Parents Are Researching Now: How to Make Your Academy the First Choice for 2026

Winter might feel like the off-season for soccer academies, but for parents, it is decision making season. As families plan their children’s activities for the spring, they begin researching programs, comparing academies, reading reviews, and looking for the safest and most trustworthy option.

If you are not visible now, you risk losing registrations before your spring campaigns even begin.

Here is how you can position your academy as the clear first choice for 2026 while parents are actively researching.

Be Everywhere Parents Look

Parents use winter downtime to explore local academies online. You need strong visibility across all key touchpoints.

Audit your website

Make sure your program pages are clear, updated, and easy to understand. Parents should be able to find schedules, pricing, benefits, and registration details with zero friction.

Showcase social proof

Testimonials, Google reviews, and video success stories are powerful. Feature them prominently on your website and social channels.

Update your Google Business Profile

Parents often search “soccer academy near me.” Make sure your listing is complete, accurate, and filled with recent photos.

Speak to Parent Concerns

Most parents share the same questions and worries, especially if they are new to soccer training. Address those concerns upfront.

Safety and supervision

Explain your safety protocols, coach-to-player ratios, and training environment.

Coach qualifications

Highlight your coaches’ experience and certifications. Parents want to trust the people who will guide their kids.

Player development

Share your training philosophy, age specific development approach, and progression structure.

When parents can clearly see how your academy operates, trust builds automatically.

Keep Showing Up With Helpful Content

Consistent educational content positions your academy as the expert.

Examples include:

Training tips

Player development insights

Nutrition guidance

Winter drills players can use at home

Parent FAQs

When you provide value before the season starts, parents feel more confident choosing you over academies that stay silent.

Use Email to Nurture Early Decisions

Winter is the perfect time to warm up your audience.

Send emails that cover:

Early registration opening dates

Winter training opportunities 

Coach spotlights 

Testimonials and success stories

A strong nurture sequence ensures that when parents are ready to register, you are the academy they remember first.

Create Early-Bird Incentives

Parents love perks, and bonuses give them a reason to choose your academy early.

Examples include:

Priority placement

Discounted registration

Exclusive training resources

Free merchandise

These incentives help secure early commitments and improve spring planning.

If you want parents to choose your academy before the busy season begins, OTO Digital Solutions can help you optimize your website, improve your messaging, and build a strategy that positions your academy as the first and best choice for 2026. Book a strategy call today! Let’s get you ready for spring registrations now.