I had played football in my youth in summer camps and after school programs and had always wanted to pass on that skill to my daughter. She’s only three and kicking better than I ever did back when I started (at mid-adolescence). So, it was to my delight (and much of the other football-loving parents) that Kaya FC Academy finally opened their fields to toddlers as early as two years old – the first of its kind in the Philippines.
Photo from: Kaya FC Academy
If you’ve been to a UFL game at Emperador Stadium (or Nomads), you’d know that Kaya FC Elite is composed of a mélange of some of the most talented local and foreign talent scouted in the country and usually goes head to head with other big league names. And their roster of coaches are just as impressive, with field veterans (my former coach) and experienced youths.
Photo from: Kaya FC Academy
This time, Kaya FC Academy brings two programs specially designed for the little ones: Kaya Tots, for two and three-year olds, and Kaya Kickers, for four and five-year olds. They have a number of programs suited for every age, but these are the most unique my daughter and I have experienced so far.
Photo from: Kaya FC Academy
The most adorable football program at the moment immerses your child into a non-competitive version of the sport, a soft introduction if you will, to the footwork and coordination. A 12-week curriculum integrates fundamental learning and the sport of football, from colors to animal sounds.
Photo from: Kaya FC Academy
Photo from: Kaya FC Academy
The children are segregated into their respective groups, Tots and Kickers, where coaches will teach and adjust according to age. For Tots, a parent or guardian is required to guide the child through the activities as needed, while only minor involvement is required for the older kids to get them more comfortable.
For the Come-and-Try session, my daughter learned about basic footwork –backward and forward, side to side, the movement of a throw-in, and rolling the ball. Of course, there was a lot of running and chasing involved as games were mostly incorporated into the lesson.
For a whole hour, my child got off her bum, built confidence around other kids her age and played like iPads didn’t exist. It was truly gratifying watching not just her, but all the kids with the same plastered smile on their faces.
Kaya Tots and Kickers starts this January 25, 2016 but has another free Come-and-Try session this January 18 from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm at the North Forbes Park Basketball Court. No need for anything special, just be sure you and your kid are in rubber shoes. Register now since slots are limited!
Check them out here, along with their other programs:
KAYA FC ACADEMY
 www.kayafcacademy.com
Or contact Coach Danny Perry to register:
0906-260-3157/Â dannyperry@kayafc.com
