What to Look For in a Youth Soccer Program: 7 Essential Questions Parents Should Ask

Choosing the right soccer program for your child can feel overwhelming. Parents of children ages 4–12 often face dozens of options, from recreational leagues to competitive clubs, camps, and community programs. Each promises fun, fitness, and development, but how can you tell which one is the best fit for your child?

The truth is that not all youth soccer programs are the same. Some provide excellent coaching, safe environments, and clear development pathways. Others may be little more than unstructured play with minimal oversight. Knowing the right questions to ask can help you sort through the options and make a confident choice.

At We Make Footballers (WMF), we’ve helped more than 100,000 children worldwide learn, grow, and thrive through soccer. We believe that every family deserves to feel confident when choosing a program. 

Below are seven essential questions every parent should ask when evaluating a youth soccer program.

1. Are the coaches qualified, trained, and background checked?

The quality of coaching is often the single biggest factor in whether children enjoy and stick with sports. According to the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, 42% of parents say the quality of coaching is their top priority when selecting a program.

When you evaluate a soccer program, ask:

• What training and certifications do coaches have?
  
  
• Are they background checked and trained in safeguarding?
  
  
• Do they receive ongoing support or just initial orientation?
  

The best programs invest in coaching standards. At WMF, every coach is trained in our curriculum, receives child-safety education, and undergoes background checks. This creates an environment where parents can trust that their child is both safe and guided by qualified leaders.

My son absolutely loves We Make Footballers! The coaches are super friendly and really know how to keep the kids engaged while helping them improve their skills. He’s learned so much since he started. His confidence on the ball has really grown, and he always comes home excited to show what he's learned. It’s a fun, positive environment and you can tell the staff really care about the kids. -Sebastian Giraldo, Miami

2. Is there a clear curriculum that develops both skills and character?

A good soccer program is more than “roll out the ball and play.” Children thrive when there’s a structured progression that balances fun with skill-building. The CDC recommends that children ages 6–17 engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily to support physical and emotional development. A structured curriculum ensures that this activity is purposeful.

Ask programs:

• Do you follow a set curriculum?
  
  
• Are sessions designed for different age groups and skill levels?
  
  
• Do children learn teamwork, confidence, and character as well as soccer skills?
  

We Make Footballers uses a tested curriculum developed over more than a decade. Sessions are age-appropriate, designed to build confidence, and focused on both soccer technique and life skills like teamwork and resilience.

Our young footballers begin with a FREE introductory session, then join weekly technical training. After their first block, they can join our foundation league matches. As they progress, we monitor their development so they’re prepared for club team tryouts and a full season with us. -Ivan Calderon, We Make Footballers Academy Manager

3. How does the program keep children safe and supported?

Safety is non-negotiable. A 2022 survey by the Aspen Institute found that concerns about safety are one of the top reasons parents remove children from sports.

When evaluating a program, ask about:

• Coach-to-child ratios (smaller groups mean more attention and oversight).
  
  
• Emergency procedures and first aid training.
  
  
• Safeguarding policies, including how coaches handle bullying or behavioral issues.
  

At WMF, safeguarding is built into every training session. Coaches are trained not only in drills but also in how to create safe, welcoming spaces where every child feels supported.

4. Is the schedule and location convenient for families?

Even the best program won’t work if it doesn’t fit into your family’s life. Parents juggle school, work, and other activities, which makes convenience critical. The American Camp Association found that 42% of parents register outside working hours and 60% use mobile devices to sign up. Families expect flexibility and digital convenience.

Ask programs:

• Are sessions held at times that work for families?
  
  
• Is the registration system easy to use online or on mobile?
  
  
• Are locations accessible by car or public transport?
  

We Make Footballers operates with a mobile model, using community fields and school spaces. This means programs are held close to where families live. Our booking system is digital and parent-friendly, making it easy to manage sign-ups anytime.

5. Does the program welcome children of all skill levels?

Some children join soccer at age four, others at age ten. Some are natural athletes, while others are still finding their coordination. The best programs welcome every child, regardless of skill level, and adjust training to meet them where they are.

Inclusivity is increasingly a deciding factor for parents. Families want to know their child won’t be left out or pressured beyond their ability. According to the Aspen Institute, inclusion and accessibility are now key factors influencing family decisions about sports participation.

At WMF, sessions are structured so beginners feel comfortable while more advanced players are challenged to improve. Coaches foster teamwork, so children learn to encourage one another, not compete for status.

The staff are incredibly supportive and caring, and they've taught him so many valuable skills. I really appreciate how they've encouraged his passion for football and helped build his confidence. -Lisa Phillips, London

6. What is the cost, and what value does my child receive?

Cost matters, but value is more important. The Aspen Institute reports that rising costs are one of the top barriers keeping children out of youth sports. Parents should ask:

• What’s included in the fee (equipment, uniforms, events)?
  
  
• How many sessions per week or season?
  
  
• Is there a trial or introductory session to test fit before committing?
  

We Make Footballers offers free trial sessions so families can experience the program before enrolling. This helps parents feel confident in the value they’re receiving.

7. Does the program offer pathways for growth?

Some children join soccer simply to have fun and stay active. Others may discover a deeper passion and dream of competing at higher levels. A strong youth soccer program should support both paths.

In the U.S., soccer provides a wide range of opportunities as children grow:

• School teams: Many middle and high schools field competitive soccer squads, where participation can become a highlight of a child’s school experience.
• Travel and club teams: Competitive club programs allow children to play against stronger opposition and gain exposure beyond their local community.
• College opportunities: Soccer is one of the most widely played collegiate sports in the U.S. According to the NCAA, over 38,000 student-athletes play men’s and women’s soccer at the college level each year. For standout players, this can also mean scholarship opportunities.
• Professional academies: Major League Soccer (MLS) and U.S. Soccer-affiliated academies offer advanced training environments for elite youth players.

The best youth programs recognize that not every child will pursue these routes, but they ensure that children who want to advance have the skills, confidence, and foundation to do so.

At We Make Footballers, children benefit from structured coaching that builds fundamentals early, preparing them equally well for recreational play or more competitive opportunities later.

Why it matters for your child

Soccer is more than just a sport.

It keeps children active, teaches them teamwork, builds resilience, and boosts confidence. But these benefits only come when the program is safe, structured, and supportive.

By asking the seven questions above, you can cut through the noise and find a program that matches your family’s values and your child’s needs.

Next steps

The best way to evaluate a program is to experience it firsthand. A free trial gives your child the chance to meet the coaches, try the curriculum, and see if they feel comfortable and excited.

Book your child’s free trial with We Make Footballers today and discover how the right soccer program can make all the difference.