What you need to know
Collapsible content
Welfare & Safeguarding
Each Nationals Camp will have a Welfare & Safeguarding Officer on site for the duration of the event. The role of this Officer is to be there for all children on the camp - A safe person to discuss concerns and anxieties on & away from the training pitch.
Why?
We know that many of our keepers have not spent many nights completely away from home & parents before, which can lead to anxiety and homesickness. We recognise that it can be daunting, especially if a keeper is attending without prior friends or from a different country.
That's why we take it seriously & ensure we provide a welcoming environment for our goalkeepers.
Attending or Travelling Alone
The transformation in confidence and the speed at which our group of goalkeepers become close friends is always the most satisfying thing to see as organisers of The Nationals.
We'll room our Keepers logically based on age and ensure they are in the same groups on the pitch too, so they get to know eachother before the first night.
We have attendees coming back for the 3rd time in a row this year. They started as solo attendees, and now they're requesting to be roomed with the friends they made last year!
Travelling from abroad
We'll be welcoming many people travelling from overseas to The Nationals, either on their own or with parents.
What do you need?
- Your own transport
- Your own travel insurance
Special Arrangements
When booking your place, you'll be asked to complete an attendee form which provides us with all the information we need, such as emergency contact numbers, dietry requirements, medications and much more.
There will be a section for 'additional information' which is information that can be provided to our Safeguarding and Welfare Officer. If you have extra information you think our qualified officer should know, this is where you can let us know.
Other FAQ's
I'm worried about my child staying overnight
Since starting The Nationals in 2022, we've seen many young children have concerns & worries on day 1, with parents deciding to stay locally overnight just incase they get the call! We're proud that so far, every child has stayed the night, and by night 2 are absolutely loving the experience away from parents! For some, it's a huge milestone and achievement, and we make sure we recognise that. Many of the younger kids come away with a sense of pride and added confidence which is incredible to see.
Refund Policy
We understand circumstances can change when booking camps far in advance.
Please view the full refund policy here
Please email info@thenationals.co.uk to start the refund process
Can I pay in instalments?
You can use PayPal Credit at the checkout which, provided you are eligible, means you can spread the payments over 4 interest-free instalments.
This is the only method of spreading the payments that we can provide.
Girls on the camp - How many attend?
We of course welcome girls to join The Nationals and are striving to increase the number of female goalkeepers represented at The Nationals.
In previous years, girls have represented between 15-20% of attendees. We'd love to increase this representation year on year.
We have sought feedback from our previous attendees in order to provide the best experience for our goalkeepers. We always ensure girls have their own accommodation blocks and liaison officer so they feel as comfortable as possible.
Child Safeguarding Policy
We strive to provide the safest environment for our goalkeepers. With the venue hosted at a school, there are already strict measures in place around authorised access on the grounds.
All of our coaches are DBS checked and have extensive experience coaching goalkeepers of all ages.
We separate boys & girls into different dorms. We also have a strict policy on room mixing after being advised to rooms at around 10pm each evening.
In addition, we have our dedicated Welfare & Safeguarding Officer on site at all times.
What ages can attend?
Each Camp has it's own age requirements. Check the product description to find out more.
What communications will I get after booking?
You will receive booking confirmation which will include The Nationals Attendee Form. It is essential this is filled out.
You will then receive regular communications for everything you need to know and make you excited for the camp!
What is the booking process?
After booking a place on The Nationals, you will be sent The Nationals Attendee Form
Here, you'll be asked any key information about your child, like allergies, disabilities, emergency contact number etc.
We'll also ensure we have their name, age and gender so we can begin planning their group & room to ensure we can provide the best and most seamless check in experience.
My child has allergies or disabilities that may require assistance
After booking The Nationals, you will be required to fill in The Nationals Attendee Form. Here we will ask all the information we need to know, such as required medications, allergies or disabilities.
Can I stay & watch the training?
Yes! Please feel free to watch the training sessions. Parents will not be permitted to enter the school building, so only the outdoor training sessions will be able to be viewed.
Can I contact my child during the event?
Your child is welcome to bring a mobile phone or device to keep in touch with parents.
The keepers will be very busy during the day! But will have plenty of free time in the evenings.
If your child does not have a mobile phone but wants to talk to parents, we have your emergency contact numbers stored safely (submitted when booking), and we can arrange a phone call
Can I room with a friend?
When you purchase The Nationals, you'll be sent The Nationals Attendee Form.
Here, there is an option to list a roommate(s) if you also know they are attending. We'll do our best to fulfil this wish, however it cannot be guaranteed.
How will different abilities be split?
We're passionate about providing an incredible coaching experience, so we'll always ensure groups sizes are kept small, with a coach:player ratio between 1:8-15.
Initially, we'll split these by age groups. However we're vigilant during the first few sessions to move players around to ensure they get the maximum benefit over the camp by matching their ability to the correct group.
Mobile Phone Policy
There are no issue with attendees bringing their mobile phones or other devices. There is downtime in the evenings, and it's a good way of staying in touch with parents.
However, this is at your own risk. We strongly advise that phones and devices are kept in rooms and not taken down to the training pitches.
The Nationals does not bear any responsibility for lost items