Although the regular football season is now over, we realise that some youngsters like to keep playing football over the summer. However, there are a few precautions that boys and girls should take, particularly when temperatures are as high as they are at the moment. So we at SoccerKidz, who provide year-round children’s football coaching in and around London, have compiled these top tips for ensuring that your children can beat the heat without taking any risks.

Keep Hydrated

This is probably the most important piece of advice of all. Taking on liquids will reduce the risk of heat exhaustion, which can affect adults as well as children. It takes the form of dizziness, muscle cramps, tiredness and excessive perspiration. If unchecked this can turn into heat stroke. The reason for this is because the human body is 65% water, so if you’re dehydrated, your organs, muscles and tissues won’t function properly.

So make sure you and your children drink water regularly, even before you think you need it. You can also buy sports drinks, but water will do just fine and it’s cheaper.

Watch What You Wear

Don’t be tempted to expose too much bare skin as some people ‘burn’ very easily. Equally, don’t wear too much, as this can lead to excessive perspiration and a greater risk of dehydration.

Ideally, your children should wear lightweight, breathable fabrics which allow the air to pass through freely –  cotton, polyester (or a mix of the two) or nylon are at the top of this list.

Adjust When, Where and How They Play

Children should avoid playing or training in the middle of the day, when the temperatures are likely to be at their highest. Therefore, try playing in the early morning or early evening as this will reduce the risks of dehydration. At the same time, if possible, make them play in a shady area under or near trees.

If they are playing in a garden or a public park, or even at the beach, there should be no problem with access. School playing fields could be another option during the holidays, provided you check beforehand that your children are allowed to use them.

And boys and girls shouldn’t over-exert themselves, so maybe make them concentrate on close ball control skills or something that isn’t too rigorous. Save the harder work for days when the forecast is for cooler weather.

Cool Down Properly

After finishing playing, whether it’s a kickabout, an organised session, or a match, it’s tempting for children to go inside to a cooler room, and have a shower and/or a lay down. The main priority is to keep moving to ensure that the blood continues to circulate around their body.

Children’s Football Coaching in London from SoccerKidz

The best option of all is to send them on a summer course with SoccerKidz as you know they will be well looked after during the sessions. The welfare of the youngsters attending our sessions is our top priority. That is why all our sessions are tailored not just to the ability of those taking part, but the weather as well (and that includes bad weather as well as hot weather). All our coaches are FA or UEFA qualified, insured, DBS checked, and trained in child protection and Emergency First Aid as well.

We will make sure they learn the basic skills of the game and have fun at the same time. And, if your child has a summer birthday, why not let them spend it with us? They and their friends should have a great time and you don’t have to worry about organising anything. For more details about our football parties in London check out our previous blog here.

We also offer weekend, after-school and breakfast sessions, as well as elite-level coaching for those who have a real aptitude for the game. To find out more about any of our courses, follow this link and fill in the online form. Alternatively, you can also call us directly on 07946 260945.