FAQ
Please see below for all DFY Academy Information. If you would like to view this page in Portuguese please click HERE. We are working on translating this into other languages. please bear with us.
Where is training?
Harris Lowe Academy, Doyle Gardens, London NW10 3ST.
Fridays 5.30-6.30
What equipment does my child need?
All - Shin pads, water bottle for all sessions. Any sports kit can be worn for training sessions or children can wear their DFY Academy kit.
Footwear:
Training - on Astroturf - Astroturf trainers or moulded stud boots. No metal studs or blades.
Matches - generally on grass. Moulded stud boots.
DFY Academy Kit:
Season pass players - You will need a pair of white football socks and to purchase the kit - Click here This will be delivered to you at training - this may take a couple of weeks depending on stock levels. We will provide a spare for matches in the meantime if needed.
Training pass players - Kit purchase is optional. Please visit the link above if you would like to purchase.
Do I need to stay at training or can I drop and pick up?
You are welcome to stay and watch or to drop your child and pick up. If choosing this option please make sure you are back before 6.30pm as we have to be off the pitch promptly.
Please also note that if your child needs the toilet during the session they will be sent in pairs, without an adult accompanying them. If you would prefer them to be accompanied then you will need to stay and assist.
Where are the entrances and exits at training?
DROP OFF ENTRANCE:
All children enter via Gate 1 where Nazia will register them
PICK UP EXIT:
U6s/U7s/U8s
To be picked up from GATE 1 - please ensure Nazia has seen you pick up your child
Training Squad, Girls Squad, U12s:
To be picked up from GATE 2 please ensure Coach Jackson has seen you pick up your child.
Where are Saturday matches held?
Matches take place at The Hub, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RU. The coach will send details of pitch number in the group ahead of time. These can be quite spread out so be sure to familiarise yourself with the pictures below. On the day of the match the coach will share his live location so that you can easily find him.
It is located on the outer circle on the London Zoo side of Regents park just after the mosque. There is some free street parking on Prince Albert road and paid parking on surrounding roads. NB. it gets busy! Make sure you leave adequate time to arrive 30mins before KO.
Tube station - St Johns Wood.
What is the difference between a training pass and a season pass?
A season pass is for those players who have been asked to join the team who compete in the Regents Park league on a Saturday. This pass covers 1x training session and 1x fortnightly match at RPYL. Additional friendlies are payable at £10 per time.
A training pass is for those players not quite ready for competitive match play, or who are waiting for a space in the squad/a team to be formed. This pass covers 1 x training session per week. Additional friendlies will be organised for the training squad at a cost of £10 per time. Children on the training squad may also be asked to play up for the team on occasion.
Friendlies/ad hoc matches can be paid for HERE
How does my child join the competitive team?
When your child comes for a trial with the academy the coach will assess their playing level. If the coach feels that they are up to playing with the competitive team and there is space in their age group they will be asked to join on a season pass and join the team. If the coach feels they are not quite ready for match play they will be asked to join on a training pass with a view to moving up into team play when they are ready. In either occurrence Nazia will be in touch with you after the trial session to discuss options. Please do not ask the coach directly at the trial as they will have been asked to discuss with management first.
How do I pay?
Click the link HERE to be taken to our booking engine . You will have two options -
Pay for the whole season (the price of this will reduce if you join us later in the season)
Pay in installments. This will divide the cost of the season into 4 installments payable every 7 weeks following the school half terms.) This option will also reduce if you join late in the season.
Select either season pass or training pass.
Costs for the full season can be found here https://www.dfy.org.uk/dfy-academy-signup . The booking engine will show the price as reduced for late signups.
Do you accept tax credits or offer discount for universal credit/FSM?
Unfortunately we are unable to accept tax credits at present. We maybe able to offer a discount for families in receipt of benefits. Currently this is on a case by case basis - please email Nazia@dfy.org.uk to enquire. As the club grows we intend to bring this in line with our DFY Sports not for profit model of 1in5 children attending for free.
Are your staff DBS checked?
All of our coaches and operational staff hold an enhanced DBS not more than 3 years old and provide us with ID and references ahead of commencing employment. All coaches hold football coaching qualifications and have undertaken the FA and the NSPCC safeguarding certifications.
Who is your welfare officer and safeguarding lead?
Josie Fear and Nazia Chishty are both certified welfare officers and safeguarding leads. They can be reached at the below email if you have any concerns about welfare or safeguarding.
We are affiliated to the LONDON FA. Their website can be found here - https://www.londonfa.com/