Turning Trial Athletes into Full-Time Enrolments: Strategies for Soccer Academies

Trial sessions are a great way to get new athletes through your doors—but what happens next is what really counts. If you're not following up with clear messaging, offers, and touchpoints, you’re likely leaving long-term enrolments on the table.

At OTO Digital Solutions, we help soccer academies convert trial participants into full-time athletes through smart, automated marketing strategies that build trust and drive action. Here's how we do it—and how you can too.

1. Create a Clear Follow-Up Funnel

After a trial session, it’s important to follow up within 24 hours. We help academies set up email automation that:

• Thanks the parent and athlete for attending

• Highlights what the athlete did well

• Recommends the best next-step program

• Includes a strong call-to-action like “Enrol by Friday for $25 off your first month”

This kind of timely, personalized message dramatically increases conversion rates.

2. Use a Dedicated Landing Page for Conversions

Instead of sending trial families to your homepage, send them to a custom landing page designed to convert. We build pages that:

• Outline program benefits clearly

• Feature parent testimonials or before/after stories

• Include an FAQ section to overcome objections

• Offer easy registration or consultation scheduling

The more direct and focused the page, the easier it is for parents to say "yes."

3. Retarget with Paid Ads

Ever had a family attend a trial and then disappear? That doesn’t mean they’re not interested—it means they need a few more touchpoints. We run Facebook and Instagram retargeting ads that:

• Remind them of your value

• Promote limited-time offers

• Drive them back to your enrollment page

This keeps your academy top of mind while they’re deciding.

4. Send a Series of Follow-Up Emails

One email isn’t always enough. We help you craft a sequence of 3–5 emails that:

• Reinforce why families should choose your academy

• Introduce your coaches, philosophy, and success stories

• Address common concerns (cost, schedule, competition level)

• Include urgency—like limited spots or a promo deadline

This kind of nurturing helps build trust and drives action over time.

5. Use Testimonials and Social Proof

Parents trust other parents. We help you collect and feature feedback from families who turned trial sessions into full-time success. Include:

• Short quotes in your emails

• Video testimonials on your landing page

• Parent or athlete spotlights on social media

Social proof builds credibility and removes hesitation.

Final Thought

You’ve already done the hard part—getting new athletes in the door. Now it’s time to convert them. With a strong follow-up system, professional landing pages, and strategic nurturing campaigns, your soccer academy can turn more trials into full-time enrolments—and fuel real growth.

Want help setting up your trial-to-enrolment funnel?

 Book a free call with OTO Digital Solutions and we’ll map out a strategy tailored to your academy.