Academy, ages 4 to 12
Basildon Sporting Village
Cranes Farm Rd, Basildon SS14 3GR- Monday 18:00–20:00
- Thursday 18:00–20:00
- Sunday 10:00–12:00
3G all-weather pitch · free parking
Map and directionsChildren's football academy in Basildon, ages 4 to 12
Weekly football for children aged 4 to 12, three times a week at Basildon Sporting Village. Children train with others their age, every child plays, and the first session is free.
Four age groups, one academy
Children train with others their age at Basildon Sporting Village. Pick your child's group.
Under 6
Ages 4–6 years
Small games in training, 3v3 and 4v4
See the group
Under 8
Ages 7–8 years
5-a-side, the FA format for Under 7 and Under 8
See the group
Under 10
Ages 9–10 years
7-a-side, the FA format for Under 9 and Under 10
See the group
Under 12
Ages 11–12 years
9-a-side, the FA format for Under 11 and Under 12
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Joining the academy
After the free session, parents fill in the club registration form: contact details, the child's date of birth, any medical conditions or medication, an emergency contact, photo consent and the club's terms.
The club rules, in short
- Fees are paid at the start of each month, before the first session of that month.
- Coaches run training and pick the match squads. Parents encourage from the sideline and leave the coaching to the coaches.
- Children arrive fed and hydrated. If your child needs medication such as an inhaler, tell the coach and give it yourself.
- Training goes ahead rain or shine. If extreme weather cancels a session, parents are told.
- Respect for coaches, children and other parents, at every session and every match.
What a session looks like
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Warm-up
Running, stretching and simple ball work, so nobody starts cold. About fifteen minutes.
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Skills
One thing at a time: dribbling, passing, first touch, shooting. Small groups, so every child gets plenty of touches on the ball.
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Small-sided games
The session ends with short matches in small teams. Everybody plays; nobody sits out.
Training times
What to bring
- Football boots, or astro trainers for the 3G pitch
- Shin pads
- A water bottle
- Clothes for the weather
Yes. Parents and carers stay on the sideline during sessions.
Matches and tournaments
Academy teams play in the Next Generation Super League and in junior cups, so children get real matches as well as training.
One-to-one sessions
Individual sessions for players who want focused work on part of their game. Ask a coach or message us to arrange one.
Goalkeeper training
Goalkeepers get their own coaching on handling, positioning, distribution and dealing with crosses, rather than being left in goal during outfield drills.
The academy is run by Ion Zberea, academy manager, with the club's coaching team.
Read our safeguarding policy
The first session is free
Send us a message with your child's first name and age, and we will tell you which session to come to.