Thanks so much for all the replies and advice!

Hamfelbel - your boy sounds a lot like mine, great physical skills but his listening skills not quite there yet, so I do think we will wait a little while first, as I would like for him to get the most out of it that he can. Hope to see you there in September!

My little boy has also not long turned 18 months, but we're definitely going to wait a little while before starting anything like that - probably aim for starting in September. He absolutely loves kicking a ball (and is possibly already a better aim than me!) but his listening skills need a whole lot more work before I start spending lots of money on classes!! Around us it is so easy to think we're not doing enough if our children aren't signed up for a few of the various classes, but now I'm on no.2 I can see that it is fine to wait a bit for them to get the most out of it when they do start!

See you there in September?!

Also, i know its not little kickers, but I also take our son to Rugby Tots ... really good too! He is nearly 3, so not sure for younger, perhaps look into that! ... sorry for going off, but love both Little Kickers and Rugby tots ..

My son went to Little Kickers for a while and loved it. The coaches were really good and classes well organised. He only stopped going because the Clapham class was cancelled this Jan (and I too am still waiting for a refund for the cancelled classes).

I enrolled my son at 2 years old for the 18months-2.5 year class. There were of course children who were younger than him there who were having the absolute time of their lives. Personally, I wouldn't enrolled my son any sooner as I don't think he would have been ready. Unfortunately, even at 2 he didn't really take to the class but I think that's just down to the nature of his personality. The classes and coach were fantastic. After trying for 4 weeks only to have him cry throughout the entire class, I approached the people who manage the classes and said it's simply not working out. They were very understanding and offered to refund me for the remaining classes. Still waiting for the money back however :/

Hi, when I signed him to Little Kickers, I expressed my concerns and worry that if he didn't like it and I fealt he was too young I would like to have the option to cancel. They were really understanding and agreed that we would give it a try for a couple of classes and if it wasn't working they would refund the money for the rest of the term .. So worth having a chat with them even if they don't advertise that!! After all, it's in their interest too that the kid enjoys it and continues after the initial 12 weeks ..

I do often wish more of these classes offered a trial class, even a paid trial class - so that you could see how much your child will enjoy the sessions before committing to an entire term!

thanks so much for all the replies - it really helps to hear from other mums firsthand, so I appreciate it. Do think I will hold off for just a bit...

Hi,

Our son started when he was 2 and he loves it .. We have been going for 9 months and he looks forward to it each week! I am not sure if he would of enjoyed it as much if he was any younger ... Personally I would wait for a bit ...

Little Kickers is AMAZING.

My son has been going since he was 18 months and he just loves it, plus it's done wonders for him. Forget any idea of it relating to football training, it's about turn taking, copying, learning colours and just lots and lots of running at that age.

I never felt the class was too old for him. I wouldn't say he was old for his age or anything. He was walking at 13 months and pretty much started running from that time to so Kickers is a great way to put all the energy he has to good use.

Just wanted to add the opposite view cos I really do think it's the best class out there.

I got a leaflet from Little Foxes who run football classes in Battersea Park, youngest group is from 18 months I think. I have not been but it looks like they have an Easter camp where you can just turn up on the day and see how your little one gets on.

Although my primary sport is tennis I would say 18 months is too young for any useful learning. I don't start tennis til 4yrs though tennis is more difficult than football. 3yrs as a ball park guide.

Thanks for the reply Macboo - I think I may wait for a little while yet, as I don't think my son would understand waiting his turn at this point!

I first took my son along when he was 18 months and but deferred for a couple of months as he was too young. Think it depends on your son, mine is quite young for his age. After we started I did have to corner my son in the corner until it was his turn. He loves it though and would recommend it. Try to find a class that isn't too full especially for the young ones as there can be quite a bit of hanging around waiting for their turn to score a goal.

I would also be interested to hear peoples views on this as I have been thinking of signing my son up for the one at Nuffield Health Club.