for the game.”

This year, it will host its very own soccer tournament in October, and there is a coaching clinic planned for winter as well.

The club will host a second registration day on 2 February at Kings College from 10am until midday.

Details: Bryanston Warriors Football Club www.bryanstonwarriors.co.za