Dragon Football Academy

Dragon Football Academy: children's football training in South Wales

Dragon Football Academy is a football academy that runs weekly sessions for children aged 2 to 13 in the areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT), Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot (NPT), in Wales. The academy presents itself as a structured programme with UEFA-licensed coaches, real progression and sessions that children look forward to every week. Enrolment includes a free 7-day trial, no contract and the option to cancel at any time, and the academy states that it has received a 5.0 rating on Google from 21 reviews.

A programme divided by age

The academy organises players into three groups according to age, each with an approach tailored to their stage of development:

• Mini Dragons (2-4 years): a first structured football hour to build real coordination, with a playful approach that means children learn without realising it.
• Junior Dragons (5-7 years): the stage where football starts to click; dribbling, passing and decision-making are taught, then put to the test in matches.
• Advanced Dragons (8-13 years): serious training for players who want to improve, with technical detail, game understanding and a demanding competitive standard.

The academy stresses that a two-year-old and a twelve-year-old need completely different sessions, and that all receive the same coaching standard and the same crest, but at different times.

Structure of each session

All Dragon Academy sessions follow a four-part structure, regardless of age group, with the aim of avoiding dead time and improvised drills:

• Arrival: the ball is at the player's feet within the first 30 seconds of walking in.
• Theme of the week: one clear focus explained in language children understand.
• Progressive coaching: the skill is built up in stages, with individual correction.
• Game application: small-sided games where the theme of the week must show up.

Where and when training takes place

Sessions are held one evening a week, in one-hour groups, in indoor sports halls all year round, so wet Welsh winters never cancel children's football. The academy operates in three areas with specific venues:

• RCT: Monday at Rhondda Sports Centre, Sports Hall (CF41 7SY).
• Bridgend: Tuesday at CCYD School, Sports Hall (CF32 9EG).
• NPT: Wednesday at Ysgol Bae Baglan, Sports Hall (SA12 7BL).

At each of these venues, all three groups are offered: Mini Dragons, Junior Dragons and Advanced Dragons, with staggered times from 17:00.

Memberships and prices

The academy offers three monthly memberships, all priced at £29.99 per month with a free 7-day trial. Each membership corresponds to one of the age groups:

• Mini Dragons (2-4 years): fun, friendly sessions that introduce little ones to the game through movement and simple skills.
• Junior Dragons (5-7 years): structured, high-energy sessions focused on core skills, teamwork and confidence.
• Advanced Dragons (8-13 years): challenging, high-standard sessions designed to sharpen technique, game understanding and competitive mindset.

The academy states that places are limited and that the first week is free.

The Dragon Players app

Coaching team

The academy has a team of coaches who, according to its presentation, combine technical knowledge, real football experience and a passion for player development. The team works to create a positive and professional environment, and focuses not only on football but also on attitude, effort, teamwork and resilience. The coaches assigned to each group are:

• Gavin Baker: Mini Dragons.
• Ioan Sampson: Junior Dragons.
• Ben Pearce: Advanced Dragons.
• Neil Gale: Mini Dragons.
• Adam Evans: Advanced Dragons - RCT.
• Gruff Jones: Mini Dragons - RCT.
• Albert Gale: Mini Dragons.
• Cerys Walters: Mini Dragons.
• Dylan Powell: head coach and founder.

Other services and programmes

In addition to weekly sessions, the academy offers other services listed on its website: 1-to-1 coaching, coaches for clubs, equipment hire, schools and communities programmes, birthday parties, a talent identification programme (Talent ID), a tournament series (Trophy Series), a waiting list, a club shop (Club Shop) and a space called The Dugout. It also has sponsorship options and collaboration with affiliate clubs and supplier brands.

Venues and locations

RCT venue: Rhondda Sports Centre - Sports Hall CF41 7SY

Bridgend venue: CCYD SCHOOL - Sports Hall CF32 9EG

NPT venue: Ysgol Bae Baglan - Sports Hall SA12 7BL