Have you ever thought you’d like to give soccer a go but can’t because you play another sport on Saturday? Are you a current soccer player who would like an extra session of your favourite sport each week during the season?

If your answer is yes then the new Football For All programme could be for you.

Matamata Swifts AFC is launching this community soccer programme at the Matamata Domain on Tuesday June 10. It is designed to provide children with an active and healthy session no matter their ability. The programme gives boys and girls the chance to learn skills, play games and have a great time under professional supervision. “We’ve decided to run this course on Tuesday afternoon’s after school, from 3.10pm to 4.10pm, to give everyone the chance to have a go,” says Matamata AFC’s Dwayne Barlow. “With many winter sports taking place on Saturday morning’s some children are forced to make an either/or decision. Now they can play football as well as their regular Saturday sport.”

The Football For All programme runs for four weeks in term 2 and six weeks in term 3. The club is working with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Football Federation who will provide the coaching. “Scott Parsonage, WaiBOP’s Football Development Officer for our region, will oversee the delivery of the course,” explains Barlow. “That means participants can be sure they’ll receive top quality, age appropriate, fun coaching sessions.”

Participant costs are minimal with a fee of only $30 being charged for the full programme of ten sessions. Better yet, current Matamata Swifts junior players can take part for free as the club has incorporated the programme costs in their registration fees.

Football For All is open to current Year 1 to Year 6 age children. “We’re piloting the programme during 2014 so we can gauge the interest from the community,” says Barlow. “Hopefully we can expand it next year, as well as look to run some sessions over the summer.”

The club is still taking registrations. You can visit the dedicated page on the club’s website (here) or contact Dwayne Barlow on 021 993 832 to register or for more information.