Searching for October half-term football camps near you? With school holidays running from 27-31 October 2025 in most areas, parents across the UK are looking for safe, engaging activities that keep kids active and learning. This guide shows you exactly what to look for in a quality children's football camp and how We Make Footballers delivers on every point.
Half-term provides the perfect opportunity to maintain momentum between school weeks. It's also a low-pressure way for first-timers to try football before winter arrives. Did you know? Only 47.8% of children in England meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity. Quality half-term football camps help bridge this gap by keeping kids active when school routines pause.
Important: School holiday dates vary by local council, so check your council's page before you plan. Many areas list autumn half-term in the week of 27 to 31 October 2025, but always confirm locally.
Safety & Safeguarding: What to Look for in Football Camps
Parent concern
Are coaches qualified and vetted? Do sessions follow current youth safety guidance?
What good football camps provide
Our approach
Every coach holds an FA recognised qualification, ensuring your child learns from properly trained professionals.
All staff working with children hold an FA accepted, in-date DBS check.
Sessions follow the FA's phased removal of deliberate heading in youth matches for under elevens and apply age appropriate training progressions.
Parents are welcome to meet the coach before a session and ask about ratios, first aid cover, and incident response.
The outcome
Clear standards, transparent checks, and a session that fits modern safety practice.
All-Weather Football Venues: Indoor & 3G Pitch Options
Parent concern
Will the camp run if the weather turns, and will my child stay comfortable?
What good football camps provide
All weather pitches or an indoor hall, clear notices if plans change, and simple kit guidance on layers and waterproofs. Reputable outdoor guidance for children recommends a base layer, a warm mid layer, and a waterproof shell in wet or cold conditions.
Our approach
Most locations use 3G or indoor sports halls to keep sessions running regardless of weather conditions.
Parents receive quick updates by email and text if a schedule changes.
We advise layers, shin pads, trainers or boots, and a refillable water bottle, which fits well with mainstream outdoor layering guidance. (REI)
What this means for your family
Fewer cancellations, warmer kids, smoother logistics.
Small Group Training: Age-Appropriate Football Coaching
Parent concern
Children can get lost in large groups or placed with the wrong age band.
What good football camps provide
Small groups, clear age bands, and lots of ball contacts in every minute.
Our approach
We plan for roughly ten players per coach, adjusted to venue and age.
Coaches group children by age and experience so beginners progress without pressure.
Mixed groups welcome girls and boys. Many locations also run girls only blocks where demand exists, which helps first-timers settle quickly.
Why it matters
Your child is known by name, the session matches their level, and progress shows up fast.
Transparent Pricing: No Hidden Fees for Half-Term Camps
Parent concern
Hidden fees and rigid packages that lock you in.
What good football camps provide
Transparent prices on the location page, a chance to try before committing, and simple kit requirements.
Our approach
Prices are listed clearly for each academy, so you know exactly what you'll pay before booking.
You can book a free trial to test the fit before paying anything.
No special kit is required for a first session. Standard sportswear and shin pads are fine.
The bottom line
Risk free start, then a clear decision once your child has tried it.
Fun, Skill-Building Football Sessions for All Abilities
Parent concern
Camps that entertain but do not teach, or drills that bore children.
What good football camps provide
Play based learning, small sided games, high engagement, and a simple session flow that young players understand.
Our approach
Every session follows a clear, easy-to-understand flow: warm up, skill theme, small sided games, and cool down.
We use challenges and team games to keep children moving, not queueing.
Coaches track simple goals with each child so progress is visible to the player and the parent.
Result for you
Happy child, visible skill gains, and a positive link to exercise during the break.
What to Pack for Half-Term Football Camp
Pack smart and your child will be comfortable from the first whistle:
Essential kit:
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Trainers or boots and shin pads
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Refillable water bottle
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Layered clothing and a light waterproof for wet days, which matches widely accepted layering advice for children outdoors (REI)
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A small snack for longer sessions
Top tip: Arrive ten minutes early, meet the coach, agree the pick up point, and let your child settle before the first activity starts.
How to Find Your Local We Make Footballers Camp
We Make Footballers runs October half-term camps across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, and dozens more locations. Use our location finder to discover the academy nearest you. Most families find a camp within 15 minutes of home.
Simple booking process:
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Open the UK location finder
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Pick your nearest academy and time
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Book a free trial
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Your child tries a session first. You only commit if it feels right.
Book Your Taster Session Today
For Parents of Girls Starting Out in Football
If your daughter is new to football, you're not late!
WMF welcomes girls in all mixed groups and adds girls only options where that helps confidence. Coaches complete FA safeguarding training and build sessions that encourage inclusion from the moment they touch the pitch.
The aim is confidence first, then technique, then competition when ready.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
How do I know coaches are checked? Ask for confirmation that coaches hold FA accepted, in-date DBS checks. WMF does this as standard for anyone working directly with children.
Will my child be heading the ball? The FA is phasing out deliberate heading in youth matches for under elevens, and WMF applies age appropriate practice in training as well. Ask your local academy how this looks for your child's age group.
When exactly is half term? Dates vary by council. Use the GOV.UK checker to confirm your area before booking.
What Sets We Make Footballers Apart
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Your Priority |
WMF's Approach |
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Verified people |
FA qualified coaches and FA accepted DBS checks |
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Weather resilience |
3G or indoor venues in most locations with fast parent comms |
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Right group |
Small groups and correct age bands from day one |
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Inclusive by design |
Mixed groups and girls only blocks where demand exists |
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Honest pricing |
Free trial and clear location based pricing |
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Real progress |
Play based learning that builds confidence and skills together |
Your Next Step
If a camp covers your safety, logistics, and value concerns, the next move is to see a session with your own eyes. Book a free trial and decide with your child after the first day.
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Player Welfare and Safety
All We Make Footballers sessions follow FA safety guidance and age appropriate coaching standards. Coaches are background checked, first aid trained, and qualified through national governing body pathways.
