First Touch · Ages 2–4 + Reception
Their first steps in football
The gentlest introduction to football for toddlers, pre-schoolers and reception children in Leeds. Just 30 minutes of games, giggles and first kicks, indoors or out, with coaches who are brilliant with little ones.
Why we built First Touch
Designed for little legs, not mini adults
Finding an activity that keeps a toddler active, engaged and learning is hard, and trusting someone with a child this small is harder still. So we built a curriculum specifically for 2 to 4 year olds, not a watered-down version of big-kid training. Just as importantly, we don't only know football. Our team's experience runs right into nurseries and early years settings, so we understand exactly how little ones learn, settle and grow in confidence.
Toddler classes (ages 2 to 3.5). Parent and toddler sessions: a relaxed, play-focused introduction to kicking and dribbling, with you right alongside them the whole time.
Coach-led classes (pre-school and reception). Gently introduce playing with and against others, building the movement and social skills they'll need for school and beyond. When they're ready, they graduate to our full 1-hour group sessions.
Every 30-minute session guarantees
Big benefits in small doses
Pure fun
Sessions feel like playtime, because for a 2-year-old that IS the lesson.
Confidence building
Little wins every week: first kick, first goal, first high-five from coach.
Football basics
Early kicking and dribbling, picked up through games rather than drills.
Fundamental movement
Running, balancing, jumping and coordination, the building blocks for every sport, not just football.
Listening skills
Following simple instructions in a group, brilliant preparation for nursery and school.
Social skills
Playing alongside other children, sharing and making friends.
From First Touch parents
Loved by little ones (and their parents)
Really enjoy Saturday mornings with Foot-Tech. The coaches have lots of little games to make football interesting for the young ones and to help build their skills. They are really patient and engaging with my 3 year old, who is often more interested in pretending to be a dinosaur than kicking a ball!
Gene loves his football classes. He is taught the basics of getting into football in a fun, relaxed and engaging way!!
Amazing service and my three year old loves going every week. Can't recommend enough for their patience and support.
Where & when
First Touch classes near you
Toddler and pre-school classes across North and East Leeds, with indoor and outdoor options weekday mornings, after nursery and on Saturdays.
- Saturday Soldiers Fields, Roundhay Park 8:45am, 9:20am, 10:00am, 10:40am or 11:15am Reception age, outdoor
- Monday John Smeaton Leisure Centre 4:30pm–5:00pm Pre-school & reception, outdoor
- Wednesday John Smeaton Leisure Centre 5:00pm–5:30pm Pre-school & reception, outdoor
- Thursday John Smeaton Leisure Centre 5:00pm–5:30pm Pre-school & reception, outdoor
- Friday John Smeaton Leisure Centre 5:00pm–5:30pm Pre-school & reception, outdoor
- Saturday St Edmund's Church Hall 8:45am, 9:20am, 10:00am, 10:40am (ages 2–4) or 11:15am (ages 3–4) Term-time only, indoor
- Thursday & Friday Roundhay Parochial Hall 9:15am (2–3.5yrs), 10:00am (3–4yrs), 10:45am Friday only (2–3.5yrs) Term-time only, indoor
Good to know
Questions from first-time parents
Can I stay with my child?
Yes. Our toddler classes (ages 2 to 3.5) are parent and toddler sessions, so you're right there alongside them the whole time. In our coach-led pre-school and reception classes, you're welcome to watch from the side as they gently find their own feet.
What if they cry or won't join in?
Completely normal, and absolutely fine. Some little ones dive straight in, others take a few weeks to warm up, and plenty do a bit of both. Our coaches are patient and never force it. We simply let your child join in at their own pace, and almost always they do.
What if they don't concentrate?
Honestly, expect it, and don't worry. At this age, wandering off or getting distracted and more interested in other things is all part of the journey. It's exactly how little ones learn. Concentration comes with time, and our games are designed around short bursts of fun for precisely that reason.
Are your coaches DBS-checked?
Always. Every Foot-Tech coach is DBS-checked and first aid trained, and our team has real experience with young children, so your little one is in safe, capable and caring hands.
What happens when they outgrow First Touch?
When your child is ready, usually around reception age, they graduate up to our full 1-hour group sessions, the natural next step as they grow. You'll never have to go hunting for what comes next, we'll guide you through it.
Free taster, takes a minute
Register your interest now
Tell us about your little one and pick a class. We'll confirm their free taster by email.
Not sure which class fits?
No problem at all. Give us a call on 07808 644 419 or email info@foot-techacademy.co.uk, tell us your child's age, and we'll point you to the perfect class for them.