You have finally decided to turn your love for soccer into something more influential and rewarding: private coaching.
Be it a pro, a licensed coach, or an enthusiast, teaching people one-on-one is an excellent way of giving back to society with your knowledge of the game.
Here comes the catch-how much should you charge for your private soccer lessons?
If you have been asking yourself this, you are not alone. It’s like a tightrope balance when setting the price. You go too high with your pricing, and you lose some clients; you go too low, and you undersell all the years of skill, knowledge, and dedication that have brought you here.
This guide is here to help.
Together, we’ll break down everything you need to consider-from knowing your worth and understanding the value you bring into the market to creating a compelling pricing structure for your services.
By the time you are done reading this article, you will be confident not just in setting rates but also articulately stating your value proposition to clients.
1: Know Your Worth
Before you decide on a price, take some time to evaluate your skills, experience, and certifications.
Were you a professional player? Do you have a coaching license? Do you specialize in any age group or skill level?
The more unique and specialized your qualifications, the more you can justify charging higher rates.
Consider what makes you different.
Clients are not paying just for an hour of your time, they are paying for expertise and dedication.
For example, if you are a former college player who can boast a success rate with kids getting scholarships, or you’ve worked with kids with different learning styles, this could be your major selling points.
Don’t be coy about your achievements and unique skills-they are part of your value.
2: Do Your Market Research
Check what other private soccer coaches in your area are charging. The rates can vary greatly depending on location, demand, and competition.
For instance, in cities where the cost of living is high, you might find rates as high as $50 to $150 per hour. In smaller towns, the rates could be as low as $30 to $75 per hour.
Begin your research by:
Scouting out local postings through the likes of Craigslist, or perhaps even Facebook Marketplace.
Making inquiries with soccer academies with respect to their private lesson rates.
Search through coaching profiles via websites like CoachUp or Thumbtack.
Pay attention to their experience level and credentials. Are they offering similar services to yours, or do they have additional qualifications like specialized training or degrees in sports science?
This will then give you a benchmark from which you can set your rates.
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3: Calculate Your Costs
Private coaching is not just about showing up and teaching; there are hidden costs you’ll need to cover:
- Equipment: Soccer balls, cones, agility ladders, and other training equipment.
- Field Rental: If you cannot find a free field, you may have to rent. These can range from $10 to $50 per session.
- Travel: Gas and travel time to and from your coaching location.
- Insurance: Liability insurance is highly recommended to protect yourself against injuries.
Work out these costs and make sure your rate covers them, leaving you with a reasonable profit. Remember, you’re not just charging for your time, but you’re also charging to cover these operational expenses.
4: Determine Pricing Structure
There are a few ways of charging for private soccer lessons, each with its pros and cons:
Hourly Rate
This is the easiest option. A straight hourly fee is easy for your clients to understand, and easy for you to manage. You might charge $60/hour for individual lessons and $80 for small groups.
Package Deals
Providing a discount for bulk sessions can attract more committed clients. For instance:
- 1 session: $70
- 5 sessions: $325 ($65/ session)
- 10 sessions: $600 ($60/ session)
Clients love packages because they feel they get more value, and you love the predictable income.
Group Rates
If you’re working with small groups, you can charge a little less per person while still making more overall. For example, a session with 4 players might be $120 total, or $30 per person.
This setup can also be a great way to maximize your earning potential during peak hours.
Sliding Scale
If you’re in an area where the income level is pretty mixed, you’ll want to have a sliding scale so that your services can be accessible yet you earn a decent wage.
You can charge full price for everyone but then give a sliding scale to families who can prove low-income.
SEE ALSO | How to Stand Out in Soccer Tryouts
5: Communicate Your Value
Once you’ve settled on a price, be ready to explain why your rate is what it is. Confidence is key!
Highlight your experience, success stories, and what clients will gain from your lessons. Focus on outcomes, like improved technique, better game awareness, or increased confidence on the field.
For example, instead of “I charge $70 an hour,” you could say, “For $70, you get a customized training session in order to meet your child’s unique needs, feedback, and a follow-up plan included.”
When clients can see what they get from your coaching, they are most likely to see your rates as an investment, not an expense.
6: Be Flexible… to a Point
While it’s important to stick to your pricing, especially when you’re confident in your value, there’s room for occasional flexibility.
Maybe a parent can only afford $60 instead of $70, but they’re willing to commit to a long-term package. Or perhaps you’re coaching a particularly talented young player who could help boost your reputation.
That said, don’t undersell yourself.
Remember, you’re providing a professional service, and your time is valuable. If you find yourself constantly negotiating rates, it might be time to reevaluate your pricing strategy.
7: Adjust as Needed
Your pricing is not carved in stone. As you accumulate more experience, success stories, or even further certifications, don’t be afraid to raise your rates.
Just always make sure to clearly communicate changes and give due notice.
Also, keep your finger on the pulse of market conditions. If you are booked solid, you might be undercharging. If clients are slow to come, you may need to revisit your price or your marketing.
It’s all about flexibility and adaptability to make the coaching business sustainable.
SEE ALSO | How to Become a Soccer Scout In 2025
8: Market Your Services Effectively
Get your pricing spot on, but if you don’t effectively market yourself, you aren’t going to get very far. Get the word out there on social media, community boards, and referrals from others.
Let videos or testimonials showcase your expertise, clients’ success, and training sessions.
Consider developing a simple website or an online profile where people can get more information about your services and book sessions. The easier it is for them to find and understand you, the more likely they are to sign up.
9: Build Long-Term Relationships
And lastly, you should know that private soccer coaching is less about soccer than it is about relationships.
Take the time to learn your clients’ goals, give constructive feedback consistently, and celebrate with them in steps along the way.
The more bought in you are to their success, the more likely they are to refer others to you.
By encouraging strong connections, you’ll not only create loyal clients but also enhance your reputation as a coach who genuinely cares.
This kind of trust and rapport is priceless and will often justify higher rates in the long run.
Last Round
Charging a decent price for private soccer lessons might feel overwhelming, but doing your little research and some self-appraisal will provide you with that sweet spot.
Note: it is not all about what time you have in the field but includes the years of practice, the knowledge, and the passion invested in the sport.
