Parents across the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames are being urged to lace up their children’s trainers as a new school term of junior sports programmes gets under way. From first kicks on the football pitch to confidence-building sessions in the swimming pool and skills-based multi-sport clubs, the borough is expanding its offer to help young residents get active, make friends and stay healthy.
Against a backdrop of rising concerns about children’s screen time and physical inactivity, Richmond’s leisure centres, schools and community partners are rolling out a packed timetable of term-time activities designed for ages 4 to 16. The programmes cater for all abilities, placing equal emphasis on fun, fitness and personal growth, whether a child is trying a sport for the first time or looking to sharpen competitive skills.
With venues spread across the borough and sessions scheduled around the school day, the initiative aims to make organised sport more accessible and affordable for local families. As the new term begins, Richmond Council and its partners are positioning sport not just as recreation, but as a key part of children’s wellbeing and community life.
Exploring junior sports programmes across Richmond upon Thames this term
From first kicks on the pitch to confident lengths in the pool, children across the borough can tap into a packed schedule of structured activities designed to build skills and friendships this term. Local leisure centres and partner clubs are offering age-banded sessions that blend coaching with play, ensuring young people stay active while discovering the sports they enjoy most. Parents can choose from after-school and weekend programmes tailored to different abilities, with many providers offering taster sessions and flexible block bookings to help families plan around busy timetables.
Programmes span a wide range of interests, from conventional team games to emerging favourites, all delivered by qualified coaches who prioritise safety and inclusivity. Key strands this term include:
- Multi-sport clubs focusing on coordination, teamwork and confidence.
- Football and rugby academies with progressive skill pathways.
- Swim schools aligned with national teaching frameworks.
- Racquet sports such as tennis and badminton, ideal for hand-eye development.
- Indoor options including basketball, gymnastics and junior fitness circuits.
| Area | Focus Sport | Typical Age Range | Session Slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twickenham | Rugby skills | 8-14 yrs | Sat mornings |
| Richmond | Swim & multi-sport | 5-11 yrs | After school |
| Teddington | Tennis & mini-games | 6-12 yrs | Weekday evenings |
| Barnes | Football development | 7-13 yrs | Sun afternoons |
How expert coaching and inclusive sessions support every young athlete
From the first warm-up to the final cool-down, each session is led by qualified coaches who blend technical know-how with an understanding of children’s different learning styles.They break down skills into clear, achievable steps, giving young athletes the confidence to try, adapt and improve at their own pace. Training plans are tailored to age and stage, ensuring that new starters feel supported while more experienced juniors are suitably challenged. Our coaches place equal emphasis on physical literacy, tactical awareness and positive dialog, reinforcing good habits that transfer from the court or pitch into classroom and home life.
Sessions are structured to be welcoming and accessible, with small-group activities and flexible drills that allow every child to participate meaningfully, nonetheless of ability or background. Coaches use inclusive language, varied demonstrations and adaptive equipment to make sure no one is left on the sidelines. Parents and carers can expect a safe, well-organised environment where effort is celebrated as much as results, and where young people learn to respect one another’s progress and also their own.
- FA- and UKCC-qualified coaches delivering age-appropriate instruction
- Mixed-ability groups that encourage peer support and shared learning
- Adapted drills for different confidence levels and physical needs
- Clear feedback so children understand how and why they’re improving
| Focus Area | How Coaches Support Juniors |
|---|---|
| Skill Development | Short, progressive drills with simple coaching cues |
| Confidence | Positive, specific praise after each activity |
| Teamwork | Rotating roles so every child can lead and support |
| Inclusion | Flexible rules and equipment to suit varied abilities |
Facilities, timetables and fees what families need to know before enrolling
From bright multi-sport halls to floodlit all-weather pitches, each centre across the borough is equipped to keep children active, engaged and safe. Parents can expect supervised changing areas, secure reception points and age-appropriate equipment for everything from junior football and netball to gymnastics and racket sports. Many venues also offer quiet waiting zones with Wi‑Fi, on‑site cafés, and buggy-friendly access, ensuring drop-off and pick-up are as smooth as possible. To help you plan around busy family schedules, programmes are structured around after-school and weekend slots, with additional early-evening sessions for older juniors looking to train more regularly.
Key information on session times and pricing is designed to be clear and transparent, so you can compare options at a glance. Term-time courses typically run in 6-12 week blocks, with discounts available for siblings and Richmond Card holders.Below you’ll find a snapshot of typical weekly schedules and guide fees; full details, including holiday timetables and concessionary rates, are available at each centre.
- No joining fee for term-time junior courses.
- Pay-as-you-go spaces on selected activities, subject to availability.
- Block bookings guarantee your child’s place for the full term.
- Concession rates for eligible families living in the borough.
| Program | Typical Days | Time | Guide Fee / Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Multisport (5-7 yrs) | Mon & Wed | 4:00-4:45pm | £58 (8 weeks) |
| Junior Football Skills (8-11 yrs) | Tue & Sat | 5:00-6:00pm | £72 (8 weeks) |
| Gymnastics Foundations (6-10 yrs) | Thu | 4:15-5:15pm | £76 (8 weeks) |
| Teen Training Club (12-15 yrs) | Tue & Thu | 6:00-7:00pm | £88 (8 weeks) |
Choosing the right junior sports pathway tailored recommendations by age and ability
Whether your child is taking their first steps onto a pitch or already competing at club level, our coaches in Richmond upon Thames focus on the right challenge at the right time. For younger children, sessions centre on play-based movement, building balance, coordination and confidence through games that feel more like adventure than instruction.As they grow, we introduce progressive skill blocks in sports such as football, tennis, swimming and athletics, always grouped by both age and current ability so no one is left behind-or held back. Parents receive clear feedback after each block, helping you understand when it’s time to move from beginner to improver, or to explore a new sport entirely.
To make choices easier, we map pathways that reflect how children typically develop, while leaving space for those who progress faster or prefer a more recreational pace. Our programme mix includes:
- Foundation tiers (ages 4-7): fun, multi-sport play, core skills, short sessions.
- Development tiers (ages 8-11): more structure, sport-specific drills, team play.
- Performance tiers (ages 11-15): advanced coaching, competition pathways, fitness support.
- Inclusive options: adapted sessions for children with additional needs or who are returning from injury.
| Age | Ability Level | Suggested Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 | New to sport | Multi-skills, confidence, basic coordination |
| 7-9 | Emerging skills | Fun leagues, simple tactics, core techniques |
| 10-12 | Club ready | Position-specific coaching, match play, resilience |
| 13-15 | Advanced | Performance training, strength & conditioning, mentoring |
In Retrospect
As the new term gets under way, the message from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is clear: there has never been a better time for young people to get active.
With programmes tailored to all ages and abilities, and a commitment to keeping sport accessible, the borough is positioning physical activity as a core part of childhood, not an optional extra. Parents are being encouraged to explore the full programme of activities, speak to coaches and coordinators, and, crucially, let children try something new.
Further details,including timetables,venues and booking information,are available on the council’s website and through local leisure centres. For families weighing up how to balance homework,screens and social lives,these junior sports programmes offer a structured,affordable way to build fitness,confidence and community-one session at a time.
