Parent Support
Everything parents and guardians need to know about supporting a child on a UK football and education programme.
Allowing your child to travel thousands of miles for a football and education programme is one of the biggest decisions a family can make. It takes real courage, from your child and from you.
PitchPlay was built by people who have seen what happens when that trust is misplaced. Talented players left without proper guidance or genuine support. We exist to make sure that never happens to a PitchPlay family.
What We Provide For You and Your Child
When your child joins a PitchPlay programme, you are not handing them over to an organisation and waiting. You become part of a support network that stays active throughout the full duration of their programme.
A Named Welfare Officer
Every PitchPlay player is assigned a named welfare officer before they arrive in the UK. This is a real person — not a helpline — who knows your child's situation, their programme, their goals and their challenges. You'll have their contact details from day one.
Regular Welfare Check-Ins
Depending on your child's plan, welfare check-ins take place monthly or termly — by phone or video call. These are confidential conversations between your child and their welfare officer, but you'll receive regular updates on their progress and wellbeing.
The PitchPlay WhatsApp Group
Every player is added to a private PitchPlay welfare WhatsApp group where they can reach out to the team between formal check-ins. It's a simple but effective way of making sure no one ever feels they have to wait to be heard.
24-Hour Emergency Contact
In the event of an emergency — medical or otherwise — PitchPlay provides a direct emergency contact for both players and parents. You will always be able to reach someone.
Transparent Communication
We believe parents should always know who to contact, what to expect and how the programme is going. We will flag any welfare concerns with you promptly, and you are always welcome to contact us directly.
Your Child's Journey.
Our Responsibility.
Your Child's Journey — Stage by Stage
Before Arrival
We'll provide you with full pre-arrival information of what your child needs to bring, how to prepare, who their welfare officer is and what to do if you have questions before they travel. Our team is available to speak with you directly before departure.
The First Weeks
The first weeks are when most adjustment happens and when welfare support matters most. Your child's welfare officer will make contact early in the first week and will check in regularly through the settling-in period. Homesickness is normal and expected; our team is experienced in supporting players through it.
Mid-Programme
As your child settles into their routine, welfare check-ins continue on schedule. If there are academic concerns, coaching issues or personal difficulties at any point, the welfare officer is the first port of call and will escalate appropriately where needed.
End of Programme
As the programme draws to a close, we support your child in planning what comes next whether that's returning home, continuing into further study, or pursuing a football pathway. Our pathway advice service helps them make informed, realistic decisions.
The Welfare Plans — At a Glance
PitchPlay offers three tiers of welfare support. Every plan includes a named welfare officer and regular check-ins. Higher tiers add specialist one-to-one support from our sports psychologist, player mentor, sports counsellor, strength & conditioning coach and professional scout.
BLACK PLAN
Our foundation welfare package, essential support for international student-athletes who want guidance, practical advice and regular welfare contact throughout their programme.
Best for: players who want meaningful, independent support alongside their programme.
PINK PLAN
Our most popular package. The Pink Plan adds specialist one-to-one support from our sports psychologist, player mentor, personal trainer and sports counsellor, alongside a professional scouting report.
Best for: players looking to elevate their performance, build resilience and make the most of every opportunity.
PINK PLAN PRO
Our premium package, the highest level of welfare and performance support PitchPlay offers. Designed for elite international athletes who want comprehensive, hands-on guidance across every area of their development.
Best for: players with professional-level ambitions who want a fully tailored, high-performance experience.