Frequently Asked Questions

ON AGE & GENDER:

What’s the minimum age requirement?

To attend any Futbol Funatics camp, the child must be at least 3 years old on the day that he/she joins.

My child in the Beckham Buddies age group (3-6) doesn’t want to participate, what do you recommend I do?

It is very normal if your child is hesitant to join the group at first. It takes a while for some children to warm up to the coaches and to the idea of playing games with other kids. Here are some tips to help newcomers between the ages of 3 to 6:

• Be encouraging but never pressure your child to participate. It often happens that the child is still adjusting to the group and needs to watch first before joining in.

• Comments like ‘good job!’, ‘nice try!” and ‘I’m so proud of you!’ really make a difference when said even for the simplest achievements like running, kicking the ball or following a basic instruction.

• There are some children who need their parents by their side while doing the drills. This works for some but we do suggest slowly “letting go” and encouraging your child to try it by himself/herself once you see him/her getting comfortable with the surroundings, especially if your child is 4 years old or above. In any case, guardians or parents on the field with their child are requested be conscious of where they position themselves, in order not to block the view of their child or the other participants from seeing the coach or the demonstrations being shown.

• It is expected that their attention span is short and they may leave the field in the middle of the session looking for their mommies and daddies. This is normal. Some days they may be more attentive and on other days, completely not in the mood to play. Through experience, we have seen that kids who arrive late or take naps right before soccer time are not immediately participative. Please try to come at least 10-15 mins. before the session starts so your child has time to get settled in.

• A scrimmage is played in the last 10-15 mins. of the session. Majority of kids in this age bracket cannot comprehend why there is only one ball for all the children. However they still are made to engage in a scrimmage so that they are exposed to the actual game of soccer, even if they are in the “my ball only” stage. If your child joins all the activities except scrimmage, we suggest keeping him/ her near the field watching the game so that he/she can still see how it is being played. Having you by his/her side explaining the nature of the game while it’s going on might aid in his/her participation later on.

Are there girls in the class?

Most of the Futbol Funatics classes are co-ed and have boys and girls mixed together for all age categories. In the regular camps, there is usually around 2-4 girls enrolled in a given age group (number varies depending on camp location). Futbol Funatics also offers all-girl workshops for ages 10 and up. Details on these exclusive workshops/training camps are posted on the Venues and Schedules page

ON ABSENCES:

If my child misses a class, can I get a refund or have the payment apply to another child?

Enrollment fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Futbol Funatics offers prorated rates for those who have trips/vacations planned on particular dates or who simply want to leave allowance for potential absences. Carry-over/Make-up slips are given only in the following circumstances:

• Absence due to medical reasons supported by the submission of a medical certificate
• Absence due to a death in the family supported by a death certificate or an email letter of request stating conflict of wake or burial with child’s football class
• Absence due to weather (Please see FAQ on WEATHER)

ON WEATHER:

Are sessions cancelled when it’s raining?

The weather in the Philippines is very unpredictable. The weather can instantly change from blue skies to thunderstorms. Session cancellations are usually advised at least 1.5 hours prior to the start of the session if the weather or field is unplayable by that time. However, on-the-spot cancellations can occur as there are times the skies are clear and within minutes, there is a sudden downpour, rendering the field unplayable instantly. In any case, once you have a reserved slot in a given module, you will be included in the text blast advising if a cancellation is necessary that day. Please note that in most cases, sessions push through even with light rain or a steady drizzle, but are usually cancelled if the rain is accompanied by thunder and lightning. It is advised to always bring an extra change of clothes so you can have your child immediately change after a rainy session.

Moreover, if it so happens that a session you pre-paid for pushes through on a rainy day and your child is unable to play in the rain (ex. recovering from an illness), you may send a text message to the Futbol Funatics mobile number and request for consideration to receive a carry-over slip.

What happens when it rains in the middle of a session?

It can happen that the weather turns on us in the middle of a session. If the weather and field are still playable, session will continue, as long as there is no lightning and/or thunder. If the weather completely deteriorates and session must be cut short, Futbol Funatics may add extension minutes to a succeeding session to make-up for the session that was cut short. The scheduling of the make-up minutes is also advised via text to those enrolled in the given module.

