Players in training drill

Questions? We've got answers.

Everything parents and players need to know about PlayerBuilder

Programme Basics

What ages can apply?

PlayerBuilder is designed for players aged 10-13 years. All skill levels welcome - we're looking for attitude, not ability.

Can my child do this if they already play for a club?

Absolutely! PlayerBuilder complements club training. We focus on behavioral development that enhances performance everywhere they play.

Is this for boys, girls, or mixed?

Mixed groups. Football development principles are universal, and we believe diversity strengthens the learning environment.

What if my child has never played organised football?

Perfect! We're more interested in willingness to learn than current skill level. Some of our best success stories started here.

My child is shy and lacks confidence. Is this program right for them?

Yes - they're exactly who we designed this for.

Many kids lack confidence because they've never been given a framework to see their own improvement. When they can measure their progress and see evidence they're getting better, confidence follows naturally. We don't put kids on the spot or shame them. Every session includes personal feedback, and success is defined by effort and growth, not by being "the best."

Is there a trial or selection process?

No. Registration is first-come, first-served - we don't select players.

We work with every player who's ready to commit to:

  • 8 Friday evening sessions (4:45-6:15 PM)
  • App-guided home practice 6 days per week (15-30 mins/day)

The only requirement is willingness to do the work. Current skill level doesn't matter - we'll build from wherever you are.

Do you rank players or have A/B teams?

No. PlayerBuilder doesn't rank players or create hierarchies.

Every player gets personal FQ baseline (Week 1), individual progress tracking throughout, and personal FQ report (Week 8). We don't publish rankings, create "A teams," or compare players to each other in our feedback.

Why? Because our goal is to raise every player's ability, not to crown the best. When kids compete with themselves rather than each other, they stay engaged longer, build real confidence, and improve more consistently.

Can siblings attend together?

Yes! We offer family discounts:

  • • €20 off second child
  • • €40 off third child

Siblings will be in the same age group (10-13) but may work at different intensity levels during sessions based on individual needs.

Costs & Value

What's the difference between Base and Plus?

PlayerBuilder Base: €169 €149 (Founding Ennis Rate - until Jan 20)

Complete development program - 8 Friday sessions, FQ tracking & report, showcase & awards, app access for home training

PlayerBuilder+: €209 €189 (Founding Ennis Rate - until Jan 20)

Everything above + PlayerBuilder training kit (jersey & shorts), personalized stat card & development journal, priority re-enrollment

Are there any hidden costs?

No. The programme fee covers everything listed. Players just need to bring boots, shin pads, and water.

What if we need to withdraw?

Full refund available before Week 3. After that, pro-rated refunds based on sessions remaining.

Logistics

Where do sessions take place?

Ennis NS, Ashline, Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co Clare, V95 DE44. Ample parking available on-site.

What time are Friday sessions?

Sessions run 4:45-6:15 PM (90 minutes). Arrive at 4:40 PM for check-in. Pick-up at 6:20 PM.

What should players bring?

Football boots (molded studs preferred), shin pads, water bottle. PlayerBuilder+ players receive kit in Week 2.

What happens in bad weather?

Sessions run rain or shine (safety permitting). Real football is played in all conditions - that's part of building resilience.

Development Focus

How is this different from regular club training?

We focus on behavioral development alongside technical skills. Decision-making, resilience, and creative problem-solving are trained like physical skills.

What is Football Quotient (FQ)?

FQ is a framework we're developing for measuring football development. We're convinced that what gets measured gets managed — so we track decision speed, resilience, creativity, and leadership growth throughout the programme.

PlayerBuilder is where we test this framework with real kids. It's early days, but we're learning as we go. Learn more about FQ →

Will my child improve technically as well?

Absolutely. We use structured drills to develop ball control, passing, shooting, speed, and fitness.

What we add is the behavioral layer: decision-making under pressure, resilience after mistakes, creative problem-solving. Technical skill + mental game = complete development.

How do you measure success?

Through FQ progression, parent feedback, and observable behavioral changes. Each player has individual baselines, and we track improvement over time — not just current ability.

Parents receive reports showing week-by-week development across decision-making, resilience, creativity, and other traits. Growth becomes visible and measurable.

Safety & Operations

What's the coach-to-player ratio?

Maximum 16 players per coach (2 coaches, 32 players max). For certain drills and activities, we split into smaller groups to ensure every player gets individual attention and feedback.

Are all coaches Garda vetted?

Yes. All PlayerBuilder coaches are:

  • • Garda vetted (Irish police background check)
  • • UEFA qualified (minimum UEFA B, with UEFA A Elite experience)
  • • Trained in safeguarding and child welfare
  • • First aid certified

What if my child misses a Friday session?

We understand things come up. While we encourage consistent attendance (it's only 8 weeks), life happens.

If a session is missed:

  • • No make-up sessions available
  • • We'll send session notes so they know what was covered
  • • Coaches will help them catch up the following week
  • • They can continue home practice all week

Refund policy: Full refund if you withdraw before Week 3. Pro-rated refund after Week 3.

What happens after the 8 weeks?

Most players continue with Block 2, which typically starts 4-6 weeks after Block 1 ends.

After completing Block 1, players get:

  • • Final FQ report and progress analysis
  • • Recommendations for continued development
  • • Priority registration for Block 2
  • • Continued app access for home training

We're building a continuous development pathway, not a one-time camp.

App & Home Practice

How does the app work? Do I need to buy anything extra?

The app is included in both Base and Plus packages - no extra cost.

What it does:

  • • Provides daily/weekly home practice plans
  • • Tracks sessions completed and time spent
  • • Shows progress (XP system and personal bests)
  • • Gives players ownership of their development

What you need: Smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android), login details (sent after registration), internet connection for downloading drills (can practice offline after)

Parent involvement optional but encouraged. App shows you what your child is working on and you can see their practice activity.

What if my child doesn't do the home practice during the week?

Friday sessions still provide value, but the real transformation happens with consistent home practice.

Here's why:

  • • Friday sessions = learning and feedback (12 hours total)
  • • Home practice = repetition and habit-building (20+ hours potential)
  • • Combined = measurable, lasting improvement

If home practice isn't happening, we'll notice (app tracks activity), check in with you and your child, help identify barriers, and adjust expectations accordingly.

Bottom line: PlayerBuilder works best for kids (and families) ready to commit to the full 6+1 model, not just Friday sessions.

What's the actual time commitment for parents?

Friday sessions: Drop-off 4:40 PM, Pick-up 6:20 PM. You can stay and watch or use the 90 minutes for errands.

Home practice: Your child does this independently (after initial guidance). 15-30 mins per day, 6 days per week. App provides all instruction.

Communication: Weekly email update (5 min read), occasional app notifications.

Total parent time: ~1-2 hours per week (mostly Friday session logistics).

Still have questions?

Get in touch. We're here to help you understand if PlayerBuilder is right for your player.