04-08-2025
Brothers launch new fun football club for Newport youngsters
The Fun Footy Club, which will kick off in September, is the brainchild of brothers James and Joe Ward, who are former Newport County AFC Academy players and who both now work in education.
Primary school teacher James, 31, who lives and works in Prague, Czechia, is the CEO and founder.
His brother Joe, 28, who is wellbeing, learning and engagement officer at St Joseph's RC High School and a former EFL scholar (apprentice professional) at Newport County AFC.
He is the head coach of the new club and other former Newport County Academy players will also be joining him on the coaching staff.
The club will hold twice-weekly sessions at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales in the Newport International Sports Village.
James, who alongside his teaching career owns and runs the Prague Soccer School,
said: 'We see football differently. We believe that children should learn to play football in a pressure-free and fun-filled environment.
'Academies and football clubs have for too long taken children's football far too seriously.
'We focus on giving children the most enjoyable experience, improving the chances of long-term participation in sport and skill development. We want to help children to play, improve and, most importantly, to love football.'
Joe said: 'We love to have parents staying and enjoying the sessions. However, we do ask that parents do not give instructions to children during sessions.'
The Fun Footy Club starts on Tuesday, September 2, with a session for children aged four to six (Little Kickers) from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and another for those aged seven to 10 (Young Ballers) from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Each sessions is £9 booked in blocks which mirror school half-terms.
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