Week 26

Outcomes

• ✓Players can perform at least 4 distinct dribbling skills by name.
• ✓Players can demonstrate their personal signature combo.
• ✓Players can cheer and support teammates during a challenge.

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 12 cones
• 4 pinnies
• sticker stars or stamps

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Grid with balls. A 'Hall of Fame' wall (use cones or a flat rope) where players can add their name if they demonstrate any Q2 skill.

   How to run it: Players arrive and earn their Hall of Fame entry by showing coach one Q2 skill. Coach adds their name (speaks it aloud). Every player earns entry today.

   • ›Every child gets acknowledged — no exceptions.
   • ›Build excitement for the showcase.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Q2 Bingo

   8m

   Set up: Coach calls out skills in random order. Players dribble in grid.

   How to run it: Coach calls a skill — players do it immediately: 'SCISSOR!', 'SOLE ROLL!', 'INSIDE CUT!', 'BURST!', 'STOP AND GO!', 'SHIELD!'. When all 6 are called it's BINGO — everyone cheers and does their signature move.

   • ›Quick fire — energy high.
   • ›Praise execution quality — this is the test!
   • ›Everyone succeeds at Bingo — it's a group achievement.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: Dribble Showcase Stations

   12m

   Set up: Four stations, 3 minutes each: 1) Slalom Wizard; 2) 1v1 Beat-the-Cone; 3) Signature Combo; 4) Shield and Turn.

   How to run it: Rotate through all stations. At each station players have 3 minutes to get as many successful reps as possible. No competition — just personal achievement. Coach gives one compliment per player per station.

   • ›Specific praise: 'Great scissor swing — really big!'
   • ›Acknowledge effort equally to outcome.
   • ›Players who help others earn double praise.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: 3v3 Showcase Match

   15m

   Set up: Two 3v3 matches. Standard goals.

   How to run it: Play freely. Every player who uses a named Q2 skill earns a sticker on their hand from the coach. Goal is to have all players earn at least one sticker by full time.

   • ›Coach watches ALL players — not just the talented ones.
   • ›Give stickers generously — this is a celebration, not an assessment.
   • ›Let the game flow; stickers are the only stops.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Seated circle.

   How to run it: Each player holds up their sticker hand and everyone counts together. Coach announces: 'You have all learned to dribble like real footballers!' Final group cheer: '1-2-3 HEARTS!'

   • ›Pride and belonging — this is the lasting memory.
   • ›Preview Q3 briefly to maintain excitement.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can play with confidence and full expression.
• ✓Players can show all Q2 dribbling skills naturally in games.
• ✓Players feel proud of their growth and belong to Austin Hearts FC.

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 12 cones
• 4 pinnies
• stickers or stamps
• music speaker

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Grid with music playing. One ball per player.

   How to run it: Players arrive to upbeat music and dribble however they like. Celebrate and greet every arrival by name. Today is their day.

   • ›Big energy from coaches — this is a party.
   • ›Let every child feel seen and celebrated.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Team Dribble Dance

   8m

   Set up: Players dribble to music.

   How to run it: Music plays — dribble freely in any style. When music stops, everyone freezes in a superhero pose. Music starts again — dribble and do a Q2 skill of your choice. Repeat 5 times, each time a different skill.

   • ›Celebrate every pose — be genuinely delighted.
   • ›Encourage the shyer players with specific compliments.
   • ›Mirror the fun yourself — coaches dance too.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: Grand Prix Dribble

   12m

   Set up: Mark a race circuit around the whole grid using all cones (a big loop). Small obstacles (cones) at intervals.

   How to run it: Players do laps of the circuit with their ball using any skills they choose at obstacles. After each lap, change one thing: 'This lap, do a scissor at every red cone!', 'This lap, stop-and-go at every yellow cone!' Three themed laps.

   • ›The circuit is fun — not a race against each other.
   • ›Point out great skill use as players pass.
   • ›Laps are short — keep energy up.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: 4v4 Hearts Cup Final

   15m

   Set up: One big 4v4 game. Multi-goal setup (4 goals). Music playing softly in the background.

   How to run it: Play the Hearts Cup Final. All goals count. Coaches narrate great moments. After the match, every player is awarded a 'Player of the Match' ribbon (or high-five) for a specific skill they used well.

   • ›Name a real specific skill for each player's award.
   • ›Keep the final joyful — no serious coaching today.
   • ›Celebrate both teams equally.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Seated circle. Music still playing softly.

   How to run it: Players share their favourite memory from Q2. Coach acknowledges the group's growth: 'At week 14 you were just exploring. Now you have scissors, combos, shields — you are real dribbling footballers.' Final cheer: '1-2-3 HEARTS!'

   • ›This closing moment should feel meaningful.
   • ›Every child should leave feeling proud and excited for Q3.
   • ›Coaches high-five every single player.