Myobrace Eaglets 2025 Program Information Page

EAGLETS core philosophy is FUN, and we endeavour to spark and grow a passion and love for the actions, movements and energy of the game of football. Activities are geared around body movement, group play, excitement, physical and mental challenges, and of course getting their feet on the ball often.

THE ‘DISCOVERY PHASE’ OF FOOTBALL

For most, if not all of our young Eaglets, this is their first step of many into the world of organised football activity, and this part of football development is considered to be the ‘Discovery Phase’. This is typically the phase between the ages of 4 and 8 years, where it is essential that children develop a love for the game, a familiarity with the enjoyment of the game, feel free to make mistakes and have no expectations or pressure, and have the least amount of specific coaching or complex instruction.

Many of our kids are even in the Pre Discovery Phase, so it’s important that we understand some key features of this special age group.

Some important points to note are:

• The individual players will have wide and varying levels of emerging motor skills and capacity for following directions
• Likewise, the children often have vastly differing individual emotional development levels — where one player might exhibit confidence and attentiveness, others may be shy, a little scared, or distracted easily – this is normal
• Parental support is critical for the first few sessions, however the faster a parent can ‘let go’ and hop behind the fence or back from the session area, the better off the child will be. Please try to instil a sense of capability and confidence in your child to start to participate autonomously
• The children are encouraged to be free to express themselves within the constraints of the environment and behavioural standards
• Whilst each activity will have purpose and some structure, children are not expected to succeed or excel at any point, and all effort and participation, no matter the result, is encouraged and praised
• Fun and enjoyment around the ball, the group and football environment is the main focus
• Making their own mistakes, falling, failing and missing, are the foundations of learning and development
• Sound decision-making skills and self learning for young players comes from a foundation of fewer instructions, and instead more challenges, prompts and support for players to attempt to figure things out on their own – a lesson learned on one’s own is worth far more than a lesson instructed by another
• Allowing kids to explore the activities and space with minimal pressure or expectation is very important

The squad will often be split into two groups, with the older more advanced kids in one group and the younger kids in the other group, as we rotate through activities. Here’s a few pointers for parent support and involvement.

• If your child is injured or emotional, please do assist and support your child. If a player wishes to sit out an activity or is not in a state to participate it is ok (this is common for many kids) so we encourage the kids to explore the program at their own pace.
• Please try to keep instructional prompts to a bare minimum or not at all, as children can quickly become confused and pressured if a parent is there instructing their every move, on top of the coaches and group. An example of a positive parent remark is, “well done Jimmy, you’re doing a great job!” however and example of a potentially negative remark might be, “Hey Jimmy, get the ball and use the inside of your foot, no do it through the red cones first, go back and do it again Jimmy, come on hurry up and catch up with the group.”
• Please remember at least one parent must remain on site at all times, within line of sight to the session (at the clubhouse, near the field, by the field etc) and that any toilet breaks require the accompanying parent.