Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your child’s first session? Here are answers to some common questions about DS Coaching.

Which session is right for my child?

We offer football, multi-sport, goalkeeper coaching and individual or small-group coaching. Our Weekly Timetable shows the ages, venues, times and prices for each programme. If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll help you choose.

Does my child need previous experience?

No. We welcome beginners and children who already enjoy sport. Our coaches adapt activities to suit different ages, experience levels and abilities, with a focus on confidence, participation and enjoyment.

Can my child attend if they already play for a club?

Yes. Children from all clubs—or no club—are welcome. Our sessions provide additional opportunities to practise, develop skills and enjoy playing alongside other children.

Are sessions open to boys and girls?

Yes. Our weekly football and multi-sport programmes welcome both boys and girls within the advertised age groups.

My child is shy or nervous. Can they still join?

Absolutely. Trying something new can feel daunting. Let us know before their first session so we can discuss what might help them settle in. Our coaches aim to create a welcoming environment where children can build confidence at their own pace.

Can my child attend if they have additional needs or a medical condition?

Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your child’s needs, any adjustments and the support available within the session. Include relevant medical information when completing the booking and let us know if anything changes.

How do I book?

Choose your programme from our Weekly Timetable and follow its booking link to Pebble. Select the appropriate dates and ticket option, complete the participant details and follow the payment instructions.

Please book before attending so we can plan staffing and activities.

Can I book individual sessions or a full block?

Individual-session and block-booking options are available on selected programmes, subject to space. The booking page shows the options currently available.

Block offers apply to the specific dates advertised. Please check the start date, number of sessions and age group before purchasing.

Can my child join after a block has started?

Contact us or check the booking page for available individual sessions. We can advise on the most suitable option for the remaining dates.

Do you offer family or block-booking discounts?

Selected programmes offer family and block discounts. Available offers and ticket options are shown on the relevant booking page. Please check which programme, dates and number of children each ticket covers.

What should my child wear and bring?

Children should wear comfortable sports clothing suitable for the weather and bring a labelled water bottle.

Footwear should suit the activity and playing surface. For football, bring shin pads; goalkeepers should also bring goalkeeper gloves. Check the programme’s booking information for any additional requirements, or contact us if you are unsure about footwear.

We provide the equipment used in our coaching activities.

Do parents need to stay during sessions?

Arrangements depend on the programme, your child’s age and their support needs. Please check with us before the first session, particularly for younger children.

Make sure the coach knows your child has arrived and confirm collection arrangements before leaving.

Where do we go when we arrive?

The venue is shown on your programme page and booking information. Check any arrival instructions or venue updates before travelling, as indoor or outdoor arrangements may change.

Allow a few minutes before the start to find the meeting point and introduce your child to the coach.

What happens if the weather is poor or a session is cancelled?

Outdoor sessions depend on safe conditions and venue availability. If we need to change or cancel a session, we will contact affected families using the contact details provided when booking.

Where DS Coaching cancels, we will explain the replacement session, credit or refund arrangements that apply. Please see our Safeguarding and Policies page for further information.

What if my child is ill or cannot attend?

Please let us know as soon as possible. Refunds, transfers or credits depend on the booking terms for your programme and are not automatic for missed sessions.

Check the cancellation information before booking, and contact us if you need help with an existing booking.

What is the difference between 1-2-1 and small-group coaching?

A 1-2-1 session gives one player individual attention, with activities tailored to their needs and goals. Small-group coaching allows two or three players to train together.

Sessions last 60 minutes. The advertised two- and three-player prices are the total cost for the group, rather than a price per child.

What should my child bring to a holiday camp?

Check the information for your specific camp, as timings and requirements vary. Children should bring suitable sports clothing, appropriate footwear, a labelled drink and any food specified in the booking information.

Tell us about allergies or medical needs when booking and follow any camp-specific food restrictions.

How do birthday-party bookings work?

Contact Derek first to confirm your preferred date, time, venue and coach availability. Once arrangements are agreed, you can pay the £30 deposit through the online booking link.

Coaching costs £60 for 60 minutes or £80 for 90 minutes. Venue hire is separate. We will confirm the activities, group size and remaining payment arrangements with you before booking.

What if a session or camp is sold out?

Where a waiting list is available, follow the “Join Waitlist” option on the booking page. Joining a waiting list does not guarantee a place. You can also contact us to ask about alternative sessions.

How do I raise a concern or ask another question?

Contact Derek Sharpe at derek@dscoachingni.co.uk or call 07842 361619.

For safeguarding information, photography consent, complaints and booking policies, visit our Safeguarding and Policies page.