CRAIGHALL PARK – Young soccer players at IQ Football learn true skill and respect.
Nicholas Zaal
Matthew Webber, Matthew Sprague (front), and Jackson Williams play in the friendly game at IQ Football. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
IQ Football youngsters celebrated the end of the year and put into practice what they learnt at a fun soccer game at Craighall Sports Club.
The game on 28 November saw the youngest group, aged four and five years old, take to the field with much enthusiasm and self-confidence, watched on by a crowd of cheering parents.
Liam Gillett passes the ball during the friendly game. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
As perfect passes were made and glorious goals were scored, coach Sean Szabo explained that the group’s central coaching strategy from children aged four to 16 is the same.
“We train their brains because an intelligent player is better than one who is just physically good and fit,” he said.
Jackson Williams takes the ball toward goal for his team. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Examples of some of the drills the children do in training are counting in multiples of four while passing the ball to each other, and dribbling the ball to a particular cone once Szabo raises a certain coloured object.
These drills encourage the children to make good decisions while they play, without taking the fun out of the game.
Matthew Sprague shoots at goal at the Craighall Sports Club. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
“Something I have also pushed this year is self-confidence. People are more likely to get something right if they are positive about it.”
Through encouragement and highlighting the children’s strengths, Szabo has seen the youngsters improve in ability as well, and gain respect for each other.
All this became evident during the game, as the players congratulated each other on goals scored, and made use of space and clever passing most children their age would not be able to.
Matthew Webber keeps his balance after a strong pass of the ball. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
“It is very rewarding to see the players grow in their skill as well as character. I am proud of how far they have come.”