ON UNIFORM & GEAR:

Im only here for a one-month vacation and will just be catching a few sessions, do i need to buy the uniform?

The Futbol Funatics uniform set consists of two Futbol Funatics jerseys, one gray and one orange, and is our school’s requirement for ALL enrollees. Although we do offer prorated rates for convenience of those who cannot attend a full module, the uniform set is still required and is supplied to us as a set and at a discounted rate, hence must be purchased as a set as well.

Im only attending 1x a week, can i just buy one color of the uniform?

The uniform set includes both the orange and gray Futbol Funatics jerseys. The set cannot be broken. We do accommodate enrollees who wish to attend classes 1x a week but they are still required to comply with uniform requirement. As mentioned above, the uniforms are supplied to us as a set and with a discounted rate for the set, so it must be purchased as a set as well (P600 inclusive of both jerseys).

My friend’s child outgrew his old Futbol Funatics uniform, can I have my child use his instead of buying a new one?

Yes, you can certainly make use of second-hand Futbol Funatics uniforms, as long as your child comes in the appropriate color designated for each training day.

Does my child need to be in spikes (football shoes)?

We do not require players to be in spikes but we recommend the use of it if you are already sure that your child will be pursuing the sport. For newcomers, regular rubber shoes are allowed if you are still deciding on the sport. The Beckham Buddies (ages 3-6) may wear regular rubber shoes as spikes may be hard to find for this age. Pls note though that for those enrolling in our BGC camp location, BGC Turf management requires players 7 and up to be in proper football shoes/spikes.

My child is a first timer. What should we bring on his/her first session?

We recommend bringing the following in your football bag: 1. Sunblock 2. Extra change of clothes in case of rain 3. Water bottle/jug for the water breaks 4. Shinguards and long socks for protection (Futbol Funatics also sells shinguards and long socks at the registration booth of the camps)

ON RESERVATIONS:

We require all interested enrollees to send a text message to reserve a slot, indicating the child’s name, age, selected camp venue and date you plan to start to 0917-329-00-11. Within 48 hours, you will receive a reply advising you if a slot is available. The text reservation system is needed for the following reasons: 1. We cannot assume that every player enrolled in one module will automatically enroll for the next module. School schedules, family commitments and vacations can affect the player’s schedule, so even if you are a regular, we cannot assume that you want a slot reserved for you each module if we do not receive a text reservation from you beforehand for a particular modular period. 2. During peak months, the chances that we are able to accept walk-ins without a slot reservation are very slim. We aim to maintain quality sessions and do not want to compromise the quality of the classes by accepting more students than the venue or the coaches can handle at a given time. Reservation of slots ensures that we maintain our ratio of coach to player and have ample equipment and space for everyone enrolled. 3. If you do not reserve a slot via text and intend to just take your chances of dropping by, we do not have your mobile number saved on our phone to let you know if a session is cancelled due to weather. Through the text reservation system we are able to save your number and keep you updated on sudden cancellations since we know to expect you.

How will I know if a new module is about to start and it’s time for me to reserve a slot? Will I be sent a text advisory?

Futbol Funatics sends text advisories regarding the next modular period to those enrolled in the current modular period. If you are not enrolled in the current modular period, you will not receive the text blast. For those not consistently enrolled in the camps and not receiving text blast advisories on upcoming schedules, you may simply send a text inquiry to 0917-329-0011 to ask about schedules or log on to our website from time to time to see upcoming schedules.

ON ENROLLMENT:

Can we avail of a package and use it in different venues?

All enrollment packages offered are applicable to one selected camp venue only. You may enroll in more than one camp venue (example, 5 sessions in Meralco Pasig and 5 sessions in BGC Turf), but you would not be able to avail of the 10-session promo package to combine the sessions. Enrollment is separate per camp venue. In the above sample, you would avail of the 5-session package in Meralco-Pasig and the 5-session package in BGC Turf.

Can I avail of the 10-session promo package and consume it in the next module if I miss a few from the current module?

