At Kixx, we know football is about far more than learning to kick a ball. It’s about building confidence, learning teamwork, and — perhaps most importantly — making friends.
In this blog, we explore how infant football classes can help your child make friends before starting school and support their social and emotional development.
The Importance of Friendship in Early Childhood
Friendship plays a huge role in children’s wellbeing and development. From enhancing emotional resilience to boosting communication skills, good friendships help children feel happy, secure, and confident.
Friends teach us how to share, cooperate, and see the world from different perspectives. For children preparing to start school, friendship also makes the transition to a new environment much smoother — helping them settle in, build confidence, and look forward to learning.
At Kixx, we see it every day. One of the best parts of being a children’s football coach is watching those early friendships form and grow both on and off the pitch.
Why Social Skills Matter for Children
Strong social skills are essential for children’s development. They shape how children communicate, express emotions, and interact with others — from their first school day right through to adulthood.
According to the NHS, regular interaction and play are key to developing these skills.
Social skills help children:
- Work as part of a team and problem-solve together
- Empathise and show kindness
- Build confidence in new environments
- Communicate effectively with adults and peers
- Handle challenges calmly and positively
Some children are naturally sociable, while others gain confidence through gentle encouragement and structured play — and that’s exactly where football classes can help.
How Infant Football Classes Support Social Development
1. Encouraging Teamwork & Cooperation
Football is a team sport at its heart. Through simple group activities and games, infants learn to share, take turns, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Whether it’s waiting patiently for their turn to score or passing the ball to a teammate, teamwork helps children understand the value of patience, generosity, and encouragement — all crucial for starting school.
2. Improving Communication Skills
Football lessons are full of opportunities for children to communicate — with coaches and with each other.
Communication isn’t only about talking. It’s also about listening, understanding body language, and learning when and how to express ideas. Football helps develop these skills naturally in a relaxed and fun setting.
3. Building Confidence in Shy Children
For quieter or less confident children, football offers a supportive and inclusive environment to build self-belief.
At Kixx, our sessions are pressure-free and focused on fun. Every child gets the chance to shine, whether they’re naturally outgoing or still finding their voice.
Each child has their own football during activities, which means they can progress and develop at their own pace — without pressure or comparison. This approach helps children build confidence gradually while feeling proud of their personal achievements.
By taking part in a “level playing field” activity, shy children often discover new confidence that carries with them into the classroom and beyond.
4. Forming Lasting Friendships
Football classes are fantastic for helping children form real, lasting friendships.
Over time, children bond through shared experiences — celebrating goals, learning new skills, and cheering each other on. These friendships often continue outside the academy and into school life.
Football provides the perfect icebreaker and gives children a sense of belonging — helping them feel more prepared and excited about starting school.
The Benefits of Making Friends Before Starting School
Here are just some of the ways early friendships through football can help your child:
- More confidence when entering a new environment
- Someone to share excitement (and nerves) with before school starts
- Better communication, empathy, and teamwork
- A sense of belonging and inclusion
- Improved emotional wellbeing and self-esteem
- A positive attitude towards school and learning
Making Friends Before Starting School with Infant Football Classes
At Kixx, we’re proud to help children build confidence, friendships, and a love for being active.
Our football classes are designed for boys and girls aged 18 months to 11 years, and every session is built around fun, learning, and friendship.
By joining Kixx, your child won’t just learn football skills — they’ll develop communication, coordination, and confidence that will help them thrive as they start school and beyond.
If you’d like to learn more about making friends before starting school with infant football classes, find your nearest Kixx academy here.
For questions or enrolment, please contact us at admin@kixx.org.uk or call 01302 618080.
