Footfire FAQs
HOW DO I REGISTer MY CAMPER/CIT?
A completed registration form must be submitted prior to consideration for Camper/ CIT space. No payment is required with submission of registration form.
We will contact you via email with either confirmation of space or waitlisted status. Please be patient, it may take up to 1 week after submission for us to confirm.
What IS YOUR PAYMENT POLICY?
No payment is due with submission of the registration form. Payment is due only when space is confirmed for Camper or CIT. Confirmation email will contain more information.
Minimum deposit in the amount of 1/2 total fees or full payment is due within 10 days of space confirmation. If the fees are not received within 10 days, space in camp will be forfeited.
Remaining 1/2 is due May 1, 2024. We will send a reminder invoice.
We accept payments via check, PayPal, or Venmo, Footfire@Venmo. You will receive an Paypal invoice which allows you to pay via the above methods; a Paypal account is not required.
WILL YOU ACCEPT CREDITS from 2020-2023?
We will accept credits from any of the previous years, 2020-2023, as payment for Footfire 2024. Please select “yes” or “I can’t remember, please check” on the registration form. Your invoice will reflect the credit.
What is your waiting list policy?
Campers/CITs will be placed on a waiting list in the event that the camp selected on their enrollment form is filled. We typically receive cancellations up until the first day of camp. We will contact you immediately if and when a space opens. No payment is required until we have space for your Camper or CIT.
What is your rescheduling policy?
We are happy to reschedule your Camper's reservation into the preferred session if there is still space, rescheduling fee: $20 per camper/per week. Requests accepted by email or phone, no need to fill out forms.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION and REFUND POLICY?
You may cancel a registration and receive a refund until May 24, 2024. There is a $25 processing fee per session registration for cancellation/refund.
AT CAMP:
How is the day structured?
The day is structured with recovery and refueling times between three soccer sessions. The third session has alternate activities available. Campers can play soccer all day - but only if they want to!
9:00 - 9:15 - Welcome
9:15 - 10:30 - Soccer Session #1
10:30-11:00 - Snack
11:00 - 12:15 - Soccer Session #2
12:15-1:00 - Lunch
1:00 - 2:30 Soccer Session #3 (includes art/recreation options)
2:30-3:00 Afternoon Snack
3:00 - 4:30 - Soccer, Soccer Tennis, Art, Recreation and Wrap-up
How do you handle injuries?
The reality is playing soccer involves getting injuries. Thank goodness 99% of the injuries are simple bumps and bruises. Beginners are especially prone to these minor injuries. Footfire provides ice, bandages and also supports the campers through the shock, pain and often psychological "hurt" of an injury. In this way, Campers feel well cared for, and are simultaneously quickly grasping important bits of information related to recovery and gaining self confidence.
How do you minimize injuries?
Footfire is pro-active about injury prevention. Growth and increased play intensity may result in injury for the youth player. Sometimes too, a Camper's approach to soccer and/or physical dynamics may make them, and put others, at risk for injuries. Coach Carlos' and Footfire's assessment process helps to identify such a tendency, tailoring training sessions to focus on resolutions.
How can we contact you during camp? What Happens if a camper/CIT IS Injured?
Footfire Staff are provided with a camp cell phone, 510-528-2133. Parents may call in or text at any time. We ask that you restrict your calls/texts during the camp day to emergencies and variations in pick-up information. Non-emergency information or inquiries may be sent in an email to the office: playinglifeacademy@gmail.com.
In the event of an injury or illness which prevents the Camper/CIT from continuing participation in the camp day, parents or other emergency contacts will be notified. For more serious injuries or illnesses, we will both summon emergency medical response and contact parent(s).
Can you accommodate special diets?
We can also accommodate most, but not all, special diets. Infrequently we ask parents to supplement the regular Footfire menu. In rare cases we may ask parents to provide all meals and snacks. We'll work with you to come up with the safest and most comfortable plan. Please e-mail us or call to discuss the details of your Camper's needs prior to the start of camp.
How do you group the campers?
Footfire's success derives from early assessment of campers' skills and needs, giving consideration to the unique composition of each camp. Campers are assigned to 1 of 3 groups: Sparks, Lava or Flames. They correspond generally to ages 5-6, 7-9, and 10-13, with exceptions based on variables such as skill or size and also parent or camper request.
WHAT ARE YoUR 2024 Covid Safety Guidelines?
Should a Covid exposure at Footfire occur we will immediately notify parents. It may be necessary for parents to pick-up their Camper/CIT as soon as possible, even in the middle of a camp day.
Further details on Covid safety to be provided as the season approaches according to the most current protocols.