Is it usual to need to stay while a 10 year old plays football?

[ConfusedFC]

2 close relatives of mine, both age 10, play for different (small, grassroots, FA affiliated) football clubs.

In one club children can be dropped off for training and games. Parents are welcome but staying is optional, and certainly during training most don't.

In the other, children must have an adult onsite at all times, training and games. Doesn't have to be a parent, and adults can 'share' so an adult could be responsible for a number of children, but it is emphasised everywhere that this is NOT a drop off club.

If it is relevant, fees for both are the same.

I don't know which one is 'normal' or 'correct'. The FA website doesn't specify either way as far as I can tell.

What is the experience round you?

Actually thinking about it not many parents even drive their kids to ds1's training - most of the boys cycle. They're 13 and 14 though.

The girls' team has a wider catchment and more do car pool even though they're older.

DS is 6, I've always stayed for training in various sports. As a child when I did sport parent stayed. Generally incase of injury tbh, easier to hand over to mum/dad, calm child and get them off to seek medical help.

Thank god my mum did stay when I was in my mid teens and snapped my leg in half doing my chosen sport. 😳

At my DCs' sports activities (similar age) a parent has to be present (in the car, as we're not allowed to gather pitch-side due to Covid). It's in case minor first aid is required; they ask parents to assist their own child so that the coaches don't get close to the children (again, due to Covid rather than safeguarding).

Usually we could drop off at training, except when there was a gang threat against one of the team and then all parents would be asked to accompany their child to and from the sessions and to stay. Which is more than fair enough!!