Making an academy for football is more than an academy, a ground and a few training sessions. Academy development plan, coaches, adequate infrastructure for a football academy, safe facilities, administration and a sustainable business model are some of the important aspects of a successful academy. From the smallest community academy to a professional football training center, all components should foster the development of players.

A well organised football academy can be used for children, teenagers, amateurs, and professionals. Where the football ground is to be located, plans for the football ground, who to appoint as coaches and what type of football turf to install can affect the long-term success of the academy.

This guide will explain the main features of setting up a football academy and the facilities you should be considering before opening your doors.

The question is, what is a football academy?

A football academy is a training centre that features structured training and development for football players under the supervision of qualified coaches. At an academy you will typically have a training programme that is planned for each age and ability, fit & physical ability, technical skill and tactical understanding, which is different to coaching football on a casual basis.

Players need a clear development pathway in a good academy. Players can target ball control and movement for younger players or develop their tactics, fitness, match preparation and competitive performance for older or advanced players.

Reflect on the type of academy and the equipment you would like to purchase prior to building or incurring costs.

Common Football Academy Models

Academy Type	Main Focus	Suitable For
Grassroots Academy	Basic skills and enjoyment	Young children
Community Academy	Regular coaching and local competitions	Beginners and intermediate players
Competitive Academy	Advanced coaching and tournaments	Serious young players
Professional Academy	High-performance player development	Elite-level athletes
School-Based Academy	Football alongside education	School students

The size of the ground, coaching team, equipment, fees, and total investment will be determined by your model.

Step 1: The first step is to clarify the mission of your Football Academy

Have a clear vision to begin with. Think about what you want to achieve at the academy and who you would like to train.

This may include an academy providing the opportunity for children to learn about football, preparing players for football competitions, developing talent for football teams or providing football training structure in the local community.

Your original plan should include:

• Target age groups
• Number of players
• Training frequency
• Coaching levels
• Competitive opportunities
• Academy fees
• Facility requirements
• Long-term growth plans

It is preferable to start with an achievable representation rather than create a huge facility that won’t be utilized effectively.

Step 2: Select the appropriate location for your business

The geographical setting of a football academy can be either a blessing or a bane. Parents will more easily be able to put their children into a facility that is easily accessible to them and older players will also have convenient transport options.

Find a place with a good road access, parking, close to residential developments, schools or colleges. Safety should also be taken into account, especially if children are to be training either in the early morning or in the evening.

You can start by:

1. Leasing land
2. Collaborating with a school
3. To hire an already built football field
4. Using a community or institutional sports ground
5. Building your own special facility

Long term leases offer more control, but don’t involve the same level of investment as buying land.

Step 3: Plan the Football Academy Infrastructure

After location is determined, develop a detailed infrastructure plan. The layout of your facility should be based on the way that the players and coaches will utilize the space.

The infrastructure of a basic football academy can consist of:

• Football pitch
• Training areas
• Changing rooms
• Toilets and showers
• Coach room
• A reception or administration area
• First-aid facility
• Equipment storage
• Player seating
• Spectator area
• Perimeter fencing
• Floodlighting
• Parking
• Drinking-water facilities

Specific Academy needs will vary according to the size and level of the academy.

If your academy is a professional or high-performance academy, it might be necessary to incorporate a gym, recovery area, classroom, analysis room, physiotherapy space and further training pitches.

The FIFA training-site rules stipulate a minimum of two full-size pitches for the elite training sites, and recognise the need for safe run-off areas, secure access, fencing and appropriate supporting facilities. 

Step 4: Determine the size of the Football Pitch

You don’t always need to have an 11-a-side football pitch!

The size of the pitch will depend on the age groups in your academy, the type of training programme you have, the space you have and the budget you have. Youth development can be very useful with smaller pitches where they can get more touches with the ball and make quicker decisions.

FIFA recommends that a field of play be 105 metres x 68 metres for a professional full-size pitch. 

