Mini-dribblers to team football.
Every football journey starts somewhere. Our player pathway provides a clear route from first kicks through our Academy and into Imps teams, helping players enjoy, develop and grow with the game.
01
Mini-dribblers.
First touches, fun and confidence
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Mini-dribblers sessions introduce children aged 3-4 to football in a fun, friendly and supportive environment.
At this age, football is all about enjoyment. Through simple games and activities, we help children become comfortable with the ball, develop their movement and coordination, and begin learning the basic skills of the game.
Mini-dribblers helps children to build confidence, friendships and teamwork, while getting used to listening to coaches and being part of a team.
Little players. Big smiles. Future Imps.
02
Academy.
Learning together through play
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Our under 5s programme is the next step, helping young players build on their first experiences of football.
Sessions remain fun, while gradually introducing players to the fundamentals of football - dribbling, passing, shooting, movement and working together.
We encourage every child to have a go, express themselves, learn from mistakes and celebrate their progress.
Learning together. Playing together. Growing together.
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Players continue the journey learning the basics of football towards playing and developing together as a team.
Training is still centred around fun and enjoyment, with activities to develop their understanding of the game.
Later in the season the players will experience their first friendly matches against other teams.
Developing skills. Building confidence. Introducing the game.
03
Team football.
Growing as part of a team
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The focus remains on enjoyment, development and opportunity to play.
Training builds confidence on the ball while developing teamwork, respect, sportsmanship and positive behaviours.
Regular matches give players the opportunity to put the skills they develop into practice.
Match format: 3v3 | Match structure: 6-10 minutes
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Players are encouraged to become more confident with their own decisions, try new things, while developing their skills.
We promote fair play, respect, resilience and supporting teammates, helping players understand that development and enjoyment matter more than the final score.
Match format: 5v5 | Match structure: 40 min games split by quarters or halves.
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We continue to build on strong foundations, with players developing a deeper understanding of the game while continuing to grow their skills.
As matches become more competitive, players are encouraged to be brave on the ball, and continue to show respect to opponents and officials.
Match format: 7v7 | Match structure: 50 - 60 min games split by quarters or halves.
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An important stage in a players development, as football becomes increasingly tactical.
Playing 9v9, players have more space, greater responsibility and new challenges to solve. Training develops technical ability alongside movement, positioning, decision making, communication and how different roles work together.
Match format: 9v9 | Match structure: 60 - 70 min games split by halves.
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From Under 14s onwards, players make the transition into 11v11 football, bringing together the technical, tactical and personal skills developed throughout their journey with Rothley Imps.
Competition naturally becomes a bigger part of the game, but development remains important. We encourage players to challenge themselves, take responsibility, show resilience and compete with respect, whether winning, losing or learning from difficult moments.
Match format: 11v11 | Match structure: 80 - 90 min games split by halves.
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