Albert Einstein is famously credited with saying that “Play is the highest form of research”.
If you believe this to be true, then we should be encouraging our youngest children to “research,” know more about football and enjoy activity in a safe and supportive environment. It makes sense to therefore harness the power of play to help them fall in love with being active and the beautiful game.
The FA (Football Association) has worked alongside child development experts from C.R.E.C (The Centre for Research in Early Childhood) to introduce a brand-new philosophy - the power of play. This eagerly anticipated programme focuses on our youngest children aged four to six years old. The play phase recognises that when children play and are fully engaged, they learn, solve problems, think strategically, relate to others, and are given the opportunity to manage life’s difficulties. The play phase uses a play framework to help adults understand play’s different forms and features. It also includes a wide range of activities so that the children can develop holistically, not just as footballers.
“Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning”
(Diane Ackerman American poet, essayist and naturalist)
Introducing children to all elements of the play framework will help to develop their agility, balance and coordination. It also focuses on the uniqueness of each child and encourages children to have more choice and ownership which helps to enhance their cognitive, social and emotional capability. Some activities may look different from what might be deemed a “traditional” session and it is perfectly right that they do. When the activities move away from a purely football theme, it helps to develop the child in a more well-rounded way. This development can then be taken with them when they play the 2v2 games that form a large part of their football “diet” in play phase.
Working this way also creates a stronger connection with the children as their ideas, views and opinions are sought, valued and included. It is hoped that the children’s creativity and imagination will help to bring the activities to life in an environment that places them and their individual development right at the centre.
One significant difference in the play phase is that the adults leading the sessions are not called coaches. They will become our captains of play. The hope is that a new generation of people who do not want to see themselves as traditional football coaches, will come forward to learn about how to develop our youngest children in the best way possible. They will have an energetic approach and love seeing children grow and develop into confident, well-rounded individuals. Of course, we will also have coaches who have the perfect personality, patience and kindness to bring play phase to life, so this mix of skills and experience will be invaluable.
Having the ability to connect with and inspire young children will be more important than knowing lots about the game of football. Knowing when and how to release the potential in each child and when to support and leave the children to explore, are all qualities that a great captain of play will possess.
The play phase will positively impact the lives of so many young children. The resources and the training module to support this have been carefully designed to ensure each captain feels confident and competent when carrying out their role. Over the past few years, we have seen a transformation in this country with a focus on producing more skilful players. This entire process can start in play phase where, if we get it right, we will end up with brilliant children being brilliant at whatever sport or activity they choose to concentrate on, as they stay fit and healthy for the rest of their lives.
For more info, check out these resources.
Also, keep an eye out for more play phase blogs on this page.
We will also be running live events where you can ask experts written questions on the forum. These are taking place on:
23rd October 7-8pm
5th December 6-7pm
19th February 6-7pm
4th June 6-7pm