However, smaller training pitches, or multiple small sided areas may be appropriate for a developing academy.

Choosing the Right Pitch

Consider:

• Training areas of 5-a-side for younger players
• Youth development – 7-a-side pitches
• Intermediate training 9-a-side areas
• A full-size 11-a-side field for more advanced players and competitive matches

Instead of investing in a single large training area, a smart facility can utilize multiple training areas.

Step 5: Plan the Football Ground

The selection of the turf should not be a first step in the building of a football field.

The surface must be stable, well drained, at the correct level and suitable for the intended purpose. FIFA’s technical guidance, however, is focused on the need for a level playing field, a suitable perimeter area around the playing field and keeping players safe.

Usually, the following construction sequence is followed:

1. The site will be inspected and measured
2. Assessment of soils and ground
3. Excavation and earthwork
4. Sub-base preparation
5. Drainage installation
6. Levelling and compaction
7. Installing shock-pads (if applicable)
8. Turf installation
9. Infill application
10. Line marking
11. Fencing and accessories
12. Test or final inspection

Dropping the initial steps in the construction process can cause issues later in the project. A beautiful stand will not help if there’s a poor stand or poor drainage.

Step 6: Select the appropriate football turf.

The football training field is one of the most vital components of a football training facility. It is dependent on the frequency of use, the climate of the area, the age of the players, maintenance skills and budget.

Academies may choose to use artificial turf due to their ability to be used repeatedly and for giving relatively consistent playing conditions. FIFA also adds training facilities may use artificial turf, depending on use and local climate.

Check the following with regard to turf systems:

• Fibre type
• Pile height
• Backing quality
• UV resistance
• Infill system
• Shock absorption
• Drainage performance
• Expected usage
• Maintenance requirements
• Quality or certification requirements that are applicable

Consider the colour and price per square metre, but don’t select a turf solely for those criteria.

Why Drainage Matters

In Indian football facilities, drainage is also a key consideration as it can be put under a lot of strain during rainy and monsoon seasons.

A good drainage system will keep the water out of the pitch and minimise standing water. The soil type, slope, rainfall, ground water conditions and use of the site should be taken into consideration for the drainage design.

To know more, check this extensive guide about the football turf construction in India.

Step 7: Football Turf Installation

After base and drainage are in place the turf can be put in place.

The turf rolls are laid out as per the approved design. Care is taken in joining edges with suitable seaming techniques and playing lines are added to the surface as per design.

There may be a need to apply sand or other infill materials, depending on the type of turf system. Infill provides support for the fibres and enhances playing qualities of the surface.

The installation team should follow the process below to verify:

• Seam quality
• Surface level
• Fibre direction
• Infill distribution
• Line accuracy
• Drainage
• Playing performance
• Safety around the pitch

Step 8: Create basic supporting facilities

A football academy isn’t all about the pitch. It is important that the players and coaches are able to operate in a comfortable and safe environment around the pitch.

The Changing Rooms & Toilets

Ensure clean changing rooms are provided with good ventilation and well stocked. Toilets and showers should be readily accessible and easily maintained.

Equipment Storage

There is a need for good equipment storage for balls, cones, bibs, goals, agility ladders, mannequins, hurdles and other equipment. Organisation of equipment also will make training sessions easier to manage.

First-Aid and Medical Support

First aid facilities should always be readily available. Staff should be aware of what to do in the event of common football injuries and there should be emergency telephone numbers available for all registered players.

Lighting

Whether or not you have to have sessions in the evening, getting the lighting right is very important. Lighting should ensure there is good sight from all parts of the training area and there is no distracting glare.

Fencing and Safety

Footballs can be contained in the facility and playing area is separated from spectators and surrounding areas with perimeter fence. Other training-site facility considerations mentioned in the FIFA training-site guidance are secure site access and perimeter fencing.

Step 9: Pair up with qualified coaches

A key element of an academy is coaching. No good can come from a good facility unless it has some good coaching.

