At what age should one enroll in a football camp?
Your child hasn’t let go of their football since they learned to walk. They imitate Saka’s moves in the living room and dream of wearing their favourite club’s shirt. And you’re asking yourself THE question: are they ready for a football camp?
The short answer: most football camps accept children from age 6-7, but the ideal age depends primarily on your child’s maturity and independence. Some introduction programmes exist from age 4-5, whilst intensive camps or residential programmes are better suited to children aged 8 and above.
According to the Football Association, there are over 1.5 million registered youth players in England alone. And every year, thousands of them attend camps during school holidays. But how do you know if it’s the right time for yours?
Age Groups and Their Specific Characteristics
Not all children develop at the same pace. A 6-year-old might be perfectly comfortable in a group setting whilst their classmate of the same age might need another year or two. Here’s what you can expect according to your child’s age.
4-6 years: Introduction to football
At this age, we don’t really talk about “camps” but rather introduction sessions. Sessions are short, focused on motor skills and play. The goal? Discovering the joy of the beautiful game without pressure. The FA offers Under-6 and Under-7 categories for 5-7 year olds, with adapted formats: smaller pitches, limited numbers and simplified rules. Check out our list of camps for children from age 6.
Programmes like “Mini Kickers” or introduction sessions at local clubs accept children from age 3-4. But beware: at this age, concentration rarely lasts beyond 45 minutes. A week-long camp would be counterproductive.
6-8 years: The ideal time to start
This is generally the age range where the first “proper” camps become relevant. Your child is beginning to understand group instructions, respect a team rhythm and manage their emotions on the pitch.
Day camps are particularly suited to this period. The child trains during the day and returns home to sleep at night. This formula reassures both parents and children who aren’t yet ready to spend a week away from their family.
At 6-7 years old, your child can discover the basics of football with other children of the same age. Professional clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City offer specific programmes for this age group, with enhanced supervision.
8-12 years: The golden age for football camps
Between 8 and 12 years old, your child enters what educators call “the golden age of motor learning.” Their coordination improves, they understand basic tactical concepts and can follow a more structured programme.
This is also the age where residential camps become viable. Sleeping away from home for a week, sharing a room with other young footballers, managing their belongings… These experiences develop independence as much as footballing qualities.
Joe Bennett, a parent, shares on Trustpilot: “Our first camp, but definitely not our last. I am already waiting for the 2026 dates for Spain to be released so we can book up again. My three boys loved it and had a great time.”
13-17 years: Development and specialisation
From age 13, camps take on a more intensive dimension. Teenagers can join elite programmes, position-specific camps (particularly for goalkeepers) or camps combining football and language learning.
This is also the age when some young talents begin to be spotted by academies. As illustrated by João Félix’s journey, who joined FC Porto’s academy at just 8 years old before being transferred for €126 million to Atlético Madrid.
Criteria to Know if Your Child is Ready
Beyond chronological age, several indicators will help you determine if your child is ready for a football camp.
Daily independence
Can your child dress themselves, manage their sports kit, follow instructions without constant reminders? For a residential camp, these skills are essential. The staff are there to support, not to babysit.
A good indicator: how do they cope during school trips or nights at grandparents’? If your child struggles with separation, a day camp will be more appropriate to start with.
Genuine motivation
The camp must be the child’s wish, not the parents’. A child who has been dreaming of this camp for months will have an extraordinary experience. A child “pushed” by their parents risks having a miserable week.
Ask them directly: why do you want to do this camp? What do you expect from it? The answers will shed light on their true motivation.
Ability to live in a group
A football camp is also a collective experience. Sharing changing rooms, accepting coaches’ instructions, managing the small frustrations of the game… Is your child ready for this social dimension?
Clubs impose age limits precisely to ensure group homogeneity. A 6-year-old in a group of 8-year-olds risks feeling out of place, even if they’re technically good.
Day Camp or Residential: Which Format to Choose?
The choice of format depends as much on age as on your child’s temperament.
