Mini Kickers – Chester FC Community Trust’s fun football programme for children aged 3-7 – returns to the Northgate Arena this weekend.

Designed to introduce boys and girls to the game and improve core football skills in a safe and positive environment with FA qualified coaches, the Mini Kickers sessions have proven extremely popular with children and parents.

Classes take place on Sunday mornings at 9am (Reception age) and 10am (Years 1 and 2) and cost just £3 per week.

Parents are welcome to stay and watch the sessions or alternatively relax with a coffee in the cafe or go for a swim or gym session while the children are taking part.

Lead coach for Mini Kickers Ashley Field said: “We’re very excited to restart our Mini Kickers sessions and looking forward to welcoming lots of new boys and girls.

“Mini Kickers offers a first step on to the footballing pathway and we’re very proud that several of our academy players actually progressed through these sessions.”

Boys and girls will develop football skills including control, passing, ball awareness and movement through imaginative sessions with qualified coaches from within the club’s academy and community section, who hold valid FA first aid and safeguarding certificates and have completed an enhanced DBS check.

The emphasis is firmly on having fun and encouraging children to exercise with regular guest appearances from members of the club’s first-team squad as well as Lupus, the club’s mascot.

Although children can be registered 15 minutes before classes start, parents who wish to guarantee places can book in advance via community@chesterfc.com or on 07512 355396.