OUR STORY

Our journey started in 2009 and led us to where we are today… We owe a huge thanks to our community for joining us on this journey, and we hope that you’ll continue to be a part of our evolving story. See more on our journey below:

1st Touch Football Coaching was formed in 2009. The foundations were laid with a Saturday morning training session just outside Southampton, which was available to children aged 5-12 years.

It wasn’t just about teaching football—it was about creating a fun, safe space where children could enjoy learning, grow in confidence, and feel part of something.

2009 - 2013

EARLY GROWTH
As interest grew, so did we. We introduced
evening training sessions, a second venue, and began running after-school clubs. During school holidays, we hosted our first half-term football camps, giving children even more time to enjoy the game.

FOOTBALL TOTS EXPANSION
Recognising the power of early development, we rolled out our Football Tots sessions during the week, bringing structured, play-based learning to children as young as 18 months. We weren’t just coaching—we were laying the foundation for a lifelong love of the game.

The early days ……

2013 - 2018

PARTY TIME
We added football-themed birthday party packages, combining fun, celebration, and football in one perfect experience. Our coaches also began delivering Football Tots sessions in preschools, expanding our reach and community impact.

SCALING UP
Demand continued to grow. We expanded our holiday camps to two locations, brought in more coaching staff, and saw the popularity of Football Tots soar. Our team spirit and shared vision helped us maintain quality and consistency at every touchpoint.

Football Tots kept expanding

2018 - 2022

STAYING CONNECTED IN A PANDEMIC
When the COVID-19 pandemic brought physical sessions to a halt, we pivoted. We launched free online football sessions to keep our players moving, learning, and smiling from home. These virtual sessions grew our database, strengthened community bonds, and proved that connection can go beyond the pitch.

INNOVATION & STRUCTURE
With the return to in-person coaching, we introduced a new booking system to streamline operations. During this time, we also saw a boom in 1:1 sessions, allowing children to continue learning within Covid-safe guidelines. The business bounced back stronger than ever.

Adapting to provide, post pandemic …..

2022 - 2024

JOINING FORCES
We reached a major milestone with the launch of what can only be described as our first franchise, bringing our unique approach and coaching ethos to a the wider community. It was a first for the business and was a proud moment that marked the beginning of what was to be a new chapter for 1st Touch Football Coaching.

MOMENTUM BUILDS
As things progress well, a second franchise followed, and the momentum kept building. We began working on an exciting long-term vision to share our model and mindset with more players, families, and future franchisees. Behind the scenes, we were laying the foundations for something even more ambitious.

2025

The Rebrand:
1st Touch Football Kickz

This year, we proudly reintroduce ourselves as 1st Touch Football Kickz. Our new name reflects who we’ve become: a vibrant, inclusive football experience that champions fun, friendship, and skill development for children across the South.

From our first kick in 2009 to now coaching over 2500 children every month, our journey has always been about more than football. It’s about confidence, community, and connection. And this is just the beginning….

Become part of
1st Touch Football Kickz

Franchising