How to Create a Successful Football Academy

Over the years, there has been a rise in the number of football academies across the country. Right from putting together a good coaching team to drawing up a successful curriculum, every academy needs to keep certain factors in mind in order to succeed. Through this article, we look at some of the ways one can create a successful football academy.

• Location: Being accessible is important. For players to find you, they must be able to locate you easily. Accessibility is also important for players from younger age groups as parents need to fit football training into their child’s daily schedule of school, tuition classes, and other extra-curricular activities.
• Coaching Staff and Curriculum: Hiring the right coaching staff is essential! Football clubs with the best youth academies hire licensed and professional coaches who can deliver the required curriculum efficiently. Having age-specific coaches and programmes is also a must.
• Infrastructure: To deliver one’s curriculum efficiently, one must also have suitable infrastructure. A good quality pitch is essential for any academy to operate, and having additional facilities like a gym, a medical centre, dressing rooms and lockers, a running track, etc., can help improve the academy and, in turn, its success.
• Evaluation System and Pathway: Every academy must set up a detailed evaluation system for its players. The evaluation can be conducted on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Players need to be updated on their progress and told where they need to improve. They must also be given a proper plan for their future growth. It will keep them engaged in the game as well as motivated to improve.
• Leagues and Tournaments: For an academy and its teams to improve, one must participate in as many competitive matches as possible. It can even include friendly matches against local teams. Players who want to play professionally need as much competitive exposure as possible.

At the South United Football Academy in Bangalore, we have age-specific programmes for both girls and boys. We also have Under 13, Under 15, and Under 18 Elite Youth Teams, which will participate in the AIFF Youth Leagues. The SUFC Senior Team has even played in the I-League 2nd Division, making it one of the best football clubs in Bangalore.

Located in the heart of the city, our facility includes 11-a-side, 6-a-side, and 3-a-side pitches as well as a Running Track, a Sandpit, a Gym, a Medical Room, an AV Room, Dressing Rooms and Lockers, a Cafe, and much more! From football training in Bangalore to top-notch infrastructure, South United has it all! For more details, visit www.sufcindia.com.