Finding The Perfect Football Pitch For Your Academy

Here’s How To Scout Out The Ideal Football Pitch For Your Football Club

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Searching for the right venue for your football club can be time consuming, adding to your already busy plate. We’re pretty sure you’d rather spend more time on the pitch or in the gym hall developing your young players! Read on to find out out top tips.

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How Can I Tackle My Football Venue Search? 

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That’s a great question! We’ll show you how to: 

• [.pink__text]Research what options are available[.pink__text]
• [.orange__text]Approach venues with confidence[.orange__text]
• [.green__text]Assess the suitability of a venue[.green__text]
• [.blue__text]Connect with schools and nurseries[.blue__text]

Being On The Ball With Your Research

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With the right research, there’ll be no more asking yourself how to find a facility for your football academy! Here’s what to do: 

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Reach out to your local contacts - turning to fellow coaches for advice is a great way to start the search for a venue for your football academy.

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Keep an eye on other clubs - Ask yourself where other clubs are running from: are they hiring shared spaces? Or do they have their own venues? Understanding what the best option for you is both practically and financially will keep you on the right track. 

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Use social media - Facebook groups are a powerful tool. Talk to other coaches in the same boat as you. You’ll likely build a good support network to deal with any challenges you face.

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Venue listing sites - Organisations like SchoolHire work with facilities across the UK that are available for hire, making it simpler to find a football club venue. 

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How To Approach A Football Venue With Confidence

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When it’s time to start a conversation with venue owners, it’s key to have all the information they’re looking for. All venues will have different requirements so there is no perfect formula, but our list is a great place to start. 

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What You’ll Need 

• Risk Assessment Form
• Proof of Public Liability Insurance 
• PAT Testing for any electrical equipment 
• First Aid Policy 
• Accident and Injury Policy 
• Fire Risk Assessment

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Scouting Out The Perfect Pitch 

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From safety and location, to accessibility and facilities, it’s key to find a venue that meets your needs. When considering a kid’s football pitch, ask yourself: 

• Does this location suit parents, coaches and me?
• If an outdoor pitch, are there indoor facilities available such as toilets?
• Is the venue affordable for my business?
• Is the venue safe for children? 
• Are parking facilities up-to-scratch? 
• Is the venue physically accessible for all?
• Can the venue be secure long-term? 
• Does the venue meet my space requirements?
• Does the venue require a lot of maintenance? i.e cleaning, repairs, servicing

Connecting With Schools and Nurseries 

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Forming strong relationships with schools and nurseries can bring loyal, loyal-term customers to your football club! So how can you effectively sell your academy to school decision-makers?

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Detailed proposals - let schools know exactly what you can bring to them and don’t forget to include photos/ videos of your sessions in action

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Recommendations - get reviews from parents at your club whose kids go to the schools you want to work with 

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Trial sessions - offer to host a taster session to show parents and schools your club’s value to convince them your club is worth them parting with their cash! 

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Supporting documents - have these ready when you approach schools. We’re talking risk assessments, health and safety policies, proof of insurance etc. 

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There you have it! Our top tips on how to find a facility for your football academy that meets your needs. From knowing how to hire a pitch for your football academy, to knowing what to look for in the perfect venue, it’s time to approach venues with confidence. The search for a venue for your football academy can be tough, but it’s worth sticking it out. 

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Need some more inspiration? In Episode 5 of our podcast, hear how Josh & Jamie from 1st Touch Football skyrocketed their football academy! The pair have grown their business, expanding form one to four venues via strong marketing, word of mouth and working effectively with schools & nurseries!

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