Question 1

What is the youngest age you can start training from?

Accepted Answer

The youngest age varies by academy. Some of our academies run classes for children from age 3, while most of our weekly sessions are for players aged 4-12. To check what’s available for your child’s age, visit your local academy’s page or get in touch with them directly.

Question 2

Do you give any nutritional advice to children?

Accepted Answer

Although we don’t give personalized nutritional advice to each individual player per se, we are looking into the possibilities of implementing this in the future. We do offer general healthy lifestyle and nutritional tips on our Instagram page for young players to have a look at.

Question 3

Does your training only run during school-year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our training runs parallel to the school year in your area. To be sure about when the sessions are running, log into your Parent Area and view your child’s bookings to view the training dates they are to attend.

If you want something to do during the holidays, visit our Holiday Camp page to see what camps are available in your area.

Question 4

How does my child get a trial with a professional club?

Accepted Answer

We Make Footballers have strong links with professional academies, putting forward children who have been excelling in their sessions with us. If your child has been attending our weekly training, holiday camps and taking part in regular 1-2-1 sessions for a while they will likely have reached a level where they are able to trial at a professional club. Your child’s academy manager will be the best person to speak to with regard to their progress and how far they are from an academy trial.

Question 5

How does my child join a soccer team?

Accepted Answer

We Make Footballers is partnered with many local clubs and have agreements in place to provide players and teams starting from Under 7 all the way up to Under 13. Local grassroots teams start looking for children at the Under 6 age group (School Year 1). For this reason we hold trials for Under 6 players who attend our weekly training for scouts from local teams to have a look at. From there they select the children they would like for their teams in the new season. If your child has been training with us for a while, is developing well and registers an interest in playing competitive soccer, we will help them to join a team.

Question 6

Are your coaches background-checked?

Accepted Answer

Yes all of our coaches are fully background-checked and at least one member of staff on-site will be first aid trained.

Question 7

Is training indoors and what does my child need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Generally the training will be outdoors during the Spring and Summer Terms and indoors during the Autumn and Winter Terms. However we all know what the British weather is like and so this is subject to change. If you are unsure, speak to your academy manager and bring both indoor and outdoor footwear so your child is ready to train whatever the weather. Your child will need a full sports kit including a t-shirt, shorts and socks as well as some warm and waterproof clothing. Also don’t forget to bring plenty of water-based drinks!

Question 8

What will you teach my child?

Accepted Answer

Your child will learn to develop their ball manipulation, technique, game understanding and movement in a safe, structured and fun environment under the watchful eye of our experienced coaches. Our sessions, drills and games are tailored to each age group so players will always get the most out of their training. Ultimately we aim to make every child that attends our sessions the best footballer they can be.

Question 9

Do you provide toddler soccer training classes?

Accepted Answer

Toddler Soccer Classes: 2-4 Year Old Pre-School Sessions

At some of our soccer training centers we offer introductory fun football sessions for toddlers. Children that are of pre-school/nursery age (2-4 years old) need lessons that focus on games, fun and freedom to play to introduce them to soccer. Our toddler soccer training has been curated to educate younger children the fun-damentals of the sport, which involves a concentration on players' ABCs (Agility, Balance & Coordination).

We welcome players of all playing levels to join us. Our skilled and enthusiastic coaching team will endeavour to fill our toddler soccer classes with fun all while helping players to develop both socially and technically. If you are interested in 2-4 year old soccer training sessions please enquire with your local academy.

Question 10

How do I start training my child for soccer?

Accepted Answer

To get your child started playing soccer, the best advice we can give is get them to just start playing. You can play in the garden, at the local park, at their school or at a soccer training center like We Make Footballers. To get the ball rolling (pun very much intended), you can book your child in for a free session at one of our weekly sessions. Use our website to find the center which is closest to you.

Question 11

Is soccer good for 4 year olds?

Accepted Answer

Many health experts, including the NHS, concur that soccer is excellent for 4 year old child's physical and mental health. They are encouraged to make new friends and have fun while developing their soccer skills.

