Manchester City Football Programs Airport Transfer Information & Camp Frequently Asked Questions


City Football Programs provides a negotiated transfer service from Manchester (MAN) Airport to University of Manchester, Unsworth and Richmond Park. All airport transfers must be pre-arranged. After collecting their luggage, your child will proceed through customs then to the public arrivals hall where the Program staff will be holding a big City Football Program sign (BSC sign). If your child makes his way to this sign the Program staff will meet and escort him all the way from the airport to the venue.

Please note that participants with arrival transfers or departure transfers will each have a maximum of 2 hours of waiting time at the airport with the Program staff for their transfers as the Program staff have to wait for other children to arrive or depart as well.

However, once the participant has met with the Program staff at the airport, then they are supervised at all times during their maximum of 2 hours of waiting time at the airport with the Program staff for their arrival transfer or their departure transfer.

Participants must arrive on the first date of the camp and leave on the last date of the camp as mentioned on your registration.

Outside the hours mentioned above, additional fees will apply for your transfer.

Check local requirements for children travelling without their parents or legal guardian (Unaccompanied Minor (UM, check Airlines Services for UM) – each country has specific requirements and may require written consent and/or identity documents.

Please note that UK Border Control (Immigration) does not allow children to wait alone without supervision.

UK Border Control may stop any child traveling alone and will only release them into the care of an adult. Therefore, students cannot wait by themselves.

For Arrival and/or Departure flights, flights need to arrive on Sundays or depart on Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 18:00pm (6:00pm).

Please note that Sunday Arrivals are Recommended before 14:00 (2:00pm) which is before the camp welcome for the start of camp (around 4pm).

For departure on Fridays, we recommend that flights leave after 19:30pm (7:30pm) otherwise you will miss the last day’s training session, the stadium tour, and the closing ceremony at the Etihad Stadium (Manchester City stadium) which ends around 16:30pm (4:30pm).

Outside the hours mentioned above in red, additional fees of US$40 each way will apply for your transfer.

There is also an option to stay on a Friday night (additional fee) and take a flight on Saturday morning only, if you choose this option and book an airport transfer, the one way transfer fee on Saturday morning from University of Manchester, Richmond Park to Manchester Airport will include an additional fee of US $ 40 for the Saturday morning departure transfer as compared to the standard one way departure transfer fee (departure flight times on Saturday MUST be in the morning only), see price details on the price page.

On departure, students will be dropped off at their airline ticket counter.

On the departure day the Program staff will take your child to the check in desk and then to the security gate. The Program can also make arrangements to transfer your child to the airline’s unaccompanied minor service if you check the unaccompanied minor box in your online booking.

It is of vital importance that all necessary flight details are sent to Soccer Camps International with the booking form or as soon as available. City Football Programs requires the exact flight information, including dates, airlines, flight numbers, arrival and departure terminals, and flight times at the latest 4 weeks before camp starts.

Approximate Journey Time:
University of Manchester, Unsworth and Richmond Park
Manchester (MAN) Airport25 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can my child stay for two consecutive weeks instead of just one week?

A:  Only for Soccer and English Language sessions it is possible to stay more than one week (mandatory 2 weeks for Soccer and Language 14 – 17 years old). For all Soccer Only session the maximum stay is one week.

Q: Do I need insurance?

A: Insurance is not provided by British Study Centres. It is the responsibility of the adult paying for your course to source travel, accident & health insurance for your trip with coverage in the UK.

It is mandatory that every player has insurance to cover such events as course cancellation or curtailment, loss of personal effects, loss of passport or tickets, medical expenses and repatriation, personal liability and personal accident. If you do not have an adequate insurance policy and an incident occurs, you will be responsible for all costs incurred. For those interested in purchasing insurance through WorldNomads.com, please see the Insurance Page for more information.

Q: Does my child need to play for a club or school to join the program?

A: It is not a requirement that your child plays for a soccer club or a school soccer team in order to join the program; however it is an intensive program and we recommend that players attending the course are committed to improving and are prepared to work hard.

Q: How can I get a trial with the Academy?

A: Manchester City has a scouting network to identify talented youngsters. Players need to make an impression for their local club/team. You cannot apply for a trial through City Football Performance Program.

Q: What are the chances of meeting a player?

A: It is unlikely that the players will be able to attend City Football Programs courses because of their busy training and match schedule. However, City Football Programs always endeavor to get as much exposure to the first team and the club as possible.

Q: My child is attending on his/her own; will he/she be ok?

A: Yes, the majority of players attend without friends and family. Individuals will be placed in groups with players of the same age who are also on their own. The first session of every course is designed to help all individual players integrate to form a team and also make new friends.

