Since its arrival in June last year a football programme for under fives has definitely hit the back of the net!

Doncaster based company Mini Kicks has been encouraging pre-school girls and boys across the town to dribble, pass and practice keepy ups as part of a bid to get them active.

The Mini Kicks programme, set up by ex professional footballer Ben Hunter, was launched at the Doncaster Dome in July but due to unprecedented popularity the programme is to be rolled out across two more venues in the Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust (DCLT). 

Michael Hart, interim chief executive of the DCLT said: "Ben and his team are great with the youngsters and each week the classes are jam packed of budding footballers.

"It is a testament to Ben for the roaring success of the Mini Kicks programme and it's an honour to be able to offer it across three of our venues."

The 27 year old who has played against high profile players such as David Beckham said: "When I returned to Doncaster a year ago I wanted to develop the idea over here that had proved so popular in the states, and could see that the issues were very similar to the young people in America.

"There didn't seem to be any provision for under fives to learn football skills, we are in a region which has high obesity statistics and to me, getting children switched on to training and developing physical activity as part of their routine from an early age seems like a good way to address this."

Mini Kicks, will offer session in Adwick Leisure Centre on Friday afternoons 4.15 - 5pm from 17 February and in Thorne Leisure Centre from Sunday 19 February starting at 10am.

Ben has always had a soft spot for Doncaster leisure venues as the Sports Science and Biology major did his work experience at The Dome for a few months before leaving the UK and is excited about using other venues as part of the new session roll out.

"The success of Mini Kicks has been mind blowing and I would like to thank DCLT for allowing us to use their fantastic facilities."