Question 12

How many times a week should a child train soccer?

Accepted Answer

A child should train as many times a week as they wish to. The more they practice, the better they will become. We Make Footballers is usually just part of a mix of different soccer activity, such as playing soccer at the park, or with friends at school. If We Make Footballers training under our coaches guidance is the only soccer training they do, this will still be a huge accumulative benefit for them over the months they train. As mentioned, we recommend that a child plays as much as they wish to as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Question 13

What is the best age to start soccer training?

Accepted Answer

This is a hot topic and it really depends on what you consider as 'soccer training'. Some parents start building their childs love for the game when they are in the cot, playing the champions league theme song to them as a lullaby and replacing teddy bears with soft cuddly soccer balls. There are also parents who will have them playing with mini soccer balls before they can even walk. Ultimately, the best age to start soccer training is really down to when your child begins demonstrating an interest in wanting to play, and the way in which you or a coach appropriately trains the child relevant to their ability, age and desire. Whatever age, our suggestion is to always ensure they are having fun when they play and that the environment they are playing in is safe.

The youngest age a player can start attending our weekly sessions is 4 years old, however our sessions are for players aged 4-12 and players can start their soccer journey with us at any age.

Question 14

How do I make my child a soccer star?

Accepted Answer

Becoming a soccer star is usually synonymous with wealth and fame. We believe that the aim should always simply to be the best footballer you can be. This is achieved through a combination of hard work, duration of training, dedication, mental aptitude, and effective coaching.

We aim to make every every child that attends our sessions the best footballer that they can be. If a child is willing to put in the hard work and train often, they have a higher chance of becoming a top player. We Make Footballers have strong links with professional academies, putting forward children who have been excelling at our sessions.

Question 15

How do I teach my child not to be scared to tackle in soccer?

Accepted Answer

The best method we have identified for reducing fear in tackling is practice. The more a child practices tackling, the more confident they will become.

At our weekly sessions, players are taught how to both attack and defend well. Our coaches encourage players to be confident in 1v1 situations and show them how to tackle and win the ball from the opposition. Our players will learn how to defend during the drills at our sessions, and then put what they have learnt into practice during both the 1v1s and team matches at our sessions. Our session formula is a 10 minute warm up, 2 x 10 minute drills and 30 minutes match time.

Question 16

Should I let my son or daughter join a soccer academy?

Accepted Answer

We believe that the more soccer practice a child does, the better player they will be. If your child is invited to attend a training session at a professional academy, they will ultimately have access to more training. It is therefore our recommendation that if they are invited to join a soccer academy, and you have considered the downsides, they should attend these sessions as the increase in training time will be beneficial to their soccer development. Simply put, the more training your child has access to, the better it is for their development. The training will also likely be of high quality and against other advanced players giving your child the ability to challenge and grow their ability.

However, you might want to consider weighing up the downsides such as travel distance, any disruption to education and their enjoyment of the game in what is sometimes a high pressure environment. They may also be 'cut' from the academy if their performance is not well regarded by the academy coaches.  If you choose to let your son or daughter join a professional academy, we recommend that you discuss the potential negative outcome with your child and be clear that this is their journey and you will be there for them whatever they decide and whatever the outcome.

We Make Footballers have strong links with professional academies, putting forward children who have been excelling at our sessions.

Question 17

How do I build my son's confidence in soccer?

Accepted Answer

The more a child practices soccer, the better they will become and the more their confidence will increase. It's as simple as that. If they are nervous around other children, start them playing with a few friends they feel comfortable with or even just one on one with you. When they are comfortable in this environment, bring them into a class. We have 1 coach for every 10 children, so are able to ensure each child receives adequate attention and support in our sessions. Our coaches are well trained to encourage players to be confident in both attacking and defending 1v1 situations.

Question 18

How do I build my daughter's confidence in soccer?

Accepted Answer

The more kids play soccer, the better they get and their confidence increases. Our coaches are well trained to encourage players to be confident both offensively and defensively in 1v1 situations.