The 10-session promo package applies to those committing to the 10-session dates indicated for a particular modular period. Prorated rates apply to those not attending the full 10 sessions of a given module.

Do we need to advise via text every time we are coming if we are just coming on a drop-in basis and paying per session?

Those intending to pay per session and drop-in whenever available still need to send in a text reservation for each module and advise that you have opted to pay on a per session basis (availing of the regular per session rate). To give consideration to those who may be waitlisted (especially during summer peak months), please advise us when you will not be coming so we know we can accommodate a waitlisted player to take your slot for that particular day.

I will not be able to accompany my child on the first day of class. Can I pay via deposit or at your office before the module starts?

Arrangements for bank deposits or at the Futbol Funatics head office located at 247 Nur Bldg., El Grande Ave., BF Homes, Paranaque, can be arranged if you are unable to accompany your child to register him/her on his/her first day of camp. The Futbol Funatics office is open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 1:30pm. Please note though that during peak season (summer module), advanced payment/ bank deposits may be required in particular camp locations.

ON THE COACHES AND CLASSES:

Who are the coaches?

The Futbol Funatics coaching staff is headed by Technical Director Avery Del Rosario and Program Director Candice Grey-Del Rosario, who are the founders of Futbol Funatics. Complete profiles of the directors and the coaching staff can be found on The Coaches page.

What is the ratio of coach to player?

For the Beckham Buddies (ages 3-6), the coach to player ratio is 1:6; the Messi Magicians (ages 7-9) is 1:10; the Ronaldo Runners (ages10-13) and Cannavaro Captains (ages 14-17) is 1:12. Futbol Funatics reserves the right to combine age brackets or subdivide groups depending on the activities at hand or as deemed necessary.

What is the medium of instruction?

All training sessions are instructed in English. In the case of players who speak Filipino only, the assistant coach will translate separately to him/her. All instructions are accompanied by demonstrations so players who do not speak either of the above languages are usually able to still follow the class through observation of the demonstrations.

How long are the classes?

For the Beckham Buddies (ages 3-6), the class runs for one (1) hour; For the Messi Magicians (ages 7-9), Ronaldo Runners (ages10-13) and Cannavaro Captains (ages 14-17), the class runs for one hour and a half (1.5 hrs).

How are the children grouped?

The children are grouped according to age, but are often further subdivided according to skill level for particular activities, especially in camps with bigger class sizes.

When can my child move up to the next age bracket?

The coaches advise when your child is ready to be tried out in the next age group. The coaches’ assessment regarding the placement and grouping of your child in a bracket is not only dependent on age but also on skill, level of maturity, pace in learning and experience in the sport. All of these factors are taken into consideration so that your child can maximize his/her experience at the camps.

ON TOURNAMENTS:

What is Intercamp?

Intercamp is Futbol Funatics’ in-house tournaments that take place 2-3 times a year between the players of our different camp venues. Schedule and venue of Intercamp Games are announced via text to those enrolled in the different camp venues during the current modular period

When is FF’s Belo Sunexpert Summer Soccer Cup?

Every year, Futbol Funatics partners with Belo SunExpert for its annual summer tournament held at the end of May for all the participants of the Futbol Funatics summer camps. Futbol Funatics tournaments are always fun family affairs that are high impact events filled with activities and booths, coupled with a high degree of dynamic participation from our students and their respective families.

I see photos of FF’s “FFAST” team on the Futbol Funatics Facebook page. What is that and how does one become a part of that?

FFAST is Futbol Funatics’ Advanced Supplementary Training Program. Based on your child’s performance and progress at the camps, players are selected and invited to participate in this program when the coaches deem them ready to grasp an even deeper understanding of the sport. In FFAST, they engage in supplementary training geared towards further enhancing their advanced skills in a highly competitive environment. FFAST is also the training pool for FF’s selection teams that represent Futbol Funatics in tournaments where a limited number of players can be placed on a roster. The coaches at camp are constantly assessing the players and once your child is seen to have achieved advanced technical ability and game awareness, the coaches will recommend your child for placement in FFAST and you will be contacted accordingly.

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