At Limehouse Laces, our Mini Laces program is all about creating a love for the game while laying the groundwork for future football development. Aimed at girls aged 5-10, this phase focuses on having fun, making friends, and feeling positive about playing football. It’s also an introduction to the commitment of Saturday morning football, preparing players for league football.

We’re proud to offer an all-female environment where girls can see they belong in every part of the game — as players, coaches, and leaders. Mini Laces is designed to be open to everyone in our community, regardless of social, economic, ethnic, or cultural background. By keeping fees low and reducing barriers wherever possible, we ensure that every girl has the chance to participate.

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Footballing Basics

• Positioning: Understand the three thirds of the pitch (defensive, middle, attacking) and basic player roles.

• Formation: Learn at least two simple formations suited to small-sided games.

• Set Plays: Practice set plays like goal kicks, kick-offs, corners, and throw-ins, learning how to execute them correctly.

• Principles of Play: Explore attacking principles (movement, creativity, space-making) and defending principles (pressing, covering, balance).

Skill Development

• Attacking Skills: Focus on a good first touch, staying on your feet, and shielding the ball. Be creative, take risks, and understand the importance of working with teammates.

• Defending Skills: Develop a positive attitude toward defending, understanding that all players contribute out of possession. Embrace tackling, positioning, and the joy of winning the ball back.

• Transition Skills: React quickly and positively when possession changes, building a range of individual responses.

Social Skills

• Make friends, have fun, and feel part of our football family.

• Learn what it means to be part of a team.

• Understand the importance of commitment and how to be coached respectfully.

• Embrace mistakes as a valuable part of learning.

• Build connections with older players and feel the sense of belonging that Limehouse Laces is all about.

 

With Mini Laces, we’re creating an environment where every girl can grow in confidence, develop skills, and fall in love with the game. Through our supportive, inclusive approach, we’re helping girls from all backgrounds see that football is for them and that they have a place in every aspect of the game.