Question 19

How can I improve my child's fitness for soccer?

Accepted Answer

How you improve fitness in children is dependant on age and ability. If a child is 3-6 years old, you may want to focus on games and fun as the 'play' will be great exercise. If they are older you will want to give them more challenging games that stimulate them while also are more difficult physically. Introducing jogging, cycling or swimming without a 'gamified' element is beneficial when they are a little older.

Taking part in weekly soccer sessions will improve a child's fitness levels. Our coaches aim to push players to train at a high intensity and work hard. Jogging around local parks will also help a child's fitness improve. Attending a We Make Footballers holiday development camp is a great way for children to increase their fitness as this is 5 hours of soccer (with breaks for drinks and lunch). Your child will learn to develop their ball manipulation, technique, game understanding and movement in a safe, structured and fun environment.

Question 20

How much does soccer training cost?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the academy, our weekly training sessions range from £7.00 to £12.00 per session. We ensure that all sessions have 1 coach for every 10 children and have excellent facilities.

Question 21

How do I get my child in shape for soccer?

Accepted Answer

Eating healthily, drinking lots of water and training often will help assist your child with their soccer development.

Question 22

Is parking available?

Accepted Answer

There is paid parking on Munster road and in the surrounding area.

Question 23

What age can I start training my son for soccer?

Accepted Answer

Children can begin taking part in soccer training sessions as soon as they are old enough to express an interest in kicking a ball. Lots of children begin attending soccer sessions from as early as 4 or 5 years old, others do not start until a later age. At 4 or 5 years old, the focus should be on introducing them to the sport in a fun and age appropriate manner. The emphasis at this age should be on developing basic motor skills, coordination and a love for the game. As children become older and more comfortable with a ball at their feet, they can begin to develop more specific soccer-related skills. It is vital that children learn the correct technqiue for dribbling, shooting and passing from a young age as otherwise bad habits can be formed.

Question 24

Is there free parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, up to 2 hours free.

Question 25

If training indoors what does my child need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Generally the training will be outdoors during the Spring and Summer Terms and indoors during the Autumn and Winter Terms. However we all know what the British weather is like and so this is subject to change. If you are unsure, speak to your academy manager and bring both indoor and outdoor footwear so your child is ready to train whatever the weather. Your child will need a full sports kit including a t-shirt, shorts and socks as well as some warm and waterproof clothing. Also don’t forget to bring plenty of water-based drinks!

Question 26

Do you offer anything other than weekly training?

Accepted Answer

Yes absolutely! We hold regular holiday camps – so when your child doesn’t have weekly training during the school holidays, they can come along to our all-day soccer camps for hours of fun and activities. We also host amazing soccer birthday parties with a Zorb Ball option available. And if you think your child could do with that bit of extra help to get them to the next level with their soccer, we offer 1-2-1 sessions where your child can get personal training with one of our experienced coaches.

Question 27

What will you teach my child at Holiday Development Camps?

Accepted Answer

Your child will learn to develop their ball manipulation, technique, game understanding and movement in a safe, structured and fun environment under the watchful eye of our experienced soccer coaches. Our sessions, drills and games are tailored to each age group so players will always get the most out of their training. Ultimately we aim to make every child who attends our sessions the best soccer players they can be.

Question 28

Can I have more information about the Head Coach leading my child's group?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will be able to speak briefly to the Head Coach of your child's group at the start or end of each day at camp.

Question 29

What should I bring to camp?

Accepted Answer

Your child needs to bring a water bottle, packed lunch box and the correct footwear for the venue. They will also need to bring food for both morning and afternoon snack breaks. If the weather is warm, they will need to bring sun cream and a hat.

Question 30

What happens if my child wants to go home?

Accepted Answer

We will do our best to ensure that your child does not want to leave camp. However, if your child does want to go home, the Manager of the camp will call you and allow you to speak to your child on the phone. You can then collect them if you wish to do so.

Question 31

Who will my child be playing with? How are the groups decided?

