Development Pathway
Lil' Ballaz
First touches, first friendships. Play-led sessions that build coordination, confidence and a love of the ball.
Lil' Ballaz is where it starts. Sessions are built around play rather than drills, because at three, four and five years old the job is coordination, balance and confidence with a ball at your feet - not tactics.
Children who have never kicked a ball are welcome, and most have not. Coaches work in small groups so nobody is standing in a queue waiting for a turn.
What to expect
- Play-led sessions, no formal drills
- A maximum of ten players per coach
- Qualified Ballaz coaches, DBS-equivalent checked
- Water breaks and shaded rest between activities
- Parents welcome to stay and watch
The rest of the pathway
Other stages
Jr. Ballaz
Ages 7–11
Technique and mastery. Players become comfortable, confident and creative with the ball at their feet.
Bigga Ballaz
Ages 12–16
Competitive football. Tactical understanding, physical development, and the character to lead a team.
The Academy
By selection
Elite development for players targeting national programmes, scholarships and the professional game.