🔝 ARRIVAL MATCHES in my opinion, are the best way to start your session! I always start my sessions with arrival matches, and having that consistent approach each week means the children know exactly what to do when they turn up. They run onto the Astro, put their water bottles down, high-five the coach, and then jump straight into the game! The beauty of matches is that they can often be self-managed by the children, which helps give them a sense of responsibility and ownership! This approach creates a relaxed environment where kids can chat with their mates before the more structured part of the session begins. It’s a great way to build chat time into your sessions, rather than fighting it! As we all know, children love playing matches, so they start the session with a smile on their face and this positive energy sets the tone for the rest of the session, making them more enthusiastic and engaged for everything that follows. And finally, it encourages children to arrive early, or ...