If you’re looking for a place for your child to try out football, nurture your little footballer, or push them on with their existing skills, here are some ideas for local football clubs for kids in East London.
MIXED
Kiddikicks
Offering classes in Hackney and Tower Hamlets to children aged between 18 months and 11 years. Their goal is to introduce toddlers and children to sport through football using their unique, fun-learning techniques developing real football and other sports skills in a safe and creative environment that benefits every child. They have a registration fee of £33. Approx £10 per session. EEK Members can enjoy 15% off their first full term.
Little Kickers
For kids aged 18 months – 8 years, with classes in Stratford, Hackney, Stoke Newington, Docklands and a little further afield, there’s classes for everyone. They give your children a positive introduction to sport by teaching high quality football skills in a friendly, pressure-free environment. There are four different classes tailored specifically to the needs of children between 18 months and eight years of age. It’s the perfect way to ignite an enthusiasm for sport that will stay with them for life. It’s approx £30-40 per month and there’s a registration fee of 25.
https://www.littlekickers.co.uk/index.aspx
Kekoa Coaching
This caters for Under 8s – Under 11s, situated near Island Gardens. They provide a holiday camp, coaching, 1:1 sessions and have teams for various ages, which are invite-only. Kekoa believe football should be played without fear and with a confidence that makes playing the beautiful game as enjoyable as possible. Enjoyment is a key factor at Kekoa, as they believe football should be played with a smile and a freedom which brings out the best in players, no matter their ability. You need an annual membership to join (£95), and sessions start from £12.
Impact Football Academy
They are an exciting, fast-growing community focused grassroots football club based in North-East London on the borders of Hackney and Tower Hamlets. They train on the Haggerston Park Astro, just off Hackney Road. They currently have 2 academy venues that cater for all abilities of children aged 5 to be 16 years old. Their venues in Hackney and Redbridge offer a fun and safe environment for children to develop their football ability, fitness levels and social skills. They also run a holiday camp. Contact for prices.
https://linktr.ee/impactfootballacademy
Stoke Newington Youth FC
From Under 10 to Under 17. With training in Clissold Park or Stoke Newington School. At the beginning of the 2010 football season, Stoke Newington (Youth) F.C. was born. Immediately affiliated to the London Football Association (LFA) it has achieved the official recognition of FA Charter Standard Club. Stoke Newington (Youth) F.C. would love to become your local Youth Football Club! Contact for prices and it’s unclear if they cater for boys and girls.
https://www.stokenewingtonyfc.com/
Soccer Days
Bring your little one to SoccerDays for fun, fitness, friends and footy. Their football classes are structured for young children of all abilities so everyone can participate, play at their own pace and feel confident. Take advantage of the FREE trial offer for our football sessions in Walthamstow and see why so many children enjoy their action packed classes. After your trial, you can book a course of 6 weekly sessions and this costs £51. For ages 2-7.
BOYS ONLY
Westward Boys FC
Westward FC was established in 1985 and is responsible for providing football to over 250 children in the community at any one time. They have 13 teams ranging from under 7s to under 16s who play in the Echo Junior League. The club is based in Tower Hamlets and has a reputation for playing exciting football with several players going on to achieve great honours in the beautiful game. Contact for prices.
GIRLS ONLY
AFC Leyton
The club operates for girls aged 3 to 17, and for women aged 18+. AFC Leyton was created with the belief that participation in football is transformative for girls and young women. We are very proud of our club. Unlike nearly all other girls and women’s teams, they are not attached to a male football club. Contact for prices but they appear to offer free trials.
Vicky Park Rangers FC
Vicky Park Rangers Football Club was formed in 2018 to provide girls with the opportunity to play football in a safe, fun and engaging environment. Training takes place on Saturdays at Victoria Park (Bonner Gate). £5 per Saturday drop-in session. They also run one-off competitions for various age groups. For ages 4-16.
https://vickyparkrangersfc.com/
OUR YOUNG JOURNALIST, TOM on Football Clubs for Kids in East London
Football in Tower Hamlets is great. There are quite a few clubs to choose from like Westward Boys (who recently won a finals match) or Victoria Park Rangers (who went to a tournament and came third). If you do not live close enough to them there are loads of options all around London. Hackney Marshes is home to football with over eighty pitches!
I play for Westward Boys FC and through it, I have met some really nice people. I have played for them since I was seven and they (and my dad), have helped me get better. I play in defence, which means I protect the goal from the opposition attackers. Just winning the Lawrence Segal Echo cup has boosted the whole team. If you’re interested in playing football with a team, look for a local club near you.
Tom, Chisenhale pupil
If your child would like to try out Rugby, we can also recommend Try Time in Vicky Park.
