Soccerhood relaunches their soccer circles in local parks

Soccerhood has relaunched their soccer circles following the hard lockdown.

The programme links children between the ages of three and eight with trained coaches for a fun 40-minute session where they interact with other children while learning life skills, soccer skills, numeracy, balance, coordination and decision-making.

Coordinator and overseer of Soccerhood, Barbara Mallinson explained that the first soccer circle relaunched in early September at Sandton Field and Study before circles at Verity Park in Parkhurst, George Hay Park in Parkview, James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose and Peter Pan Park in Edenvale also restarted.

Mallinson said that masks are to be worn and hands sanitised before and after each session. Games are socially distant by design.

“Soccerhood is a chance to get the kids out and about – let them experience the beautiful parks that Joburg has to offer, connect with friends – old and new, and take part in really fun and engaging games that have been designed with physical, perceptual and social well-being in mind,” said Mallinson.

She said that while some parents have opted to steer clear of all extra-murals for now, others are keen to get their children active in a safe space.

“Lockdown started as we were winding down our first term’s schedule. Some coaches were due to move on so thankfully they weren’t massively affected. For others it was hard – really hard. Coaches aren’t formally employed by Soccerhood, so no circles means no income. A few parents chose to donate their subs and that was well received.”

Mallinson said that lockdown did provide time for the team to reflect and think about how to move forward. This involved creating a new managerial role for coach Johann Lonji. “Hopefully we come back even stronger than before,” concluded Mallinson.

For more information on Soccerhood, visit www.soccerhood.com or email hello@soccerhood.com