Find coaches who can be knowledgeable about football and player development. Patience, communication and making a positive training environment are needed when working with children.

With your coaching team comes the ability to include:

• Head coach
• Age-group coaches
• Goalkeeping coach
• A fitness or conditioning coach, such as a fitness trainer or fitness instructor
• Strength and conditioning specialist – physiologist or coach
• Physiotherapist / medical practitioner
• Assistant coaches

Staffing will be dependent on the size of your academy.

Standardised curriculum of coaching should also be followed by coaches to ensure continuity in training for players as they move from one age group to another.

Step 10: Structured Training Programme

Never bring training session without a clear training curriculum.

Training may be split into various training areas in a structured programme:

Technical Development

There are opportunities for players to practice:

• Passing
• Dribbling
• First touch
• Shooting
• Ball control
• Crossing
• Finishing

Tactical Development

For older, more advanced players, there is information on:

• Positioning
• Attacking patterns
• Defensive organisation
• Team shape
• Transitions
• Set pieces
• Decision-making

Physical Development

The training should also take into account age-appropriate:

• Speed
• Agility
• Balance
• Coordination
• Endurance
• Mobility

The programme needs to be adapted for older and more experienced players.

Step 11: Implementation of Player Safety and Safeguarding Policies 

If the academy conducts child training, then safeguarding should not be a formality but an integral part of every academy’s work.

Establish clear policies regarding player registration, emergency contact, supervision, reporting of injuries, responsibilities of staff, parent contact and acceptable behaviour.

Also, there should be an injury and emergency plan. Staff to be alert to who to contact and what to do when a player becomes injured or unwell.

A secure academy instils confidence in parents and helps to develop a conducive atmosphere for players.

Step 12: Decide Your Academy Fees and Budget

The budget should not only consist of construction costs, but also the costs to operate the building.

Typical Cost Categories

Expense	What It Covers
Land	Purchase, lease, or rental
Ground construction	Earthwork, base and drainage
Football turf	Turf material and installation
Lighting	Floodlights and electrical work
Fencing	Perimeter protection
Equipment	Balls, cones, goals, training aids
Staff	Coaches, administrators and support staff
Facilities	Changing rooms, toilets and offices
Marketing	Website, promotions and local campaigns
Maintenance	Turf care, repairs and cleaning

Don’t plan your budget based solely on the grass. The investment can be influenced by the various aspects of site preparation, drainage, fencing, lighting, staff, maintenance and supporting facilities.

Step 13: Register Academy and Carry out Formalities as Necessary

Specific legal requirements vary from country to country and type of business. A business structure may need to be formed, relevant registrations must be obtained, appropriate insurance cover and local regulations regarding the facility must be adhered to.

Before deciding on your facility design, determine the rules for an organised competition or if you would like to be recognised by a football governing body.

Note that the requirements for a professional academy and a small community coaching centre are not the same.

Step 14: Create a marketing plan for your Football Academy

In order to get the right players and parents once the facility and programme is available, you have to get the message out.

Do not market everywhere but starting from local areas.

This can be achieved through:

• Free introductory sessions
• School partnerships
• Local football tournaments
• Trial days
• Social media content
• Referral programmes
• Parent information sessions
• Community events
• Local advertising

The marketing needs to communicate the value of the academy. Discuss coaching, age categories, training regimens, facilities, safety, and player development, instead of promising prospects for professional careers.

Step 15: Track Player Development

Progress is a more important indicator than match results in a strong academy.

Prepare basic development reports on progress on various areas including:

• Ball control
• Passing
• Shooting
• Speed
• Decision-making
• Tactical awareness
• Teamwork
• Attendance
• Overall progress

Coaches can find out what every player requires next by making an assessment on a regular basis. They also provide parents with a greater insight into their child’s development.

