Month: September 2020

What Sets FFPS Apart from the Rest?

Since 1986, Fun Fair Positive Soccer (FFPS) has been providing a positive environment for kids of all abilities to enjoy the wonderful game of youth soccer. Jack Hendrie started the program in Katy, Texas after he and other local parents noticed that many soccer leagues put a ton of pressure on kids and focused on winning as the main point of the game. Creating FFPS was a way to change the kind of soccer experience kids were having and make the experience as fun, fair and positive for everyone involved. From humble beginnings with only 150 players in its very first season. Today there are over 16,000 players participating in over 21 FFPS programs in the Greater Houston area! 

Everyone Touches the Ball. A lot! Smaller Fields = More Play!

The core foundation of FFPS is the 5-a-side rule —5 players per side instead of 11 per side. This dynamic youth soccer format allows everyone on the field to get the ball multiple times, which means children learn quicker and the game is much more enjoyable overall. Adopted from a South American version called Salon Football, meaning “soccer in a small area” developed in the early 1930’s. The average field size in FFPS is 100 feet by 75 feet compared to the much larger fields in other youth soccer leagues.  For 34 years, Hendrie has been using this engaging style of play and enabling kids to really get to play across Houston. 

FFPS Equal Substitution System

Another unique aspect in the FFPS formula is the “Equal Substitution System”. This specially designed substitution system means all players rotate to every position and each player plays equally in that game. Plus, there are no all-star teams or tryouts either. All of this keeps FFPS games as fair as possible.  

FFPS Balanced Team System

FFPS has developed a “Balanced Team System”, using a custom proprietary computer program to ensure all FFPS teams are balanced (evenly-matched) each season. Balancing teams is a core value and principle of FFPS. We believe that balanced teams make it more fun ‘for the kids’ to play their game as both teams will be able to get the ball more equally. So, games in which one team dominates – goes against our core value of balanced teams.

FFPS 100% Inclusion Policy

Other aspects that set aside FFPS from most youth soccer leagues includes their continued commitment to working with schools across the Houston area to incorporate at-risk youth into their leagues. FFPS also offers scholarships to any families who are in need, so they too can enjoy the game of soccer. Lastly, no one of any soccer playing ability is turned away from FFPS. Any child with a disability who wants to participate, the FFPS staff will setup an interview with the parents to safely guarantee that their child’s needs are fully met. At FFPS we are committed to finding a way to get every child on the soccer field! 

Creating a Positive Environment for Everyone

Creating a safe place for children to enjoy youth soccer is an incredibly important aspect of our core philosophy at FFPS. We do not allow any derogatory comments or persistent yelling that would belittle, distract or embarrass players. “We ask that if you must yell, use encouragement! Better yet, relax, enjoy and let the kids play!” FFPS Founder Jack Hendrie. 

We Can’t Wait to See y’all on The Field!

Register before 10/14/2020 for guaranteed placement. Otherwise, late registrations are first come, first serve.

FFPS Return to Soccer Safely Protocol

3 ways Youth Soccer Contributes to Social and Physical Well-Being 

| Fun | Fair | Positive | Soccer |

When your child takes part in youth soccer and other outdoor physical activities, a window of new opportunities automatically opens for them! It provides your child with the opportunity to create social connections in real life as they encounter new kids outside of their regular social environments. As children start to gain a sense of belonging and community, they are also developing valuable social skills like self-esteem and other vital social behaviors. Fun Fair Positive Soccer has been committed for over 20 years to creating a safe, social environment for your children to grow and prosper.  

In addition to combating loneliness and boosting self-esteem, youth soccer also has many other benefits to children’s overall happiness and well-being.  

Playing Youth Soccer Can Help Reduce Stress and Lower Anxiety

With increasing amounts of stress and anxiety in our children, it’s vital to find simple activities to boost their confidence and well-being. With youth soccer and physical activities in general, children can distract their brains allowing for crucial moments to shift away from the craziness going on in the world, and just enjoy the activity at hand. Additionally, regular physical activity can reduce hormone levels in their bodies, making it easier to relax and un-wind in the afternoon. 

Playing Sports Can Help With Mental Sharpness/Awareness  

The fight to master a daily routine and learn from home in 2020 can be difficult to say the least. Unfortunately, some children fall behind when it comes to their overall cognitive development. However, youth soccer can help sharpen their decision and reasoning skills. While playing soccer, children naturally practice critical thinking and decision making, thus helping with their overall concentration. Plus, they get to have fun outside while doing it!    

Playing Youth Soccer Can Help Improve Sleep 

An unfortunate consequence of schools being closed and replaced with home education, is that many children tend to fall out of their normal school routines and sleeping patterns. However, regular exercise can drastically improve their sleep patterns and the quality of rest they receive. Ultimately, this has a positive effect overall on their mood and energy for the day ahead! 

Safety Protocol

As Texas begins to open up, we are excited for children to be safely returning to Fun Fair Positive Soccer, because we know how important this is for kids’ mental and physical health. At FFPS, we believe that youth soccer is more than just a simple game. Our goal is always to provide a fun, fair, positive, experience in which kids have a chance to develop soccer skills, learn good sportsmanship and increase their self-confidence. CDC Youth sports outdoor safety protocol.

Click here to review our return to soccer safely COVID-19 protocol  

Register before 10/14/2020 for guaranteed placement. Otherwise, late registrations are first come, first serve.

Fun | Fair | Positive | Soccer

Normal life has changed drastically for everyone since the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to assure you that getting back to Fun Fair Positive Soccer will not come at your expense or safety. At FFPS we have taken a rigorous “Return to Soccer Safely” protocol to ensure the safety of your family and all participants at our soccer games. This FFPS season, you will see a few new things during games/practices including the following safety measures:

Safety Protocol

  • Spectators will stand a minimum of 6 feet apart from others and from the sidelines. Masks will be required for parents on the sidelines at all FFPS events.
  • We will be strongly recommending that only one parent/guardian per player be in attendance, if possible.
  • No high fives, handshakes or intentional physical contact. Positive cheers encouraged!
  • No team snacks or drinks. Each players needs to bring their own water bottles and individual snacks.
  • FFPS Coaches and Referees will be required to wear a mask during games & practices.
  • Traditional FFPS celebrations modified including parent tunnels which will be replaced with clapping lines. 

Considerations for Youth Sports| CDC

At FFPS, we want you and your family to be able to return to play with confidence knowing you will get the same fun, fair, positive, soccer experience you’ve come to love and expect from FFPS!

Till we see you again, let’s all do our part to be safe. And when it comes time to take the soccer field again, we’ll make sure we do it together, safely! 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us here and choose your specific league.

Fall Season Sign-up

Register before 10/14/2020 for guaranteed placement. Otherwise, late registrations are first come, first serve.