At THA Football Centres, every month follows a different football theme.
Rather than repeating the same sessions every week, our curriculum is built around a clear yearly plan. Each month focuses on a different skill or part of the game, helping children steadily improve across the year.
Our monthly themes are adapted for every age group and ability level, from our parent and toddler sessions through to KS2 advanced players.
This means every child is working on the same overall idea, but in a way that suits their age and stage of development.
Why We Use Monthly Themes
Our monthly themes help children to:
- Develop a wider range of football skills
- Build confidence gradually
- Learn through repetition and progression
- Understand different parts of the game
- Stay engaged and motivated
Every session links back to our THA Player Metrics system so coaches can track how children are progressing within each theme.
Our Yearly Themes
September – Attacking the Goal
Children learn how to move towards goal, shoot and attack with confidence.
Ages 2–4
Movement, chasing and kicking towards a target.
Ages 5–7
Shooting, dribbling towards goal and recognising chances to score.
Ages 8–11
Creating attacking opportunities and finishing under pressure.
October – Keeping the Ball
Children learn how to keep possession and stay in control.
Ages 2–4
Ball discovery and keeping the ball close.
Ages 5–7
Ball mastery, dribbling and protecting the ball.
Ages 8–11
Passing, receiving and keeping possession under pressure.
November – 1v1 Battles
Children learn how to attack and defend in individual situations.
Ages 2–4
Fun races, chasing and protecting the ball.
Ages 5–7
Beating a defender and beginning to defend.
Ages 8–11
Advanced attacking and defending in 1v1 situations.
December – Creating Space
Children learn how to move into better positions.
Ages 2–4
Moving into space and avoiding obstacles.
Ages 5–7
Finding space to receive or dribble.
Ages 8–11
Creating and using space to help teammates.
January – Attacking with Speed
Children learn how to play quickly and positively.
Ages 2–4
Running and moving quickly with the ball.
Ages 5–7
Dribbling with speed and confidence.
Ages 8–11
Fast attacks, quick decisions and playing forward.
February – Winning the Ball
Children learn how to defend and regain possession.
Ages 2–4
Stopping the ball and reacting quickly.
Ages 5–7
Beginning to defend and protect the ball.
Ages 8–11
Pressing, tackling and defending as a team.
March – Playing Forward
Children learn how to play positively and move towards goal.
Ages 2–4
Moving forward and kicking towards a target.
Ages 5–7
Passing and dribbling forward.
Ages 8–11
Recognising opportunities to play forward quickly.
April – Creating Chances
Children learn how to create opportunities to score.
Ages 2–4
Moving into space and kicking towards a target.
Ages 5–7
Pass and move, dribble into space and support teammates.
Ages 8–11
Combination play, support angles and creating overloads.
May – Defending Together
Children learn how to work with others when defending.
Ages 2–4
Listening, reacting and staying close.
Ages 5–7
Beginning to defend with a partner.
Ages 8–11
Pressing, recovering and defending as a team.
June – Quick Reactions
Children learn how to react quickly and make faster decisions.
Ages 2–4
Reacting to colours, numbers and instructions.
Ages 5–7
Quick dribbling, turning and reacting to signals.
Ages 8–11
Faster decisions, quicker movement and game reactions.
July – Game Intelligence
Children begin to understand the game more deeply.
Ages 2–4
Listening and following instructions.
Ages 5–7
Recognising simple attacking and defending situations.
Ages 8–11
Decision making, positioning and understanding the game.
August – Playing the Game
Children bring together everything they have learned throughout the year.
Ages 2–4
Fun football games and movement challenges.
Ages 5–7
Small-sided games using the skills learned through the year.
Ages 8–11
More realistic games and match situations.
How Monthly Themes Links to Player Metrics
Each monthly theme is linked to the THA Player Metrics system.
For example:
- During “Keeping the Ball”, coaches focus more heavily on dribbling, ball control and receiving.
- During “Creating Chances”, coaches focus on movement, passing and decision making.
- During “Defending Together”, coaches focus on communication, teamwork and defending.
This allows parents to clearly see how their child is developing each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all age groups follow the same monthly theme?
Yes, but the theme is adapted differently for each age group and ability level.
Why do you change the theme each month?
It keeps sessions fresh, helps children develop different skills and creates a clear progression across the year.
Will my child repeat themes?
Yes. Themes are revisited in different ways as children get older and move through the programme.
Can I see what my child is learning each month?
Yes. We share the monthly theme through sessions, social media and parent updates.
Want to see this months theme in action?
Book a trial and see how our structured monthly themes help children improve, build confidence and enjoy football.
