U7 - U8
FOUNDATION
Introducing young players to futsal through enjoyable, engaging and ball-focused activities. A place to discover the game, build confidence and develop a love for playing.
Introducing young players to futsal through enjoyable, engaging and ball-focused activities. A place to discover the game, build confidence and develop a love for playing.
THE FOUNDATION STAGE
The Foundation Programme is designed for players aged 6–8 who are beginning their futsal journey.
At this stage, we want players to become comfortable with the ball, develop confidence and discover how enjoyable futsal can be.
Sessions are active, engaging and age-appropriate, giving players opportunities to explore skills, make decisions, express themselves and play.
OUR APPROACH
We want young players to develop through positive experiences, experimentation and lots of opportunities to play.
01 / KEY FOCUS
Foundation sessions are built around the fundamentals of futsal while keeping the experience enjoyable and engaging for young players.
01
Developing comfort, confidence and control through frequent interaction with the ball.
02
Learning to move with the ball, change direction and keep control in different situations.
03
Introducing passing and receiving while beginning to understand playing with teammates.
04
Encouraging players to attack and defend in individual situations without fear of mistakes.
05
Developing balance, movement, coordination and agility through futsal-based activities.
06
Creating positive experiences that encourage children to enjoy being active and playing futsal.
02 / THUNDERBOLTS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
At Thunderbolts Futsal Academy, our player development is built around four connected areas. Together, they shape how we develop the player, the thinker, the creator and the person.
01 / TECHNICAL
The Player
Developing young players who become confident and comfortable with the ball, while beginning to learn how to use their technical ability effectively in the game.
Ball mastery
First touch
Passing & receiving
Ball manipulation
1v1 ability
Finishing
Decision making
Game understanding
02 / INTELLIGENCE
The Thinker
Developing young players who begin to read the game, recognise problems and make their own decisions on the court.
Scanning & awareness
Decision making
Positioning
Space recognition
Game understanding
Problem solving
Tactical awareness
Understanding transitions
03 / CREATIVITY
The Creator
Encouraging young players to express themselves, take responsibility and discover their own solutions to problems on the court.
Creativity
Imagination
1v1 expression
Improvisation
Attacking solutions
Confidence to try
Risk taking
Individual expression
04 / CHARACTER
The Person
Developing young players who become positive, disciplined and resilient individuals who contribute to their team and environment.
Confidence
Resilience
Discipline
Communication
Teamwork
Respect
Responsibility
Positive behaviour
03 / THE SESSION
Foundation sessions are active and varied. Rather than long periods of instruction, players are given regular opportunities to move, experiment, make decisions and play.
01
Fun movement and ball-based activities to get players active and comfortable.
02
Players experiment with skills and discover different ways to use the ball.
03
Small-sided games provide opportunities to use skills in realistic situations.
04
Positive experiences help players leave wanting to come back and play again.
04 / PLAYER OUTCOMES
Every player develops at their own pace. Foundation is about creating a strong starting point for each child's continued football and futsal journey.
01
Greater comfort and confidence with the ball
02
Increased confidence when dribbling and taking on players
03
Improved passing, receiving and basic decision-making
04
Greater understanding of playing with teammates
05
Improved movement and coordination
06
Greater confidence to try, experiment and make mistakes
07
Positive social experiences and teamwork
08
Most importantly, a love and enjoyment of the game
Give your child the opportunity to discover futsal, build confidence and enjoy playing in a positive environment.