What people say about canny kicks
Discover how Canny Kicks is making a difference in the lives of children, schools, nurseries, and charities across Newcastle upon Tyne and beyond. Read testimonials that highlight the confidence, fitness, fun, and SEND support our football coaching programmes provide, fostering a true sense of belonging for every child in our community.
Having worked with Chris for many years, I can confidently recommend him to any family with a child who has additional needs. Chris takes the time to truly understand each child and works closely with parents to learn about any challenges their child may be facing. He is patient, caring, and always willing to adjust his approach to make sure every child feels supported, included, and valued. Chris helps young people to thrive and has a good understanding of how additional needs affect them.
Andy Purvis
Whickham secondary school - SENDCO
"We booked a Canny Kicks session for our group of children who have various SEND needs. Chris led the session and he truly understood the needs of the kids. He encouraged them all to take part without pressuring them and allowed them all to engage at their own pace and do what they wanted to do. All of the children came off the pitch with the biggest smiles on their faces. Parents commented on how relaxed the session was and how understanding and supportive Chris was as a coach."
Katy. F
The SEN Support Space
"My little girl had her first session this morning and I was SUPER impressed ! Chris was fantastic with all of the children, no matter their level of confidence , needs or ability . 100% recommend."
Beth B.
"Grassroots football is the heartbeat of our communities, and organisations like Canny Kick's that are leading the charge in making it accessible to everyone.
By undertaking this training, they’ve shown not only a willingness to learn but also a commitment to action"
them.
Danny Matharu, Founder of Football Mental Health Association
Mason loved his first session at Canny Kicks. Chris is an amazing coach who brings the energy and enthusiasm throughout the session. The ball skills and game activities were both a hit with the tug of war and parachute games being a firm favourite! Highly recommend to anyone wanting to give it a go.
Katie. G
My child was nervous and hadn't taken part in team sports before Canny Kicks. Both coach Chris and coach Rob were welcoming and introduced themselves at the start of the session. Coach Rob walked her onto the pitch and introduced her to some of the other players. It was lovely to see how much my daughters confidence grew over just the first session. She went from a quiet little girl to a confident little footballer. Coach Chris made sure she had the ball at key moments in the match. Her little celebration was like she celebrates at home and I cant thank Canny Kicks enough for making her feel like part of the team.
Kristy. F
"Absolutely brilliant session today, my little boy loved it! So welcoming, inclusive and SEND friendly, 100% recommend. Thanks 😊"
Stephanie K.
Parents we always talk about how kids enjoy every week doing their training but I have to say that you are an amazing coach, not just the experience that you have, it is the passion you got for it and even though they are many kids in 1 hour you really manage to take the best of them individually. I hope you you'll be my kids coach for years.
TA. Zabla
Great session with our Under-7s today!
Lots of energy, big smiles, and brilliant progress with dribbling and teamwork. The kids gave it their all and had loads of fun in the mini-matches.
We’re so proud of how they’re growing in confidence and making friends!
Sam. G
My son has throughly enjoyed coming to Canny kicks over the last few weeks, so much so that we booked onto the summer camp. What a fun week we have had! Chris and Rob are amazing coaches, Each session has been organised to a t, filled with ball games, make friends and build their confidence up. Henry absolutely loved getting a medal today, it's really made his week! He really looks up to both Chris and Rob. He is always talking about how much he loves football because of you two.
We can't wait to book onto the next sessions! Thankyou once again! We highly recommend to anyone considering coming along!
Holly. R
"My son took part in the Canny Kicks football October camp,
It was great to see how engaged all the children were, Chris has a fantastic way of encouraging everyone to get involved and do their best while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and positive. My son came away very happy with excitement.
Highly recommend Canny Kicks for any young footballer looking to build confidence, learn new skills, and have a brilliant time. ⚽👏"
Mark P.
It was my little boy's first time in a group-led activity with someone new and out of his nursery setting. He's a really confident little boy once he gets going and loves football/ being active. However definitely still shy and unsure at times, he immediately broke out in tears at the beginning of the session.
Jenn. H
My son has just finished his week at canny kicks summer camp, absolutely fantastic! My son can be very reluctant to participate and coach Chris and coach Rob we're absolutely amazing with him and boosting his confidence when he really needed it. Thank you so much for an amazing week.
Sarah. N
We highly recommend Canny kicks. Chris the coach attended a summer session at stargate and crookhill community centre.
We were very impressed by how chris managed to include all the children, regardless of their ages. He is full of enthusiasm and support and has a fun approach which helped some of the children who had never played football before
This was a very well attended session with everyone having lots of fun
Fiona
Stargate Community Centre
Ready to give your child a canny start in football?
Enquire today and discover how Canny Kicks can help your child develop confidence, fitness, and a sense of belonging through fun and inclusive football coaching.