Accepted Answer

The groups at our holiday development camp are based upon player age and playing level. Coaches will move players across groups to best suit their soccer development.

Question 32

How do you monitor bullying?

Accepted Answer

We have a strict no bullying policy and will not tolerate any form of bullying at our holiday development camps. Coaches will stay with their group at all times during the camp.

Question 33

What do they do all day at camp?

Accepted Answer

The camp schedule is as follows: warm up, morning drills, snack break, morning matches, lunch time, coaches challenge, afternoon drills, snack break and afternoon matches. Each day has a different theme with new drills covering all aspects of soccer. Each day at soccer camp is unique. Examples of themes from previous camps: attacking and defending, dribbling and skills, passing and shooting, movement and teamwork. Our camps are action packed with fun games and practices.

Question 34

How do you decide who wins a trophy at the end of camp?

Accepted Answer

Coaches will select a player from each group to win a player of the week trophy because of things such as trying their best, being kind to others, having good manners and working hard. We also reward our 1v1 and team tournament winners with trophies.

Question 35

Is the camp suitable for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our soccer development camps are suitable for all playing levels. Players are grouped with children of a similar ability. We aim to create a balance of challenging players to develop throughout the week while experiencing a lot of fun and success. Whether you are just beginning your soccer journey or are working towards joining a professional academy, our holiday development camps are structured to suit everyone.

Question 36

Can my child be in the same group as their friends?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please tell the coaches in the morning during drop off which friends your child would like to be with.

Question 37

What type of lunch and snacks should my child bring?

Accepted Answer

A healthy lunch and snacks to refuel and keep energy levels high. We always ensure that we have a tap onsite for your child to refill their water bottle throughout the day. We have a nut free policy, so please ensure that you do not pack any food containing nuts.

Question 38

Can I pick my child up early from camp?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please tell the coaches in the morning when you drop your child to camp.

Question 39

Do they have to train the full week?

Accepted Answer

No, you can book as few or as many days as you would like. There is also the option to book half days (morning or afternoon) or full days (10am-3pm).

Question 40

Are you looking for a soccer training academy to partner with?

Accepted Answer

How it works: We provide players and teams for local grassroot teams to compete at a competitive grassroots level. The partnered club recommend WMF to players who aren’t quite ready to play at a grassroots level side (players may be too young or new to soccer).

Question 41

What safety procedures are in place and are your coaches background-checked?

Accepted Answer

All of our coaches are fully background-checked and at least one member of staff on site will be first aid trained.

Question 42

When should girls start playing soccer?

Accepted Answer

Girls can start playing soccer at the same age as boys, typically around 4 or 5 years old. There is no specific age restriction or limitation based on gender when it comes to playing soccer. Soccer is a sport that can be enjoyed by both girls and boys and now there are increasing opportunities for girls to participate in soccer training and soccer matches where they can meet new friends, develop their soccer skills and find a love for the game. It is important to find a soccer environment which is inclusive and supportive, where girls feel welcomed and encouraged to participate in soccer.

Question 43

How many children can attend your soccer parties?

Accepted Answer

We can cater for up to 40 children at your soccer birthday party with various pricing packages to suit your needs.

Question 44

How long are your kids’ soccer parties?

Accepted Answer

Parties can range from 1 hour to 2 hours depending on the length of time you require.

Question 45

Do you provide things like trophies and medals at soccer birthday parties?

Accepted Answer

We can provide medals at $3 per medal, and personalized trophies at $25 per trophy.

Question 46

What’s your coach to child ratio?

Accepted Answer

With school training we operate at a maximum of 15 per coach

Question 47

In School Training, do you cater for all playing levels?

Accepted Answer

We certainly cater for all playing levels.  We focus on creating a safe and fun environment for all. We aim to help every player we work with fall in love with the game!

Question 48

Can you provide more information about how you provide pathways into teams?

Accepted Answer

We have partnerships with local clubs that mean that we are able to help steer players from school soccer into a local grassroots club.  This can be life changing for children and families.

Question 49

Who will coach my child and what are their qualifications?

