Programmes market to players. Parents make the financial decision. Here is the guide written for you.
Parents are the most important and least-served audience in the Spanish football market. Every programme markets to the player: the excitement, the badge, the lifestyle. Parents, who are frequently making the financial decision and carrying the welfare responsibility, are expected to trust marketing without a framework to evaluate it.
This is that framework.
The Welfare Questions That Come First
Who is physically present in Spain managing the welfare of players day to day? Is it the person you spoke to in the sales process, or someone else entirely?
What is the process if your child is not getting playing time, has a welfare concern, or needs to come home early? Who do you call, how quickly will they respond, and what can they actually do?
Where is the accommodation and who else is there? What is the supervision arrangement overnight?
The Football Questions That Matter
Will your child receive an official RFEF playing licence and compete in a recognised Spanish league? If the answer uses phrases like “exposure to professional football“ or ”training within a professional environment“ without directly answering, that is an answer in itself.
What is the expected playing time? How many competitive matches? What happens if they are not selected?
**10 QUESTIONS FOR EVERY PROGRAMME**
**1.** Official RFEF playing licence, yes or no?
**2.** Which division and league, specific, not vague
**3.** Who is physically in Spain managing welfare day-to-day?
**4.** What happens if playing time is not happening?
**5.** Who do we call at 10pm if something goes wrong?
**6.** Education provider, officially accredited by Spanish authorities?
**7.** Can we speak independently with previous families?
**8.** Accommodation, where, who else, what supervision?
**9.** What is the refund policy if the programme cannot deliver?
**10.** What is included in the price and what is additional?
The Bottom Line
A legitimate, well-run operation answers all ten of these clearly and without hesitation. Redirections back to marketing material, vague reassurances, or “we’ll cover all that once you commit“, these tell you what you need to know.
This is a significant investment in your child’s future. You are entitled to clear answers.
The starting point for any player we work with is an honest evaluation. Submit yours at nxtfootballer.com/evaluate.
Ben Faulkner, NXT Footballer SL
