Play is an essential part of a child’s development. In its purest sense, it’s an enjoyable activity that has no specific goal; it’s just for fun and is entirely under the control of those who have chosen to take part.

But not all play is like this. In fact, it can take many different forms – and this actually helps us to balance the necessity of play with the expectation that (in sport) a child should be ‘coached’.

In the video below, Pete Sturgess (The FA’s Foundation Phase lead) introduces the role of play and what it means to adopt a ‘playful approach’ in your sessions.

Promoting playful activities is a relatively new approach and may seem quite different to coaching of the past. However, our aim is to develop players who are innovative, creative and exceptional decision-makers – and play helps to lay the foundations for these traits. In fact, it occupies a central role in the construction of knowledge and understanding.

Look out for part two of this blog to find out how you can use play in your sessions.