Ed Davidson’s Post

very skillful and agile, and peripheral vision helps to create strategic moves

In the third installment of our 'Chat with our Founders' series, we explore a question close to our hearts: "How do you see football benefiting children, including your own?" Football at Soccer Stars Academy isn't just about learning to kick a ball, it's a tool for life. It plants the seeds of joy, health and friendships from a young age, creating a lifelong love for physical activity. 🏃♂️💖 We have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of football on our own children, Louie and Harry. Starting Soccer Stars Academy was a leap of faith to help Louie become more confident - and it worked wonders. Today, both boys thrive in the sport, making friends and facing life's changes with more confidence and optimism. 🌟 It's not just the physical benefits... it's the mental, emotional and social growth that truly makes a difference. Our children are healthier, happier and more confident, with a strong sense of self-esteem. 🧠🤝 From personal experience, we believe starting young is key. Unlike our childhoods, today's kids have the chance to engage in sports from as early as eighteen months, setting them on a path to lifelong wellness and social engagement. 👀 Watch the full discussion and share your thoughts. How has football or sports in general impacted your child's life? #kidsfootball #childrensfootball #funfootball #sportscoaching #franchising

Celebrating the Unsung Heroes, Parents Behind Young Footballers’ Dreams As the English football season draws to a close and league champions are crowned, it's time to celebrate the unsung heroes behind the scenes: the parents. These dedicated individuals make immense sacrifices to support their children’s dreams of becoming professional footballers. On the way up, in the academy system, parents bear significant financial burdens, from purchasing costly equipment to covering training fees and travel expenses for matches. Their time investment is equally substantial, often involving long drives to practices and games, all while balancing work and other responsibilities. The emotional journey is filled with ups and downs. Parents provide unwavering support, helping their children navigate the pressures and setbacks of a competitive environment. Social lives are often put on hold, as family schedules revolve around football commitments. Despite these challenges, the rewards are profound. Parents watch their children develop discipline, teamwork, and resilience, essential traits for success on and off the field. As we celebrate the achievements of professional footballers, let’s also recognize the parents who played a crucial role in their journey and those who are currently supporting the future stars of the game. These young athletes didn’t start with agents or endorsements; they started with the steadfast support of their families. As we applaud this season’s champions, we honor the parents who are the true backbone of their children’s football dreams.

Every school has a group of students who are struggling financially, academically, socio-emotionally. They tend to be supported by social workers and after-school programmes. A few weeks ago, Crater ran our programme for this group of students called "Streets to Dreams,". One of the outcomes of this programme was encouraging them to pursue a passion project they are genuinely interested in, helping them realise that they can take ownership of their lives. One student's response stood out when we asked him to write his profile. His top three aspirations were: 1. Wanting my family to be proud of me. 2. Wanting to be financially stable. 3. Wanting to be a skateboarder. Seeing this, I was personally very touched. For many children and teenagers, receiving abundant love from their parents and coming from families with relatively stable financial status is a given. However, for some, these are aspirations — dreams they have to work hard for. Although he may not be the most academically inclined, I respect him for these deep and real aspirations that he thoughtfully wrote out. One of the projects we discussed with him involved recording a few videos of himself skateboarding and explaining how to skateboard. We hope that this simple project, aligned with his interests, could kickstart the realisation that he has the autonomy to pursue activities that align with his aspirations. Through our project, we also hope to expand the students' understanding of what learning can mean. While academics and studies are important, they don’t have to be limited to these 2 factors, but know that they can also focus on what they are passionate about which makes them unique as individuals! I am excited for the students to gradually gain confidence in shaping the future world they want to create for themselves! #MakeADifference #Education #Aspirations #Youths #LifeatCrater

Reflecting Proudly on Our High School Social & Emotional Regulation Programs in Geelong Once again this term, we've had the privilege of delivering innovative boxing programs to high schools across the Geelong region, and we're incredibly proud of the positive impact we've seen. In today’s fast-paced world, teenagers often face significant stress and emotional challenges. Finding effective ways to support their emotional regulation and overall well-being is essential. That's where our boxing programs come in. Research by Bozdarov et al. (2022) has shown that non-contact boxing can be a powerful tool for teens, helping them release anger and stress while boosting their mood, self-esteem, confidence, concentration, strength, and coordination. Our programs have demonstrated that by engaging in boxing, teens can learn to manage their emotions effectively and channel their energy positively. This isn't just about individual well-being; it's about community health too. Roy et al. (2018) emphasize the importance of community characteristics that support key aspects of well-being. When teens participate in our boxing sessions, they not only enhance their emotional regulation skills but also contribute to the overall health and connectedness of their community. The benefits go beyond just the physical and emotional. Our boxing programs create a supportive environment with connected mentors who guide the teens. Kristen (2023) highlights that such mentorship and emotional attunement can significantly aid in emotional development, helping teens navigate their emotions more effectively. By providing these programs, we empower teens to build essential resilience skills, and foster a sense of belonging within their communities. We're excited to continue this journey and see the lasting positive effects on the youth in the Geelong region.

