For parents
Your child's first football session: what to expect and what to bring
A simple guide for parents before the free first session at FC Alpha Academy.
Book first. Send us your child's first name and age on WhatsApp and we will tell you which session to come to. Sessions run on Monday and Thursday from 18:00 to 20:00 and on Sunday from 10:00 to 12:00 at Basildon Sporting Village, Cranes Farm Road, SS14 3GR. Parking is free.
What to bring: football boots or astro trainers (the pitch is a 3G artificial surface), shin pads, a water bottle and clothes for the weather. A spare layer helps on cold evenings.
When you arrive, find the coach and introduce your child. Children are grouped by age, so they train with others at a similar stage.
The session starts with a warm-up, moves on to a skill such as dribbling or passing, and finishes with small-sided games where everyone plays.
Parents stay on the sideline and are welcome to watch. If your child has a medical condition or an allergy, tell the coach before the session starts.
The first session is free. Afterwards, talk to the coach about how your child got on and whether they would like to keep coming.
