CGK Preschool Launches New Soccer Class!

The fondest memories I have from growing up were being outside with friends, taking off our jackets to use as goalposts and playing together until it either got too cold, too dark, or our parents called us in for dinner - which we’d eat in a hurry before rushing back out to play again!

I remember fondly the first England shirt I ever got, and how heartbroken I was when I spilled ketchup all down the front one of the first times I wore it and it wouldn’t wash out. I still wore that shirt proudly, complete with a gloopy red streak right down the middle of the otherwise white fabric. I recall kicking a ball against the side of my house almost every day after school, and how the constant thudding would at times wear out my mum’s patience! As I grew older and began to play more seriously, I remember the teammates, the camaraderie and friendships, the last-minute losses, the triumphs, and so much more.

I started playing soccer when I was around four years old. It’s such a simple game, so accessible to almost anyone around the world, that it’s easy to understand why it’s the most popular sport globally, though perhaps I’m biased given the debt I feel I owe the game. There are so many lessons I learned organically through soccer that are otherwise hard to come by. I learned about sportsmanship, teamwork, communication, responsibility, and trust. But most importantly, soccer gave me an outlet to express myself and build confidence. I was a shy kid but whenever I had a ball at my feet and I was running around with friends, I felt carefree and confident (though that confidence wanes a little more readily these days when my more brittle joints decide to protest!).

I really wanted to give our CGK preschool kids an outlet to experience the joy that team sports like soccer can bring, especially at such a young age. And so, we’ve recently started our own soccer class for our Mountain and Sky students (4–6 year olds)!

Early childhood is a time for exploration, and we want to encourage that by giving our students as many opportunities as possible to jump in and try new things. That way, they can discover their passions and immerse themselves in activities that support their social-emotional and physical development.

For me personally, starting this class feels like coming full circle. I’ve played soccer since I was four years old, representing school, local, and regional teams back in the UK. I also spent time supporting a college soccer team there. In my previous role in Japan, I taught soccer to children aged 4–6 in the kindergarten and to 6–11 year olds in the after-school programme. Since starting at CGK, it’s something I’ve really missed doing, so I’ve been eager to get this class up and running to fill that soccer-shaped void in my life!

Our class will focus on teamwork, soccer fundamentals, and physical skills that can be applied across a range of sporting disciplines. Most importantly though, it’s a time for students to move their bodies with their friends, enjoy themselves, and express who they are.

This February, we held our first class. Students practised toe-touch control drills, dribbling and shooting drills, reaction games and more before finishing with a proper soccer match at our Kannai campus. The first class was a blast! Everyone was excited throughout the day leading up to the session, and that excitement turned into smiles, cheers, laughter and a lot of sweat from all the running around! The only “problem” I have now is being asked daily, “Is today soccer class?” Their enthusiasm is palpable, though hopefully after a few more sessions it will sink in that soccer is a once-a-week affair on Mondays!

This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to move forward with this initiative in the new school year from April. We have some big plans in the works, including a potential Students vs. Parents match, a Students vs. Teachers game, collaborating with other international schools for friendly fixtures, CGK Preschool Soccer Club trips (World Cup 2026 anyone?), and plenty more besides!

I really believe sport is something everyone should have in their life in some form. Soccer isn’t necessarily for everyone, and no doubt at some point we’ll have a student join who decides it’s not quite their thing and that’s absolutely fine. I just hope as many students as possible give it a go and, more importantly, that they carry that “give it a try” mindset with them as they embrace new experiences and opportunities in the future.