If you’re running a football coaching business, you know that attracting and retaining clients is crucial for long-term success.

While high-quality football coaching speaks for itself, strategic promotions can significantly boost your visibility and bookings—especially during off-peak seasons or when you're just starting out.

Here are several effective promotional strategies you can use to grow your client base and fill your sessions.

Free Taster Sessions

Offering a free taster session is one of the most powerful ways to get potential customers through the door.

Parents and players are more likely to commit to a coaching programme once they’ve experienced the quality of your sessions first-hand.

Tip: Limit free taster sessions to specific days or times so they don’t disrupt your paying sessions.

Early Bird Discounts

If you run term-based programmes or holiday camps, offering an "early bird" discount can incentivise parents to book in advance. This helps with your planning and ensures a steadier cash flow.

Example: “Book before [date] and get 15% off our Summer Football Camp!”

Referral Bonuses

Word-of-mouth is gold in youth football. Encourage your current customers to refer friends by offering them a reward for each successful referral.

Referral Incentives Could Include:

A free session
Branded gear (e.g., t-shirts, water bottles)
Discounts on future bookings

Multi-Session Packages

Encourage commitment by offering discounted pricing for booking multiple sessions in advance. This not only increases cash upfront but also boosts client retention.

Example: “Buy 5 sessions, get 1 free!”

Sibling or Group Discounts

Parents with multiple children often look for ways to save. Offer discounts for siblings or small group bookings to make your sessions more accessible.

Bonus: Group coaching can be more fun and dynamic, and may reduce your per-player costs.

Seasonal Promotions

Tie your promotions to the football calendar, holidays, or local school terms. For instance, offer themed clinics around major tournaments like the World Cup or Euros.

Examples:

“Back to School Bootcamp – 10% Off September Bookings”
“World Cup Skills Week – Book Now and Get a Free Jersey!”

Social Media Giveaways

Run simple contests on platforms like Instagram or Facebook where users can enter by liking your page, tagging friends, or sharing your post. This expands your reach and brings new eyes to your services.

Giveaway Ideas:

Free 1-on-1 session
A free spot in an upcoming camp
Branded merchandise

Loyalty Rewards

Keep your existing customers engaged with a loyalty programme. For example, every 10 sessions booked could earn a free one or a discount on future camps.

Tip: Make tracking easy—use digital apps or printed punch cards.

Corporate or School Partnerships

Collaborate with local schools, academies, or youth centers. Offer exclusive discounts to their students or provide free taster sessions in exchange for promotion.

Limited-Time Flash Deals

Create urgency with limited-time offers. Promote these through email newsletters and social media to spur quick action.

Example: “48-Hour Deal – Save 20% on Next Week’s Training!”

Final Thoughts

The right promotion can be the difference between a slow season and a fully booked schedule. Keep testing different approaches to see what resonates most with your audience. Most importantly, combine these offers with excellent coaching, clear communication, and a strong online presence to build trust and long-term success.

Ready to grow? Start with one or two promotions this month and track your results—you’ll quickly see which ones are the most effective for your football coaching business.

⚽︎ What Promotions to Run in Your Football Coaching Business to Get More Bookings