With Monique and Jarrod Piderit at the helm, Little Kickers in Johannesburg South continues to enrich the lives of children, offering not just football fun but also valuable lessons that extend far beyond the pitch
Little Kickers, the world’s largest preschool football academy, continues to make waves in Johannesburg South under the guidance of Monique Piderit, a registered dietitian turned entrepreneur, and her husband Jarrod, an executive at a multinational FMCG company.
Jarrod’s recent completion of his MBA, coupled with his experience running business units of billions of rands, places him in the perfect position to guide, direct, and steer the direction of the business for growth. Having learnt the vital skill of self-promotion and marketing in her own practice, Monique heads up the marketing of Little Kickers.
Together, since January 2023, the Piderits have spearheaded the growth of the Little Kickers branch, witnessing a remarkable increase from 190 to nearly 300 children last year alone.
We talked to registered dietitian and owner Monique Piderit about Little Kickers.
Fostering love for football and sport
The essence of Little Kickers lies in its philosophy of ‘Play not Push’, focusing on fostering a love for football and sport in children aged 18 months to eight years old.
With a network spanning 32 countries and over 2 250 coaches, Little Kickers emphasises a pressure-free environment where children can develop not only football skills, but also crucial life skills.
Monique’s journey with Little Kickers began as a parent, enrolling her own children in the programme.
Witnessing the positive impact on their confidence and recognising the value of introducing a healthy lifestyle at a young age, she was inspired to take on a more active role.
‘When the opportunity arose to acquire the business, we jumped at the chance, drawn to the unique blend of sport and early childhood development offered by Little Kickers,’ says Monique.
Little Kickers’ classes in Johannesburg South cater to different age groups, offering tailored experiences that promote maximum engagement and interaction.
From Little Kicks for toddlers to Mega Kickers for older children, each class focuses on skills development while maintaining an atmosphere of fun and play.
Monique and Jarrod’s involvement in Little Kickers reflects their commitment to promoting holistic child development.
As a registered dietitian and mother of two, Monique understands the importance of instilling healthy habits. As for Jarrod, an avid sportsman throughout his school career, fostering a positive attitude towards physical activity from an early age is a key principle that he drives in his young boys.
Benefits for little ones
‘We focus on ‘fun first’ and our international programmes, developed by experts in childhood development like sports scientists, OTs, physios, and teachers deliver high-quality football skills, combined with important preschool learning concepts like colour and number recognition, sharing, following instructions and using the imagination.’
For parents seeking engaging and developmental activities for their children, Little Kickers stands out for several reasons.
‘It promotes physical health and fitness through activities that enhance cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, coordination and agility.’
Additionally, it fosters social development by providing opportunities for teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship, while also contributing to children’s psychological well-being by boosting confidence and resilience.
Quarterly badge certifications highlight the key skills children acquire, further motivating and engaging them in the process.
Through anecdotes and observations shared by parents and participants, the positive impact of Little Kickers becomes evident.
‘Children benefit from improved physical development, enhanced social skills, increased confidence, better emotional regulation, and cognitive stimulation.
This and that
As entrepreneurs, the Piderits embody the spirit of community and passion for healthy living.
Monique was born and bred in the south of Johannesburg and her upbringing in a Portuguese household laid the foundation for her career path.
Surrounded by the aromas and flavours of home-cooked meals, she developed a deep appreciation for the value of good nutrition.
Armed with a PhD in Dietetics from the University of Pretoria, Monique is on a mission to educate people about healthy eating habits.
Her commitment to nutritional advocacy extends beyond her professional endeavours, as she seamlessly balances her roles as a dietitian, business owner, and mother. She has been married to her husband, Jarrod since 2016 and cherishes her family life, raising two young boys, Joshua and Daniel, while pursuing her career ambitions.
Despite the demands of full-time practice and running Little Kickers, she finds solace in her hobbies.
From watching action-packed movies to diving into non-fiction books, her diverse interests reflect her multifaceted personality and unwavering dedication to personal and professional growth.
Text: ELZAAN PIENAAR. Photo: KATE RANKIN. Make-Up: FACE IT MAKE-UP