My passion for child development in football transcends the pursuit of reaching the pinnacle of the sport, as I find immeasurable value in the formative experiences and lessons the game offers to young players. The essence of football, for me, lies not in the trophies and accolades, but in the growth and transformation of children who engage with the sport. By focusing on development, we emphasize the importance of teamwork, instilling in young players the understanding that success is a collective effort, built on trust and cooperation with their teammates. Discipline is another cornerstone, as children learn the significance of commitment, hard work, and the rewards of consistent effort, shaping their approach to various life challenges. Moreover, resilience is cultivated through the ups and downs of the game, teaching children to handle both victories and setbacks with grace and determination. This resilience extends beyond the pitch, preparing them to face life's adversities with a positive mindset. Observing a child's evolution, both in their football skills and personal character, is profoundly rewarding. The moments when a young player masters a new technique, supports a teammate, or demonstrates leadership are the true victories that enrich their lives and foster a lifelong love for the game. In this developmental approach, football becomes a vehicle for holistic growth. It shapes well-rounded individuals who are not only skilled athletes but also confident, empathetic, and socially responsible. This philosophy prioritizes the journey over the destination, highlighting the invaluable experiences and personal development that football can provide. Ultimately, my appreciation for child development in football is rooted in the belief that the sport's true magic lies in its ability to shape character, build lasting relationships, and create a foundation for a fulfilling and balanced life. I don’t want to be the same as everyone in my field… ⚽️❤️ #football #childdevelopment #growth #humansfirstfootballerssecond

🚫 We are Limiting our Children Because we Lack Basic Knowledge! 🚫 Are we unintentionally putting limitations on our children's future? It's time to address a crucial aspect often overlooked: early essential and fundamental movement patterns. 🏃♂️ Can't run? Miss out on sports like football, basketball, and tennis. 🤾♀️ Can't throw? Limited access to baseball, rugby, and more. 🏊♂️ Can't swim? Miss out on swimming, diving, water polo, and beyond. But it's not just about sports. When children miss out on mastering these fundamental movements, they're also missing critical brain connections essential for learning and development. It's time to break free from these limitations and unlock our children's full potential! Ready to make a change? Message us to book online training in early essential and fundamental movement skills. Let's ensure every child has the opportunity to lead an active, healthy, and fulfilling life. Don't wait! Send us a message now to book a call for more information. #ChildDevelopment #MovementSkills #ActiveKids #HealthyLifestyle #UnlockPotential

Calling all tennis coaches 📣 What strategies do you use to create a positive and encouraging environment for tots to play tennis? For me, having parents on court is a game changer for Tots Tennis! This might be controversial, but for me it’s a win win ✨ Here’s why: 🎾 Boosts Confidence: Children feel more secure and confident when their parents are on court. It can provide the comfort youngsters need to try new things 💫 🎾 Creates a Supportive Environment: When parents participate, it fosters a positive and supportive atmosphere. Their encouragement and enthusiasm makes learning more enjoyable for each child 😀 🎾Reinforces Learning: By seeing the activities and drills firsthand, parents can help reinforce what their child learns during practice at home. This consistency aids skill development 😉 🎾Strengthens Bonds: Having parents on court is a great way to build relationships. It creates special memories and shared experiences that children will cherish 📷 🎾Provides Insight: Being on the court gives parents a better understanding of their child’s progress ⬆️⬇️ 🎾Enhances Motivation: Parent involvement can motivate each child to stay engaged and enthusiastic about tennis 👧🏻🧒🏽 🎾Encourages Fun: Parents bring an element of fun to tennis sessions and can make it even more enjoyable for tots. Happy parent happy child 😉 Are you ‘for or against’ parents being on court with their mini player? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!

⚽️ FUN & ENJOYMENT will boost your ability & desire to learn & grow. So why in youth sports do we only talk about fun & enjoyment with the early age groups or recreational sport? Why as players talent grows do we move away from fun & enjoyment and towards focus & working hard? Why when we are wanting to help children grow do we move away from vital ingredients for learning? As a coach connecting with the children you coach is vital to find out what is fun & enjoyable for them & tap into this to effectively help them to learn & grow. Thoughts?

Is your club struggling to connect with the next generation of athletes? You're not alone, a lot of clubs are looking for new ways to inspire young people to join. If you're seeking some advice we've collected 6 tips to help clubs get more young people invloved 🙌 And if you're someone involved in a sporting club, comment below your own thoughts on this! 👇 🤔 . . #volunteering #volunteer #clubs #club #sportsclub #sporting #sportcommunity #aceit