Q: What to expect as far as camp culture based on the country of the camp?

A: Each camp provides a sports experience as well as a cultural experience. Many of the participants will experience something different from home as they will be in a foreign country with a different way of living. For most of the camps, participants will experience the local cuisine, special times for meals (early meals in northern Europe, late meals in southern Europe) as per the culture of the country, showers after training sessions, typical entertainment at the camp as per the country’s summer camp culture, early or late bedtimes based on the country’s living habits and more. If you feel that your child will have difficulties to adapt to a new way of living, then we recommend that you wait until your child is of an age where they will be ready to do so.

Q: Where is the residential Program based?

A: The residential soccer camps have their training take place at the City Football Academy, the world-class training ground where Manchester City’s First Team, Women’s Team, Elite Development Squad and Academy teams train on a daily basis. Residential accommodations take place at University of Manchester, Unsworth and Richmond Park.

Q: Are meals provided?

A:  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are catered for during your child’s stay. Breakfast includes continental breakfast and hot options. A healthy, balanced lunch and two-course dinner are also provided. Dietary needs, vegetarian and Halal options are available on request. Please note, specific dietary requirements may incur a supplementary charge (Kosher meals are an additional $50 per week, Halal meals are free of additional charge).

Q: What does full accommodation include?

A: Single rooms with private en-suite bathrooms at University of Manchester, Unsworth and Richmond Park. Private en-suite bedrooms with study desk and Wifi. Comfy lounge area for player and 7 other flat mates. Full-board meals. Excellent sports facilities for evening activities. Communal lounge with pool tables, TV’s and games. Study areas. Free laundry provided for training kit
(laundry facilities available for personal items at extra cost). Private daily return coach transfer to and from the City Football Academy

Q: Is there somewhere safe my child can keep his/her valuables?

A: Valuables such as passports, cash and mobile phones can be safely locked away at the Residence by the Centre Manager. Should players wish to access their valuables at any point, the Centre Manager will be able to assist.

Q: What do I need to bring?

A: You can find a list of what we recommend children bring with them HERE (PDF)

Q: How much pocket money will they need whilst on the camp?

A: All travel, food, accommodation, kit and course materials are included in the cost. You may wish to provide your child with pocket money to spend on souvenirs etc. during excursions. Following the Etihad Stadium Tour, players will have opportunity to visit the CityStore, where there will be a wide range of official Manchester City merchandise available to purchase. The amount you bring depends on how much extra you wish to buy, however we suggest bringing approximately £100 – £150 per week.

An additional £5 will need to be handed to camp staff in cash on arrival to pay for the laundry bag for your child’s laundry.

Q: What are the check-in and check-out times at camp?

A: Camp self check-in is on Sunday afternoons between 12:00noon (12:00pm) and 16:00 (4:00pm) at the University of Manchester, Unsworth and Richmond Park and camp self check-out is on Friday afternoons after the end of the closing ceremony around 16:00 (4:00pm) at Etihad Stadium. (times to be confirmed closer to camps starts dates)

Q: What do players do in the evenings?

A: Each evening, Football Performance and Football Development players will team up with players participating in the sister program, Football Language, for evening activities at the residence. Activities vary from night to night, such as movie nights, sports nights and a BBQ.

Q: Can I visit my child during the camp?

A: Parents can visit their children at the residence if arranged previously with the Centre Manager only once a week.

Q: Can I stay on site with my child?

A: There is no accommodation for parents on site. You can find a list of Accommodations in the area HERE (PDF)

Q: Are there specific Goalkeeping courses?

A: Manchester City Football Performance Program does not currently offer a specific goalkeeper training course; however, goalkeepers will be able to play in goal during sessions featuring goalkeepers and match-play. Furthermore, certain Manchester City Football Performance Program football education workshops focus on positional specifics, such as ‘Positional Understanding’ and ‘Self Profiling’.

Q: Does the child need a ‘Child Tourist/Visitor Visa’ to attend the soccer camp?

A: IMPORTANT:  Please note, you are solely responsible for obtaining all needed travel documents including but not limited to a valid passport and any appropriate tourist travel visas for the person attending the soccer camp, the Participant.  You must contact the appropriate consulate office for entry requirements and visa requirements for the country where the selected camp is located.  Once you have registered your child with us, and have paid for the camp in full, upon your written request, we will be pleased to provide a letter confirming enrolment for the specific Participant. This letter may be required by certain consulates for the ‘Child Tourist/Visitor Visa’.  (NOTE: We can only issue the letter for the Participant not for any other person.)  Please be advised that consulate’s visa application processes can take many months.  The more you wait, the more chances you have to be denied the required ‘Child Tourist/Visitor Visa’ for your child and certain camps will not issue a refund.  Please check the terms for the camp.

