How to Pick the Perfect Football Facility in 7 Simple Steps

If you’re considering relocating your football academy or expanding your football camps into a new area, you’re probably already scouting football facilities. And yes, location and transport links matter, but there’s a lot more to choosing the right venue than just convenience.

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Safeguarding, local competition, and how your academy will stand out all play a huge role. Plus, there could be external support available to help you upgrade kits or secure a new football pitch.

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Before you sign anything, read this guide. These 7 simple steps will help you find the right football facility for your academy’s needs, and even give you tips on how to get funding for improvements.

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Ready to make your next move? Let’s go – all in, but with smart, strategic steps.

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Football Facility Checklist for Growing Academies

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1. Location and Transport

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When families are already juggling busy weekends, the last thing they want is a stressful journey to your football facility. With fuel costs rising and time always tight, the location of your pitch and how easily it can be reached by public transport should be the first things you consider when planning your next move.

• Map out where your current and potential customers live. Aim for a location within 15-20 minutes by car or easily reached via public transport.
• Not every family drives. Check if your venue is on a reliable bus or rail route, especially if you’re targeting players who may travel independently.
• Think about what the roads are like during session times. Picking a football facility in a high-traffic zone could result in late arrivals or no-shows.
• Are the walkways safe and well-lit? Check that families can get to and from the pitch comfortably, especially in winter months when they’ll likely need to travel in the dark.

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2. Playing Surface Quality and Compliance

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The quality of your playing surface impacts player safety, performance, and the long-term sustainability of your football academy. Whether you choose natural grass or go for a 3G/4G artificial turf, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make sure you’re picking a football pitch that supports your players and protects your investment.

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Natural Grass Pitches

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Grass offers that classic feel, but it doesn’t come without its challenges: ‍

• ‍Drainage: Make sure the pitch has proper drainage. Poor drainage leads to waterlogging, cancellations, and frustrated parents. ‍
• Winter closures: Grass pitches can become unplayable during bad weather, meaning missed sessions and lost revenue. ‍
• Ongoing maintenance: Budget for regular mowing, fertilising, and pitch repairs is an ongoing commitment.

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3G/4G Artificial Turf Pitches

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Artificial turf offers more durability and year-round usability, but you’ll still need to check the details.

• ‍Shock pad certification: A shock pad layer beneath the turf is often needed to meet safety standards and reduce injury risk.  ‍
• Maintenance: While artificial turf is lower maintenance than grass, it still needs regular cleaning and upkeep to stay safe and playable. ‍
• FA and FIFA standards: These aren’t required for grassroots or community use, but you’ll need to meet FA and FIFA standards if you’re planning on hosting affiliated matches.