All too often, choosing an academy comes down to the logo and “tradition”. But it isn’t the club itself that trains your child – a specific person does.
It’s the coach who runs the sessions, knows your child’s needs, sees their strengths and weaknesses, and can inspire them or… put them off.
Why does it matter?
A “well-known club” gives a false sense of security. But your child’s development isn’t decided by marketing and brand – it’s decided by the person who works with them several times a week.
What to do before signing your child up:
- ✅Watch a few sessions before signing up > check the preparation, communication and approach
- ✅Look at how things are organised off the pitch > if it’s chaotic there, training will be much the same
- ✅Ask the parents of children who already train there > don’t rely on just one opinion
- ✅Talk to the coach, not only to the academy > they’re the one who will be working with your child
- ✅Ask the coach about their former players > if they follow their progress and talk about them with passion, that’s a good sign
- ✅Check the coach’s social media > the way they communicate says a lot about their approach to life
Don’t choose the crest. Choose the person.
Need support with the next steps in your child’s development? Or perhaps you’re looking for somewhere to put together an individual plan for the years ahead?
I’d like to invite you to a consultation (in Polish), where together we’ll identify the player’s key needs and decide which steps are worth taking next!
Frequently asked questions
What should you look at when choosing an academy for your child?
The coach, not the crest. It isn’t the club itself that trains your child – a specific person does, someone who knows their needs, sees their strengths and weaknesses and can inspire them or put them off.
What should you check before signing your child up?
Watch a few training sessions, look at how things are organised off the pitch, ask several parents for their opinion, talk to the coach and not only to the academy, ask them about their former players and see how they communicate on social media.
Is a well-known club a guarantee of good coaching?
No. A “well-known club” gives a false sense of security, but your child’s development is decided by the person who works with them several times a week, not by marketing and brand.
