All sessions are carefully designed by 1UP’s Director of Player Development and Current pro Niko Myroniuk alongside Grassroots coordinator Anthony Garmory. Anthony has over 8 years of experience coaching early years soccer in the UK where he developed players from as young as 18 months. These sessions are tailor made to ensure engagement and fun for all our Mini 1UPpers. We are really excited to have parent/player sessions for our Mini Beginners (18 month-2 years old), this means it is mandatory for Parents to join in with sessions alongside their mini baller, so please arrive in suitable clothing. We then move into our Next Level Minis (2.5-3 years old) where they have more independent learning, but it is still mandatory for parents to remain at the sessions.

Our Mini 1UPpers Program is carefully designed to provide a safe, inviting, and stimulating environment for young children aged 18 months to 3.5 years. Every session encourages early enthusiasm for movement and sport while introducing the foundations of physical literacy and age-appropriate soccer skills.

We focus on learning through play, exploration, and guided discovery. Our coaches create sessions where children build confidence, independence, social skills, and a positive relationship with being active.

Program Philosophy

Our Mini 1UPpers sessions are built around four core principles:

1. Safe & Supportive Environment

• Clear boundaries and predictable routines

• Inclusive session design for all ability levels

• Equipment and activities chosen with safety and age suitability in mind

• Parent/guardian involvement encouraged (especially 18–30 months)

2. Exploration of Movement

We introduce children to a wide range of fundamental movement skills:

• Running, jumping, balancing

• Stopping, turning, changing direction

• Crawling, rolling, hopping

• Spatial awareness and safe movement around others

These skills support lifelong physical activity and form the base for all future sport-specific development.

3. With-Ball & Without-Ball Learning

Children explore movement with and without the ball, building comfort and curiosity:

• Free dribbling exploration

• Simple ball manipulation (stopping, rolling, tapping)

• Carrying, pushing, and chasing games

• Kicking fundamentals

• Activities that develop coordination and rhythm without a ball first

This blended structure helps players feel confident before formal technique is introduced.

4. Early Physical Literacy

We intentionally build the “ABCs” of physical literacy:

• Agility

• Balance

• Coordination

• Speed (in fun, playful bursts)

This is paired with:

• Hand–eye & foot–eye coordination

• Movement sequencing

• Body awareness

• Listening & following simple instructions

Sessions Structure

Each session follows a predictable, age-appropriate flow to help young players feel comfortable and engaged. Although we have an idea of timings on sessions, its important to note our Mini 1UPpers sessions will be based off engagement of the players, we may spend longer or shorter on an activity depending on this.

1. Welcome & Free Movement (5–7 min)

• Playful, open movement stations

• Soft balls, cones, hoops, mini goals

• Encourages independence and warm-up exploration

2. Movement Exploration Activity (8–10 min)

Examples:

• Animal movements (bear walk, crab shuffle, frog jumps)

• Colour/shape movement games

• Balance paths or obstacle courses

• Freeze & go, traffic lights, red/green/blue challenges

Focus: building coordination, balance, agility, rhythm, and body control.

3. With-Ball Discovery (8–12 min)

Examples:

• Dribble to colours

• “Wake the ball / put the ball to sleep” (soft touches vs. stopping the ball)

• Roll, chase, and catch

• Tap-tap-stop games

• Balloon football (for confidence and fun)

Focus: comfort with the ball, cause & effect, gentle introduction to technique.

4. Mini Challenges & Adventure Games (8–10 min)

• Treasure hunt dribbling

• Pirate ship movement adventure

• Animal race with the ball

• Follow-the-leader football

• Target kicking to big, friendly goals

Focus: imagination, decision-making, fun competition, confidence building.

5. Mini Matches & Shared Play (5 min)

• Small-sided, non-competitive play

• Encouraging teamwork, sharing, and understanding space

• Coaches support and celebrate all efforts

6. Cool Down & Celebration (2–3 min)

• High-fives, stickers, team cheer

• Gentle movement to finish

• Reinforcing positive habits: “We try our best, we listen, we have fun!”

Learning Outcomes

Across the season, Mini 1UPpers develop:

Physical Skills

• Balance & coordination

• Basic running mechanics

• Introduction to dribbling & kicking

• Improved reaction, rhythm, and timing

• Strengthened fine and gross motor skills

Cognitive Skills

• Understanding simple instructions

• Early problem-solving through movement

• Following sequences or patterns

• Memory and recognition (colours, shapes, directions)

Social & Emotional Skills

• Confidence in group settings

• Independence & self-expression

• Turn taking, sharing, teamwork

• Building patience and resilience

Football Foundations

• Comfort moving with a ball

• Awareness of goals and safe play areas

• Understanding start/stop cues

• Early love of the game

Coaching Approach

Our coaches use:

• Positive reinforcement

• Age-appropriate language

• Demonstrations and imaginative story-based teaching

• A “games first” approach to keep learning fun

• Progressions and regressions for mixed abilities

We aim to ensure every Mini 1UPper feels successful, supported, and excited to return each week.