The Football Academy Setup a Practical Checklist is a document that outlines all the requirements for setting up a football academy

Check that you have thought of the following before opening the academy:

• Identify and understand the academy concept and target age groups
• Suitable location
• Ensure access to land and/or facilities is secured
• The rules and structure of the game
• Football ground construction plan
• Drainage system
• Suitable football turf
• Perimeter fencing
• Lighting
• The changing rooms and toilets
• Equipment storage
• First-aid arrangements
• Qualified coaching team
• Training curriculum
• Player registration system
• Safeguarding policies
• Fee structure
• Maintenance plan
• Marketing strategy
• Player assessment system

Some of the pitfalls to look out for when setting up a Football Academy

Spending too much on the Ground and not enough on Coaching

It’s important to have a good coaching staff in addition to a good pitch. Strike an equilibrium between investment in infrastructure, staffing and programme development.

Choosing the Turf Only on Price

What may be the cheapest turf in the short-term may not be the cheapest in the long-term. Take into account durability, safety, maintenance, installation and use.

Ignoring Drainage

Waterlogging can impact on playing surfaces and cut the number of days that training can be conducted. Design drainage at the time of initial construction, not after. 

Starting Without a Curriculum

With each coach differing on how to coach, player development may become inconsistent. Set up a training system for the academy beforehand.

Creating more space than is necessary

Whether it’s a large space that is not being utilized or a space with significant overhangs, unused space is an unnecessary expense. Plan your structure based on the number of players you will have and if you are getting a steady number of players make your structure larger.

FAQs

Q1. How much does it cost to build a football school?

Ans. This is dependent on land, pitch size, type of turf, drainage, facilities, lighting, fencing, staffing and location. The investment needed for a small academy with an existing or rented ground can be significantly less than the investment needed for a new facility with a full-size pitch and professional support infrastructure.

Q2. What is the infrastructure required for a football academy?

Ans. The basic infrastructure typically consists of an adequate football field, for changing facilities, toilet facilities, equipment storage, lighting, fencing, first aid and administration space. There are also sometimes additional facilities such as extra training pitches, classrooms, medical facilities and recovery areas that need to be provided, which will be required for larger academies.

Q3. What is the size of a football ground in the Academy?

Ans. No single size fits for all academies. Smaller pitches would be suitable for younger players and larger facilities may offer 7-a-side, 9-a-side and full-size, 11-a-side pitches. The full-size Field of Play is recommended by FIFA as 105m x 68m.

Q4. Would an artificial turf be appropriate for a football academy?

Ans. Yes. Some academies may find artificial turf an appropriate choice for them, since there is a need for training sessions to be conducted on a regular basis and the ground must be readily available. The appropriate system should be chosen based on the requirements, maintenance ability, climate and usage. Artificial surfaces may be used for training facilities if they are used and in a suitable climate, FIFA says. 

Q5. How much time does it take to develop a football academy?

Ans. The timeframe will vary based on the type of facility used and if it is being constructed. The time required to prepare a site for the new football ground, to install drainage, base construction, turf, fence, lighting and any other work can vary significantly, depending on site conditions and the scope of the project.

Q6. How can I get people interested in a new football academy?

Ans. Begin at the local level. Recruit your first players via school partnerships, trial sessions, intro camps, local tournaments, referrals and social media. Good communication regarding the quality of coaching, facilities, schedules, safety, and player development can also help foster trust with parents.

Conclusion

Building a football academy isn’t really about building a football academy, it’s learning how to put a number of parts together. While a good pitch is essential, a successful academy must also have competent coaches, well-designed training structure, secure training facilities, effective management and a clear career progression plan for players.

Firstly, you should establish your academy’s mission, select the appropriate site and design your football academy facilities according to the actual needs. Next, move on to the technical aspects of the football ground, such as the foundation, drainage, grass and support structures.

The most important thing is: don’t consider the football turf installation to be the project itself. The playing area is not all that is part of the Academy experience. If the infrastructure, coaching, safety, player development and day-to-day operations all come together you can build a football training facility that will support your players well into their future and provide your academy a solid base to build on.