Football Academy Guide for Kids in Lisbon

Football (soccer) is, unsurprisingly, the most popular sport among children in Portugal. And in Lisbon, there's no shortage of options for kids to take their first kicks — from youth programmes linked to professional clubs to independent academies focused on development and fun.

If you're thinking of enrolling your child in a football academy, this guide covers everything you need to know: from what age to start, how to choose the right academy, how much it costs, and what to expect.

Benefits of Football for Children

Before getting into the practical details, here's why football is so good for child development:

Physical benefits:

Develops motor coordination and agility
Strengthens growing muscles and bones
Improves cardiovascular endurance
Promotes active lifestyle habits

Social and emotional benefits:

Teaches teamwork and cooperation
Develops discipline and respect for rules
Boosts confidence and self-esteem
Teaches how to handle wins and losses
Creates lasting friendships

Cognitive benefits:

Improves concentration
Develops strategic thinking
Teaches quick decision-making under pressure

What Age to Start?

The ideal age depends on the goal:

3-4 years: Pre-formation

Focus on motor skills and fun with a ball
Short sessions (30-45 minutes)
No positions, no competition
Lots of games and play with the ball

5-6 years: Beginner level

First basic technical concepts (passing, shooting)
Small-sided games (3v3, 4v4)
Some structure begins in sessions
Enjoyment of the game remains the priority

7-9 years: Foundation training

More structured technical development
Introduction to simple tactical concepts
Games from 5v5 to 7v7
Opportunity to participate in tournaments

10-12 years: Advanced training

More intense and structured training
Tactical and positional development
Games from 9v9 to 11v11
Competitive leagues available at many academies

How to Choose the Right Academy

1. Training Philosophy

This is the most important factor. Look for academies that prioritise:

Development over results
Fun as a central element
Playing time for all players (not just the best ones)
Individual technical training appropriate for the age

Red flag: Coaches who shout at 5-year-olds about tactical positioning or only play the "best" players aren't thinking about child development.

2. Coach Qualifications

Good youth coaches should have:

Specific training in youth coaching (UEFA C licence or higher)
Experience with children in the relevant age group
Ability to communicate positively and encouragingly
Patience — lots of patience

3. Facilities

Check:

Pitch quality (natural grass, artificial turf, or hard ground)
Adequate and clean changing rooms
Available equipment (balls, bibs, adapted goals)
Safety conditions

4. Coach-to-Player Ratio

Ideal for 3-6 years: 1 coach per 8-10 children
Ideal for 7-9 years: 1 coach per 12-14 children
Ideal for 10-12 years: 1 coach per 14-16 children

5. Location and Schedule

Being practical is fundamental for consistency:

Proximity to home or school
Schedule compatible with family routine
Parking or public transport access

Academies by Area in Lisbon

Central Lisbon (Saldanha, Avenidas Novas, Alvalade)

The central area has several options with good transport links:

Municipal pitches with training programmes
Private academies with age-group classes
Good range of after-school schedules
Prices: 40-80 EUR/month

Northern Lisbon (Lumiar, Benfica, Carnide)

One of the areas with the most options due to large sports complexes:

Proximity to major club-linked academies
Quality artificial turf pitches
Programmes from age 3
Prices: 35-70 EUR/month

Eastern Lisbon (Parque das Nações, Olivais, Marvila)

A growing area with modern facilities:

Recent, well-equipped facilities
Bilingual programmes available
Good provision for all ages
Prices: 40-75 EUR/month

Western Lisbon (Belém, Ajuda, Alcântara)

An area with sporting tradition and green spaces:

Pitches near the river and green areas
Relaxed, family atmosphere
Good mix of large and small academies
Prices: 35-65 EUR/month

Cascais / Oeiras

Popular among families on the Cascais line:

International academies with training in English
Excellent facilities
Strong tournament and exchange component
Prices: 50-90 EUR/month

Prices and Costs

Typical Monthly Fees

Frequency	Monthly Cost
1 session/week	30-50 EUR
2 sessions/week	45-80 EUR
3 sessions/week	60-100 EUR
Annual registration	20-50 EUR

Equipment Needed

Item	Approximate Cost
Boots (artificial turf)	25-60 EUR
Shin guards	8-15 EUR
Football socks	5-10 EUR
Academy kit (if required)	30-60 EUR
Ball (for home practice)	15-30 EUR

Tip: For children aged 3-6, invest in basic quality boots — feet grow fast and it's not worth spending a lot. From age 8-9, good boots make a difference in comfort and performance.

Practical Tips for Parents

Before Enrolling

Watch a training session before deciding — most academies allow this
Talk to other parents who already attend the academy
Check the trial policy — many offer free trial sessions
Confirm insurance — serious academies include sports insurance

During the Season

Be a positive spectator — encourage, don't criticise
Let the coach coach — avoid giving instructions from the sideline
Value effort over results
Respect your child's pace — not every child wants to go professional
Ensure hydration — always send water and a light snack

Signs the Academy Is Good

Your child wants to go to training
They talk about football with enthusiasm
They're making friends on the team
The coach communicates regularly with you
All players get playing time

Signs It's Time to Switch

Persistent resistance to going to training
Coach too competitive for the age group
Lack of playing time for your child
Negative atmosphere among parents or players

Frequently Asked Questions

Is football safe for young children? Yes, as long as it's adapted to the age. Quality academies use appropriate pitches and equipment, avoid excessive physical contact for younger children, and have safety protocols.

Can my child play football and another sport? Absolutely. Until age 10-12, most experts recommend multi-sport participation. It's good for overall development and prevents overuse injuries.

What if my child isn't "good"? Most children won't become professionals — and they don't need to. The goal is to develop, have fun, and learn important values. A good academy values all players, not just the most talented.

Can girls play too? Of course! Women's football is growing rapidly in Portugal. Many academies have mixed classes or dedicated girls' teams.

Find the Perfect Academy

On KidsToGo, you can search for football academies and classes for kids in Lisbon by area, age, and price.

Find football classes for kids in Lisbon

Football is much more than a sport — it's a school of life. And the right academy can make all the difference in your child's experience.