A Foundation Built on Passion and Purpose
First Kick Development isn’t just a soccer school—it’s a carefully structured program designed to give young players the technical foundation and mental confidence they need from the outset of their football journeys. As an after-school initiative, it operates with one key goal in mind: to make high-level football development accessible and consistent for children from a variety of backgrounds.
Unlike generic coaching clinics that try to do too much for too many, First Kick takes a personalized, age-appropriate approach. Students are grouped according to their grades, and training sessions are tailored around their school day schedules. The flexible model means that no child is left out due to academic commitments. Each session is designed to fit seamlessly into a child’s life, ensuring that education remains a priority while football becomes a powerful extension of their personal growth.
Tailored Training with a Personal Touch
Each grade trains separately, ensuring that no child is either overwhelmed by advanced drills or under-stimulated by basic ones. It’s a thoughtful structure that allows coaches to meet players where they are—mentally, physically, and emotionally. It also provides an opportunity for players to progress through a well-paced development journey, guided by coaches who understand the intricacies of youth development.
What sets First Kick apart is its insistence on nurturing both the individual and the collective. While skills development is a core pillar, the program places equal emphasis on building strong, motivated teams. Kids are not only taught how to dribble, pass, and shoot—they’re taught how to communicate, support each other, and solve problems together on the field. This balance between individual excellence and team synergy is a hallmark of successful footballers at any level.
The Coaches: Qualified, Experienced, and Invested
Great coaching is the heartbeat of any youth development program. First Kick prides itself on having a team of coaches who are not only qualified on paper but deeply invested in the long-term success of each child they work with. These aren’t part-time volunteers or hobbyists—they are professionals with real-world experience and formal training in youth football education.
Among the certifications held by First Kick coaches are:
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SAFA Licence – the national standard of coaching competence in South Africa.
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CAF C Licence – a Confederation of African Football certification that emphasizes tactical and technical development for youth.
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RCLFA Youth Introductory Course – a course geared specifically for introducing children to the fundamentals of football in a safe and nurturing environment.
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COERVER Introduction Course – based on the globally respected Coerver Coaching method that focuses on skill development through individual ball mastery.
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Barcelona Schools – Level 1 – rooted in the methodology of one of the most successful football academies in the world, this course adds a layer of tactical awareness and possession-based play to the coaches’ arsenal.
These qualifications don’t just look good on paper—they translate into actionable coaching techniques, age-appropriate drills, and a coaching style that resonates with young players. The coaches bring global best practices into the South African context, creating a hybrid environment where creativity and discipline coexist.
Conclusion: Welcome to the Family
We’re proud to announce that First Kick Development is now officially part of the Besteam family.
To the coaches, the players, the parents, and the schools involved—we welcome you. Together, we’re not just developing footballers; we’re shaping futures.
Let’s keep the ball rolling.
