❤️‍🔥 CHECK THE CAPTION! The best warm-ups in grassroots football when working with the Foundation Phase, don’t include stretching. When working with children in the Foundation Phase, stretching simply isn’t a priority. They don’t need to stretch in the way adults do. Under the age of ten, children have natural muscle elasticity and their bodies are already mobile and adaptable. Instead, the most effective warm-ups at this age involve movement, fun, and the ball. Think small-sided games, tag-based activities, and ball mastery. These not only prepare their bodies to play, but also engage their minds and build excitement for the session ahead. Of course, as players get older, warm-ups should evolve. Structured preparation becomes more important, including dynamic stretching to support performance and injury prevention. But for younger players, the focus should always be on energy, enjoyment, and plenty of ball contact. Foundation Phase coaches, the next time you’re planning your session,...