Q: What happens if I don’t get a visa in time?

A: It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that they leave enough time for the visa application process. No refunds will be issued on the grounds of any individuals not being able to obtain a visa.

Q: Will I be in the same room as my friend?

A: There are only single en-suite rooms available. Should you wish to have the room next to a friend or relative please indicate this when you make your booking online. Please note that we cannot guarantee any room share requests. Please visit the Camp Location page for more information. Camp staff will do their best to accommodate your request.

Q: My son is just outside the relevant age for a particular course. What can I do?

A: Unfortunately your child has to be of the relevant age throughout the duration of the course.

Q: When is the closing date for applications?

A: Applications are open until there are no slots left. Slots are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a session is filled, then it is closed for sale.

Q: When can I phone my child?

A: Campers are not allowed to use their mobile phones during training or any activities. Your child will let you know the best time for you to contact him after his camp session has started. Contact details for the camp will be provided to you a few weeks before camp starts in the welcome email packet.

Q: What are the camp’s telephone numbers?

A: Camp telephone numbers will be provided in your welcome email packet a few weeks before the start of camp for registered campers.

Q: Is a laundry service available?

A: Yes, the residence provides laundry facilities and your child can wash their own clothes but we recommend to bring enough clothing for a one week stay at camp. The camp provides a free laundry service for your child’s City Training soccer kit but please have your child bring their own laundry bag with them to camp. If your child would like to wash their own personal clothes during their stay, self-service laundry machines are available at the residence. Washer and dryer costs are approximately £2.50 each.

Q: My child has to follow a specific diet for health reasons. Is it possible?

A: If your child has any special dietary requirements, if you did not mention it when you registered online, please inform us as soon as possible. Most diets can be catered for by prior arrangement.

Q: My child takes prescription medication – should I inform you about this?

A: Yes, please be sure to indicate in the online application form any medication that your son is taking or if he is following a treatment. We will update the medical staff at the disposal at the camp who will follow your son. It is important that we receive accurate information about any pre-existing medical conditions your child may have. Should you not have already informed us of a medical condition when you registered online please do so as soon as possible. Please note that City Football Performance Program accepts students on the assumption that they are in good health. If your child needs to bring any medication with them please give us full information about dosage, time to take the medication and storage information.

Q: Is there anybody supervising the participants during the night?

A: There is camp staff on site 24 hours per day.

Q: What languages do the coaches speak at camp?

A: Manchester City Football Programs sessions are taught in English only. For many years, we have had participants coming from all over the world and a lot of them do not speak English but acclimate very well to the camp as there has not been any language barrier in the past.

Q: Do campers receive a football kit?

A: Yes, campers will receive City Football schools and Nike training kit to keep.

Q: Can girls join the program?

A: Yes, there are girls only sessions available. Please see the Dates Page for more information.

Q: Is there a curfew?

A: Yes, lights out at the university residence is at 11:00 pm.

Q: Are the airport transfers included in the price?

A: No, however airport transfers are available for an additional fee. Please see the Prices Page for more information.

Q: What is the residence like?

A: All players will stay in modern, high-quality university accommodation, including:
• Private en-suite bedrooms with study desk and Wi-Fi
• Full-board meals
• 24-hour security
• Excellent facilities, including: communal lounges with Kitchen

Q: Will my child be transported to and from the training academy?

A: Yes, players will be picked up every morning from the residence by a private coach, which will take them to the City Football Academy. At the end of each day, the private coach will take them back to the residence.

Q: What size groups will my child train in?

A: Players will train in groups of sixteen or less to ensure players benefit from personalized and hands-on learning.

Q: For Soccer and English Language sessions, will I train with English kids?

A: The programme is exclusively for players whose native language is not English. All activities, both soccer coaching and educational sessions, are designed to improve and develop English language and communication skills. Participants will take a pre English test before their camp starts. Educational elements are brought into coaching sessions, and soccer themes are integrated into interactive educational sessions, to provide a 100% immersive experience in both English and soccer. However, they will have a chance to make friends with players from English speaking countries such as UK, USA, etc. when socializing during evening activities with City Football Performance/Development  Program players at the residence.

Q: What if my child gets homesick?

A: Recognizing signs of homesickness and offering support is part of the camp staff’s comprehensive training. The camp also has a dedicated Welfare Manager who is on hand to talk to and reassure your child.

Q: Do you offer day camp sessions?

A: Residential sessions are only available so that they may offer a fully immersive experience. Day camp sessions are not available.

Q: Will I be compensated for a late arrival or missed activities?

A: The camp does not offer compensation for late arrivals and/or activities, lessons, and excursions missed as a result of not arriving on time.