A Guide to Finding A 1:1 Football Coach

In a very busy market, we believe athletes deserve the best. We have put this guide together to help you in making your decision and key things to be aware of. We will discuss the importance of coaching qualifications, different coaching styles, costs and other considerations to look out for.

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UEFA & FA Qualifications

These qualifications should make up the basis of any good coach and they ensure a rigorous background check has been completed, along with essential learning modules which help the coaches understand different styles, approaches and methods. There are different stages of qualifications which are required at various different levels of the game.

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Coaching Styles

Each individual will respond better to different approaches, this should be something to consider when looking for 1:1 football coaching. Due to the nature of the sessions, the environment can be more intense and it is vital the coach understands your child and is able to adapt their approach respectively. The coach should take time in each session, to continuously learn and understand the player emotionally in how to get the most out of them.

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Costs

The 1:1 football coaching market isn't necessarily governed by a body. Coaches will therefore set their own price, depending on a number of factors. These factors can include the following: Experience, Facility hire, Coaches fee, Tax, Insurance, Operating costs.

After conducting research across 100+ coaches, we have developed some thresholds on what to expect:

£15-25 per session: often on a public field with minimum experience & qualifications, and usually will be a side-hobby.

£30-45 per session: This is a realistic expectation of what to pay for a 1:1 football session, you should be able to expect a professional experience, with good facilities and equipment. The coaches should be passionate, motivated and have a wealth of experience to get the best out of your child.

£45+ per session: At this price and beyond, we would suggest you doing some further research. The price may be justified but you should be understanding what service you can expect to be provided.

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Other Considerations

You should be looking for someone who offers a training program that aligns with your child’s individual needs. They should be able to create a positive and fun environment to encourage growth and confidence. It is important that you choose a coach with plenty of experience working with players of all ages and abilities.

Professionalism can be observed in many different aspects: from coaches being in uniform, to verbal feedback after each session, to excellent customer experience, to player development, to astroturf facilities. It is up to you to understand which aspect you place most value on.

After having multiple years of experience within this industry and having the opportunity to work with over 1,000+ individual players, we have observed many different journeys. The common denominating factor is that success is not achieved overnight. As a general rule of thumb, we would recommend at least 3 months of 1:1 football coaching before making a judgement. Of course, each individual can vary dramatically. However, one thing for certain, is you should not believe any coach who can "guarantee" you / your child a place within a professional academy.

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Conclusion

Navigating this busy market can be an overwhelming task, with lots of choice and different information for you to understand. Investing in the right coach can massively impact your child, so making the right decision is important.

Speak to one of our experts today by calling 0161 791 4084, or book your first session here.