A little clarity. A confident start.
What families often want to know before their first session, from choosing a centre to training at home.
Getting started
Who runs NB Academy?
NB Academy is owned by Nathaniel Barnes, who has over 20 years of coaching experience with grassroots players, academy players and professional footballers. Meet Nathaniel
Does my child need football experience?
Tell us about your player's experience and confidence when you enquire. The academy can help you understand whether the available group is a suitable fit; please confirm this before attending.
Which age groups do you coach?
The centre page currently shows example age bands between 6 and 14 years. These are draft details, not confirmed entry requirements. Contact the academy with your player's age to check the correct group.
Can we try a session before committing?
Ask the academy about trial-session availability and any trial fee. Trial arrangements have not yet been confirmed on this website.
How do I enquire?
Use the WhatsApp button on any page. Answer a few questions, then continue to WhatsApp with your enquiry ready to review and send. No booking is confirmed through this website. Contact NB Academy
Centres, times & costs
Which centres are live?
NB Academy is live at Goals Perry Barr and Alexander Stadium. Goals Star City and Goals Dudley are coming soon. See all four centres
When will Goals Star City and Goals Dudley open?
Launch dates have not been announced. You can enquire about either centre through the contact page; coming-soon sessions are not running yet.
Are the listed session times and prices confirmed?
No. Days, times, costs, age groups and group sizes on the centre page are clearly marked sample content. Confirm the actual timetable, price and payment arrangements with NB Academy before attending.
How many places are available?
The space counts currently shown are illustrative examples, not live availability. An enquiry does not reserve a place.
Where should we meet the coach?
Use the address and directions on your centre's page to plan your journey. Ask the academy for the exact entrance, pitch and meeting point before your first visit; the venue reception may serve several organisations.
On the training day
What should players bring?
A filled water bottle, shin pads and comfortable sports clothing. Take a suitable extra layer for outdoor training, and confirm the required footwear for the surface with the academy. First-session checklist
Should a parent or guardian stay?
Supervision and collection arrangements need to be confirmed with the academy for your player's age group. Do not assume that drop-off is available; agree the arrangements before the first session.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Ask the academy how it communicates changes or cancellations. Weather decisions, replacement sessions and any refunds depend on the academy's confirmed policy, which will be published when available.
What if we miss a session?
Contact the academy as early as possible. Please ask about its cancellation, refund and missed-session policies before making a payment.
Can you support additional needs?
Discuss your player's needs with the academy before attending so it can explain the support available. Keep sensitive personal or medical information out of the website enquiry and ask for an appropriate way to share it.
Home training
Are the training hub exercises suitable for my child?
Every exercise is tagged by age (5–8, 9–11, 12–14, 15+) with a suggested dose. Choose your player's age on any hub page to see only suitable exercises. Younger players should be supervised. Open the training hub
Is it safe for children to do strength training?
Bodyweight strength work done with good technique is suitable for children. Our light-weight exercises are only for players aged 12+, starting with very light loads and supervision. Stop anything that hurts and ask a health professional about injuries.
We don't have any equipment. Can we still train?
Yes. Every exercise lists a household alternative — shoes or bottles for cones, a wall for a rebounder, water bottles or a backpack for dumbbells.
Does home training replace academy sessions?
No. It's designed to complement coached sessions. Ask the coach which exercises suit your player best.
Development & wellbeing
Does joining guarantee an academy trial or professional contract?
No. Football development takes different paths, and joining NB Academy does not guarantee selection, a trial or a professional contract. Our approach focuses on skills, confidence, teamwork and enjoyment.
Are the testimonials on this website real?
The current testimonials and success stories are clearly labelled fictional examples. They will be replaced with approved feedback and verified stories when available.
Where can I find safeguarding and coaching information?
Ask NB Academy for its safeguarding policy, named safeguarding contact and relevant coach qualifications before joining. These details have not yet been added to the website.
Will my child's name or photo appear on the website?
Real player stories and photographs are only added with the appropriate permission. Contact the academy to confirm its photography and consent arrangements.
Still have a question?
Tell us what you would like to know about the academy.