Do I need football experience to join Football for Fitness?

Not at all. Most of our members had never played before joining. Our FA licensed coaches break everything down step by step, and sessions are designed for all ability levels. Complete beginners are welcome.

How fit do I need to be for football fitness training?

Any fitness level is welcome. Our coaches adapt exercises to your ability. Whether you haven't exercised in years or you train regularly, you'll get a great workout. We provide modifications for every drill.

What happens in a typical Football for Fitness session?

Every session follows a five-part structure: warm-up and joint mobility (10-15 min), technical ball work (15-20 min), a football-based fitness circuit (15-20 min), small-sided games (15-20 min), and a cool-down with stretching (10 min). Sessions last approximately 60-90 minutes and are led by FA licensed coaches.

How much does Football for Fitness cost?

Monthly membership is £50 for unlimited sessions at all London locations. Flex packs are available: 10 sessions for £150 (£15 each) or 3 sessions for £60 (£20 each). Your first session is completely free with no card required. No contracts, no hidden fees.

Is football fitness good for weight loss?

Yes. A typical Football for Fitness session burns between 500-800 calories depending on intensity. The interval nature of football training also creates an 'afterburn effect', meaning your body continues burning calories for up to 48 hours after a session. Combined with the social accountability of group training, members consistently see better results than at the gym.

Where are Football for Fitness sessions held?

Football for Fitness runs sessions at multiple indoor and outdoor locations across London. Sessions are held on evenings and weekends to fit around your schedule. Both indoor and outdoor facilities are available for year-round training.

Can I bring my kids to Football for Fitness?

We run dedicated family sessions where parents and children aged 13 and over can train together. Check our schedule for family session times. Teen sessions (13-17) are also available separately.

What is football fitness training?

Football fitness is a structured training programme that uses football drills, exercises, and small-sided games to improve physical fitness. It combines joint mobility work, technical ball skills, circuit training, and fun games. Unlike competitive football, it's designed for people of all abilities who want to get fit in an enjoyable, social environment.

Beginner's Guide to Football Fitness | No Experience Needed

You don't need to know the offside rule. You don't need to be able to juggle a ball. You don't even need to own football boots. Football fitness training is designed for people who want to get fit using football as the vehicle — not for people who want to become footballers.

What Is Football Fitness?

Football fitness is a structured training programme that uses football drills, exercises, and small-sided games to improve your physical fitness. A typical session includes:

Joint mobility and warm-up (10-15 minutes)
Technical ball work — passing, control, dribbling at beginner level (15-20 minutes)
Football-based fitness circuit — stations combining exercises with ball work (15-20 minutes)
Small-sided games — fun 4v4 or 5v5 games (15-20 minutes)
Cool-down and stretching (10 minutes)

What to Expect at Your First Session

Before you arrive: Book your free trial through the website. Wear comfortable sportswear, bring water. That's it.

When you get there: Introduce yourself to the coach. You'll join the warm-up with everyone else. The coach will explain every drill. If something feels too difficult, there's always an easier option. Nobody judges.

During the session: You'll learn basic ball control. Fitness exercises are mixed in. The games at the end are the highlight — low-pressure, mixed-ability, and genuinely fun. You'll be surprised how quickly 90 minutes goes.

After: You'll be tired but buzzing. Light muscle soreness the next day is normal. You'll already be thinking about the next session.

Do I Need to Be Fit to Start?

No. Sessions accommodate all fitness levels simultaneously. Coaches provide three levels for most exercises — you choose your level. Nobody assigns it and nobody pays attention. Most beginners naturally progress within a few weeks.

What to Wear

Trainers — any comfortable running or cross-training shoe
Comfortable sportswear — shorts or joggers, t-shirt
Bring water
Optional: shin pads (not required)

Common Beginner Concerns

“I haven't exercised in years.” That's fine. Many of our members hadn't either. Start gentle, build gradually.

“I'm terrible at football.” Good. This isn't about being good at football. It's about using football to get fit.

“What if I can't keep up?” Every exercise has modifications. If you need a break, take one. There's no failing.

“Will people be competitive?” No. Football for Fitness is explicitly non-competitive. The games are for fun and fitness.

Your First Month

Week 1: Everything feels new. Expect to feel tired but energised. Muscle soreness for 1-2 days is normal.

Week 2-3: Drills start feeling familiar. You recover faster. The social side kicks in.

Week 4: A noticeable shift. You're fitter. Ball control has improved. You have a routine. This is where most people go from “trying it” to “this is my thing.”

How Often Should Beginners Train?

Start with once or twice a week. After 4-6 weeks, most people naturally increase to 2-3 sessions per week. There's no minimum commitment.

Ready to Start?

The hardest part is showing up the first time. Everything after that gets easier. Your first session is free. You have nothing to lose.

Football for Fitness is a London-based fitness programme combining football training with functional fitness. Founded by FA licensed coach Daryl Vanterpool. Sessions across London, evenings and weekends.

The Complete Beginner's Guide to Football Fitness Training