Accepted Answer

We only allow our most experienced soccer coaches to deliver private one to one training. Generally they will hold a recognized coaching qualification. However, there may be occasions where we also recommend experienced, talented coaches who have not yet completed this qualification.

Question 50

Where will we do the one to one training?

Accepted Answer

One to one coaching can be done at the player’s home (providing there is enough room in the garden), at local parks, or local venues recommended by We Make Footballers or the Parent. Certain venues may have no cost, some may require an additional fee.

Question 51

What will my child learn at one to one training?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an assessment that will work on a broad range of skills and movements. The coach will then develop a personal training program for the player tailored to their specific needs. This can help a beginner player gain confidence to play in a group environment, or an advanced player to win that academy contract. The player will learn whatever the coach feels will best advance their soccer ability.

Question 52

What is the best age to start soccer training for kids?

Accepted Answer

The youngest age a player can be trained at our weekly sessions is 4 years old, however players can begin soccer training at any age as weekly training is extremely beneficial to all age groups! With one to one coaching, we can offer coaching to children younger than 4 years if it is beneficial to the player.

Question 53

How do I teach my 4 year old soccer?

Accepted Answer

Teaching soccer to a 4 year old can be a fun and engaging experience. First, introduce basic skills such as dribbling, passing and shooting. Keep the activities simple and age appropriate. For example, ask them to practice passing the ball back and forth with you and then to dribble in and out of household objects. Consider using smaller and lighter soccer balls to begin with. We use size 3 soccer balls for our players who are 4 years old. Using a suitable sized ball will help to build confidence and coordination. Make soccer fun, interactive and playful by using games, imaginative play and creative activities to engage their interest. Encourage your child to be creative - allow your child to explore their creativity and express themselves during soccer play. Give them the freedom to experiment with different ways of moving the ball, try different techniques and invent their own games. Be patient and supportive, remember that your child is still young and developing. Celebrate their efforts and successes, giving lots of praise and avoid putting too much pressure on them to perform perfectly. If possible, encourage your child to play soccer with their friends, this provides opportunity for social interaction, teamwork and friendly competition. Remember that at this age, the focus should be on creating a positive and enjoyable experience for your child.

Question 54

Is there parking on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a car park available for all our players at both of our Brentside and Trailfinders venue.

Question 55

When do you train inside?

Accepted Answer

Most of our venues have indoor and outdoor facilities. Where available we will usually train inside betwen November-February, to avoid the winter weather. During the rest of the year we train outside. Most of our venues have an incredible playing surfaces, enabling us train without any impact on training quality all year round.

Question 56

Do you run sessions during the school holidays?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't run our weekly sessions during the school holidays, to make sure our players don't miss out on sessions if they are away. We do however run Talent ID events and Holiday Camps during the school holidays.

Question 57

Do you train indoors or outdoors?

Accepted Answer

We train indoors during the winter and outdoors during the summer to ensure our sessions can run without disruption throughout the year. Please ensure you bring footwear suitable for indoors and outdoors to each session.

Question 58

Can I pay weekly?

Accepted Answer

Sessions can only be booked in weekly block bookings (usually between 8-10 depending on the location). Sessions change weekly based on different topics and we believe that participating in a block of sessions gives players the chance to experience the different fundamentals in soccer (passing, shooting, decision-making etc.) to best aid their development within the sport.

Question 59

Are there any toilets on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 60

Is Aberdeen the first We Make Footballers academy in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are proudly the first We Make Footballers Academy in Scotland.

Question 61

Is there any parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available

Question 62

Is parking free?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 63

How long are the training sessions?

Accepted Answer

Sessions typically last 60 minutes for younger age groups (4-7 years) and 90 minutes for older children (8-12 years). This ensures optimal engagement and development while preventing fatigue.

Question 64

What's your coach to child ratio?

Accepted Answer

We maintain a maximum ratio of 1 coach to 10 children, ensuring each player receives individual attention and feedback. For younger age groups, we often have additional support staff to provide extra care.

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