Parent’s Guide: Supporting Your Child’s Football Journey with Conor Thomas Academy 💫

At Conor Thomas Academy, we’re proud to deliver elite football coaching for young players across Crewe, Sandbach, Stoke. But beyond technical training and match preparation, one of the most powerful influences on a child’s football development is the support they receive at home. That’s why we believe in building strong partnerships with parents.

If your son or daughter is part of a youth football academy like CTA, here are some simple but powerful ways to support their journey—on and off the pitch.

1. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Performance

In academy football, development is the focus. At CTA, we work h

ard to instil confidence, discipline and resilience. You can reinforce that by praising your child’s effort, decision-making, and teamwork—not just goals or wins. Growth is the goal.

2. Let the Coaching Team Do the Coaching

Our sessions are designed with a clear technical and tactical focus, shaped by years of professional experience & exposure to elite practices. While it’s tempting to give advice from the touchline, too much input can confuse players. Trust the CTA coaching process and be the calm, positive presence they need.

3. Support Their Lifestyle, Not Just Training

Being part of a football academy in the UK requires more than just showing up for sessions. Recovery, sleep, hydration, and nutrition are just as important. Help your child build healthy habits that complement their time at Conor Thomas Academy and lay the foundation for long-term development.

4. Embrace the Journey

Every player’s path is different. Some progress quickly, others grow steadily. At Conor Thomas Academy, we focus on individual development—not comparisons. Encourage your child to enjoy the process, knowing that challenges and setbacks are part of their growth.

We believe that when parents, players and coaches are aligned, young footballers thrive—not just as athletes, but as people. By working together, we create an environment where each child can reach their potential and enjoy every step of their football journey.

If you’re looking to support your child with professional football coaching in Crewe, Sandbach, Stoke or the surrounding areas, Conor Thomas Academy offers high-quality sessions built on professional experience and a passion for youth development. Let’s develop the next generation—together 🫶