Parents Area

Everything You Need to Support Your Child

Resources, guides, and everything you need to know about life at Mid Somerset RTC, all in one place.

You're Part of the Team Too

At Mid Somerset RTC, we know that parents are a huge part of what makes this work. Your support, on the sideline, at home, and in the car on the way to training, makes a real difference to how your child develops, not just as a footballer, but as a person.

This page is your go-to hub. Download our guides, check the kit list, read our FAQ, and if you ever have a question that isn't answered here, just get in touch. We're always happy to chat.

Free
Trial Session
48hr
Response Guaranteed
3
Training Venues
Boys
& Girls
U7–U16
Coach working with players at Mid Somerset RTC

Your child deserves the best possible start

Academy coaching. Real results.

Downloadable Guides

Practical resources to help your child get the most from their time at Mid Somerset RTC.

Nutrition Guide for Young Footballers

What to eat before and after training, hydration tips, and how to fuel your child for match days, written specifically for young players aged 7–15.

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At-Home Training Exercises

Skill drills, ball mastery exercises, and fitness routines your child can do between sessions. No equipment needed. Just a ball and some space.

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Kit Guide: What to Bring

Everything your child needs for training sessions and match days. A quick checklist to make sure they're always prepared and never left short.

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Supporting Your Child at Football

How to be the parent every young footballer needs, on the sideline and at home. Practical advice on encouragement, managing disappointment, and letting them enjoy the game.

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What to Bring to Every Session

Never arrive underprepared. Here's everything your child needs.

Football Boots
Suitable for 3G artificial grass. Moulded studs or astro trainers. No metal studs on 3G.
Shin Pads Mandatory
Required at every session. Players without shin pads may not be able to participate.
Labelled Water Bottle
A full water bottle with your child's name on it. Staying hydrated is key to performance.
Club Kit or Plain Training Wear
Mid Somerset RTC kit where possible, or plain dark/light training wear. Avoid replica shirts from other clubs.
Warm Layers for Evening Sessions
Evenings on 3G pitches can be cold even in summer. Bring a jacket or hoodie to warm up and cool down in.
Post-Training Snack (Optional)
A light snack for the journey home helps recovery. A banana, cereal bar, or small sandwich all work well.

How to Support Your Child

The research is clear: the biggest influence on a young player's enjoyment and development isn't their coach. It's their parents. How you behave on the sideline and how you talk about football at home has a direct impact on how much your child loves the game.

We ask all parents at Mid Somerset RTC to be positive, encouraging, and to let the coaches coach. That doesn't mean being silent. It means cheering effort, celebrating teamwork, and being the person your child wants to see when they look over from the pitch.

After training, give your child space to decompress before asking questions. Let them tell you about it in their own time. A simple "I loved watching you play today" goes further than a full tactical debrief.

Be Their Fan, Not Their Coach

They have coaches for coaching. What they need from you is unconditional support. Cheer the effort, the hustle, and the teamwork, not just the goals.

Encourage Effort Over Results

Development isn't linear. A session where they tried hard, made mistakes, and learned something is more valuable than one where everything went right.

Trust the Process

Our coaches have a plan for every player. Progress takes time, but it comes. The best thing you can do is keep them coming, keep them positive, and trust the journey.

Common Parent Questions

Can't find your answer? Just get in touch and we'll come back to you within 48 hours.

How much does it cost to join?

Mid Somerset RTC is built on the belief that premium coaching should be accessible to every family. Our fees are kept deliberately affordable, well below what you'd pay at a private academy of this standard. Contact us directly for current pricing, as fees may vary by age group and number of sessions per week.

What if my child has never played at this level before?

That's completely fine. A trial session is just that: a chance for your child to come, train with the group, and see if it's a good fit. Our coaches are experienced in welcoming new players of all abilities. If your child is willing to work hard and enjoys football, there's a place for them here.

How do I book a trial session?

Simply fill in our trial enquiry form on this website and we'll be in touch within 48 hours to arrange a free session at your preferred venue. There's no cost and no commitment. Just come and give it a go. Enquire for a Trial here.

How many sessions per week does my child attend?

Most players attend two to three sessions per week plus matches in the Junior Premier League. The exact number depends on age group and venue. We'll talk you through what's involved when you enquire, so you can decide what works best for your family.

What happens if my child wants to leave or take a break?

We completely understand that life changes. There's no long-term contract or pressure to stay. If your child needs a break or wants to step away, just let us know and we'll handle it without any fuss. We'd always rather they come back refreshed than burn out.

How do I contact my child's coach?

The best way to reach us is by emailing paul.taylor@junior-premier.co.uk or messaging us on Instagram @midsomersetrtc. We aim to respond to all messages within 48 hours.

Got a Question? We're Always Happy to Chat.

No question is too small. Whether it's about kit, sessions, costs, or anything else, get in touch and we'll come back to you within 48 hours.