How to choose a football club for your child: a checklist for parents
There are plenty of clubs but only one child. So that a first sporting experience doesn’t put your child off, check a prospective school against this list — it’s built from the questions parents ask us most often.
1. The coach matters most
Ask about the coach’s experience and qualifications: where they played, what licences they hold, whether they’ve worked with children of exactly this age. A good sign is when a school is open about its coaching staff. At our academy, for example, sessions are led by Tony Correa — a former FC Santos player with coaching licences from six countries.
2. A method, not just ‘running around’
Find out what programme the sessions follow. If children spend half the session queuing for the ball, that’s wasted time. Look for an approach where each child gets the maximum number of ball contacts and game situations — as in the GINGA Brazilian method.
3. Groups by age and level
A 5-year-old won’t be comfortable training with ten-year-olds. Check that groups are split by birth year and level. At BAF, groups are formed by birth year — from 2011 to 2020.
4. Convenient location and schedule
A club ‘15 minutes from home’ is what really lets you avoid missing sessions. Check the schedule in advance: in Khimki we train at Kudryavtseva St., 10B (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday); in Moscow, at Capitol Mall on Pravoberezhnaya St., 1B (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
5. Transparent terms
A school should have clear prices, a public offer agreement, and a personal-data policy. That’s a sign the organisation operates above board and values its reputation.
6. Be sure to attend a trial session
No website can replace a first-hand impression. Good schools offer the first session free — you watch the coach, your child gives it a go, and only then do you decide. It’s a fair deal: the school is confident in what it offers.
Quick checklist
- ✅ A coach with verifiable experience and licences
- ✅ A clear method, lots of time on the ball
- ✅ Groups by age
- ✅ A convenient address and schedule
- ✅ A contract, prices, and a data policy on the site
- ✅ A free trial session
Check us against this list — book a free session in Khimki or Moscow.