How to choose a football academy
Coaches, facilities, age groups and atmosphere: what a parent should pay attention to.
Choosing an academy is one of the most important decisions for a child's development. A famous name does not always mean the academy suits your child.
Coaches
Find out who coaches your child's age group and whether they hold a licence. On ScoutPro, a coach's profile shows a licence approved by the administrator.
Group size and age
In a small group the coach has more time for each child. Ask how many children are in a group and how they are split by age.
Facilities and distance
Look at the pitch, the changing rooms and the training schedule. A convenient distance often decides how regularly a child goes to training.
Atmosphere
Watch one training session. The children should be enjoying it, and the coach should be demanding but supportive.
On ScoutPro
On the "Clubs and academies" page, academies can be filtered by city. Each page shows photos, a description and contacts, and you will learn about open trials on the "Trials" page.