Day camps are perfectly suited to 6-9 year olds and children who have never attended a camp before. The child enjoys training during the day and returns to the family home in the evening. It’s also the ideal formula if you’re on holiday near the camp location.
Residential camps offer total immersion. Accommodation, meals, extra-curricular activities: your child lives like a professional player for a week. This formula suits children aged 8 and above who already have some independence.
Jo, a satisfied parent, shares on Trustpilot: “Everything about this experience was first class. The Rangers coaching team were fabulous. My grandson said ‘We could tell that the coaches really cared about us, and our development’ which I reckon is the best testimonial possible.”
The Football + Language Option: A Winning Combination
Many camps now offer an option combining football and language classes. This formula allows your child to progress in two areas during the holidays.
Camps with English tuition are particularly popular with international participants coming to train at Premier League academies. Children train in the morning with certified coaches, then follow English classes in the afternoon, or vice versa.
A satisfied parent shares: “Brilliant experience! Quality supervision. My son discovered a new approach to training with the coaches. I recommend it to all young people who want to combine their passion with discovering new cultures.”
This option is particularly relevant from age 10-11, when the child already has some language foundations and can benefit from the classes.
Practical Tips for a Successful First Experience
Have you decided to take the plunge? Here are some tips to make this first experience memorable.
Prepare your child in advance. Explain how the week will unfold, show them photos of the venue, talk about the planned activities. The more they know what to expect, the calmer they’ll be.
Respect the indicated age ranges. Do you think your 6-year-old can join a group for 7-year-olds because they’re “advanced”? Resist the temptation. Clubs set these limits to ensure group homogeneity and everyone’s enjoyment.
Choose the right level. Camps generally offer three levels: recreational (beginners), development (regular players) and elite/high performance. An overestimated child will have a difficult week. An underestimated child will be bored.
Provide appropriate equipment. Boots, shin pads, change of clothes, water bottle… The equipment list provided by the organiser isn’t a suggestion, it’s a minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
From what age can you enrol a child in a football camp?
Most football camps accept children from age 6-7. Some introduction programmes exist from age 4-5, but they’re generally limited to a few hours per day. For residential camps, the minimum age is often set at 8 or 9 years old.
Can my 6-year-old attend a camp designed for 7-year-olds?
It’s not advisable to bypass the age limits set by organisers. These ranges ensure group homogeneity, both physically and mentally. A child who’s too young risks feeling out of place and enjoying the experience less.
What’s the difference between day camp and residential?
At a day camp, the child participates in training during the day and returns to their parents in the evening. At a residential camp, they’re accommodated on-site with 24-hour supervision, meals and extra-curricular activities. Residential camps suit independent children aged 8 and above.
Do you need a good level to participate in a camp?
No. There are camps for all levels: recreational (beginners), development (regular players) and elite/high performance (club players at a good level). Each participant is placed in a group suited to their abilities.
What’s the average price of a football camp?
Prices vary according to formula and club. Expect from £400 for a week-long day camp, and from £600 for residential. Camps at major European academies (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool) can reach £2,000 or more for a week with accommodation.
How do I prepare my child for their first camp?
Explain how the week will unfold, show them photos or videos of the venue, talk about the planned activities. If it’s a residential camp, have them stay a night or two with relatives to test their reaction to separation.
Are camps mixed?
The vast majority of football camps are mixed and welcome both girls and boys. Some organisers also offer girls-only camps for players who prefer this option.
Conclusion
The ideal age to enrol your child in a football camp doesn’t exist in absolute terms. What really matters is their maturity, enthusiasm and ability to have a group experience away from you.
Between 6 and 8 years old, favour day camps for a gentle first experience. From 8-9 years old, if your child is independent and motivated, a residential camp will offer them total immersion in the world of football.
Still unsure? Our team is available 7 days a week on +33 7 57 94 26 36 to help you find the perfect camp for your child. With over 50 partner clubs in France and across Europe, we’re sure to have a programme suited to their age and level.