Abby Jones, captain of the Bournemouth Women’s football team, uses her spare time away from matches and training to give back to local communities.
Every Friday, parents in Bournemouth have the opportunity to bring their toddlers to a Mini Cherries football session.
These sessions take place at two different venues – Howe Croft Community Centre and Ringwood Community Hub – providing a safe indoor space for the toddlers to enjoy.
The club host two separate sessions teaching multi-skills: one with 1-2-year-olds and another with 3-year-olds.
Once a child turns 4, the sessions become football-specific and take place on a Saturday or Sunday mornings.
The Community Trust, sponsored by vitality, funds these sessions with the hope of inspiring young footballers to take up the game.
Abby Jones, the women’s captain said: “Some have never even touched a ball before.”
“They usually play games which can help with their balance and hand eye coordination, this helps with the cognitive part of their brains.”
Many parents are returning members, treating the sessions as a special time to bond with their children.
Regular session member Heather Li said: It can be really difficult to get your child engaged in tasks, but the coaches are great and enthusiastic.”
Heather attended her tenth session this morning.
For just £3, children gain valuable skills from highly experienced coaches during a 45 minutes session.
Heather Li first heard about the club through a friend’s recommendation.
AFC Bournemouth have promoted the sessions through their main club website.
Parents can sign their children up here. https://officialsoccerschools.co.uk/afcbournemouth/
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