MiniRoos is about introducing kids to the A League and W League and fostering an interest in football, both as a player and sports spectator. 

Run over four weeks, coordinator Sam Gray, said MiniRoos focuses on students learning ball skills, teamwork and cooperation. 

Cootamundra is the first school in the Riverina to host the program and should it prove successful, it will continue to be rolled out in other towns by Sydney FC.

“We aim to engage kids in a positive manner,” Sam said. 

“These are little kids who might come from a union or rugby league background but here they can try football,” he continued.  

All about enjoyment, students did not even realise they were learning important skills while they played. 

“Cognitively for them, it is very educational,” Sam said. 

They covered plenty of ground during sessions playing games, doing drills and even discussing warm-up, cool down exercises. 

All equipment, including bibs and soccer balls, is supplied by the program and kept by the school. 

Students participated in class groups with six sessions to be held each Monday. 

Other schools are able to apply to be part of the MiniRoos program.