"Great technique and physical literacy are some of the most important skills a young player needs before graduating to more sophisticated concepts like possession and position.
Footybugs teaches all this and more in a fun, safe, and supportive environment."
Simon Elliott
Asst. Coach All Whites & Former All Whites, 69 Caps
JUNIOR ACADEMY
Develop the Player. Elevate the Game.
At FootyBugs Junior Academy, we believe great teams are built from technically confident individuals. Our academy delivers an individual player development programme within a fun, challenging and engaging group environment, helping every player build the skills, confidence and game intelligence to reach their full potential.
Every session is built around our Four Pillars of Player Development, with players applying their learning through rondos, game-based activities and small-sided matches.
⚽ Technical Development
Master the fundamental skills of football through progressive coaching, repetition and individual feedback.
👣 Ball Mastery
Develop confident ball control, quick feet and creativity using every surface of both feet.
🔥 1v1 Dominance
Learn to beat opponents, protect possession and defend confidently in one-on-one situations.
⚡ Agility & Coordination
Improve balance, footwork, speed, coordination and movement to perform at your best with and without the ball.
Develop the individual. Inspire confidence. Build better footballers.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT. NO TEAM COMMITMENT.
The FootyBugs Junior Academy Skill Development Program is designed for boys and girls aged 6–12 years who want to develop their football skills in a fun, engaging group environment without the commitment of playing in a Summer City League team.
Built around our Four Pillars of Player Development, players improve their technical ability, ball mastery, 1v1 confidence, agility and coordination through structured coaching, individual feedback and game-based activities that build confident, creative footballers.
Whether your child already plays for a club or simply wants to improve, Skill Builder provides the extra training needed to accelerate individual development
FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT CAMP
coming soon
Our Football Development Camp is ideal for Boys and Girls aged 7 - 13 of all skill levels and abilities, who love football and want to master the fundamentals of the game.
At our Football Development Camp, players spend two days learning how to play better. Led by experienced coaches, players will take part in engaging individual player development sessions delivered in a group environment, aimed to improve:
✔️ Ball mastery
✔️ Dribbling and running with the ball
✔️ Stop and Turns
✔️ Moves to beat opponents
✔️ Passing and receiving
✔️ Shooting and finishing
✔️ Game awareness and decision-making
✔️ Football IQ
Every session is carefully designed with the aim to help players build confidence, improve technique and to make better decisions to become a better footballer.
ABOUT
FOOTBALL MORE THAN COMMUNITY
FootyBugs Grassroots Football School and its Junior Academy are dedicated to developing confident, creative and technically skilled young footballers in a fun, positive and engaging environment.
Operating throughout the summer season (September to April), our Junior Academy welcomes boys and girls aged 7–12 years, providing a structured individual player development programme designed to help every child reach their full potential.
Our coaching philosophy is built around the belief that great teams are built from technically confident individuals. Every training session focuses on developing the player first, giving children the technical ability, confidence and game understanding to succeed both on and off the ball.
Our programme is centred around our Four Pillars of Player Development:
⚽ Technical Development – Build excellent first touch, passing, dribbling, turning, receiving and ball striking.
👣 Ball Mastery – Develop outstanding control, coordination and confidence using every surface of both feet.
🔥 1v1 Dominance – Learn to attack with creativity, beat defenders, protect possession and defend confidently.
⚡ Agility & Coordination – Improve balance, footwork, movement, speed and athletic ability to become quicker and more efficient in every action.
Players regularly apply these skills through rondos, positional games, transition activities and small-sided matches that develop decision-making, teamwork and football intelligence in realistic game situations.
Beyond football, we are equally passionate about helping children develop confidence, resilience, respect, teamwork and friendships in a safe, supportive and enjoyable learning environment where every player is encouraged to improve at their own pace.
Our programme is designed to complement club football, giving players the additional technical repetitions and individual coaching that team training alone cannot always provide. However, players are equally welcome to join FootyBugs even if they are not currently playing for a club.
Whether your child is taking their first football steps or already loves the game and wants to improve, FootyBugs Junior Academy provides the ideal environment to continue developing.
Families can choose between two development pathways:
Junior Academy City League Teams
-
Players wanting to experience competitive football can also represent FootyBugs in our U8, U10 and U12 teams, competing in the Summer Junior City League while continuing to receive our structured player development programme throughout the season.
Junior Academy Skill Development Program
-
Perfect for players who simply want additional high-quality coaching and individual player development without the commitment of playing in a team.
No matter which pathway they choose, every player follows the same proven coaching philosophy, developing the technical skills, confidence and game intelligence needed to enjoy football and continue progressing for years to come.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Create a positive, challenging and enjoyable learning environment where players of all abilities are encouraged to express themselves, embrace challenges and continually develop their technical ability, confidence and love for the game
WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY
OUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS
