Start with age group and location
Make a shortlist of clubs that are close enough to attend regularly, then check whether they have the right age group and whether the team is currently taking players.
Check the welcome, not just the badge
A good fit for a child includes coaching style, confidence, training day, travel, costs and whether beginners can try a session before committing.
Ask safeguarding questions early
Parents should know who runs sessions, who the welfare contact is, how communication works and whether parents can stay at training or matches.