We tell hesitant kids, "If you can kick the ball, you can play."
Every session is open equally to boys and girls, athletes and non-athletes, but no one is forced to join in. The fundamental feature of the activity is frequent, consistent, individualized encouragement and warm words of praise from the coach, who plays alongside the children. This can be very effective and extremely important to kids trying to make it without strong guidance or a sense of their worth and potential. It also motivates the kids to engage in the program. A reduced-side playing field is set up with portable goals and markers to define boundaries. Inadequate athletic facilities will not hamper play. Play periods are short, and teams rotate frequently. This format gives all players more chances to kick the ball and score goals.