Gold DofE Football Residential

We are currently accepting register interest / waiting list bookings for the following possible Football Residential dates:

• 13th – 17th July 2026
• 11th – 15th August 2026
• 24th – 28th August 2026

The course will run on the date that best matches participant availability, subject to sufficient numbers.

When registering your interest, please select all dates you could attend.

Independence16 Ltd T/A Scorpion Airsoft may cancel a course if the minimum number of participants (or minimum number of the same sex) is not reached. If this happens, we will offer an alternative course where possible.

The Dial House is a historic flint building with a colourful and bright interior, with the tidal harbour of Brancaster Staithe and the North Norfolk coast on your doorstep you can expect stunning views of the marshes and sea beyond. It is the perfect place to relax after an action-packed day!

Sleeping up to 22, in three 5-bed dormitories and one 7-bed dormitory with ensuite shower and toilet facilities in each room. The Snug with balcony overlooks the harbour, there is a well-equipped self–catering kitchen and a large living/dining area.

There is Wi-Fi, a washing machine and a Tumble Dryer. Linen, Duvets and Pillows and a Towel are included.

Male and Female participants are accommodated in separate rooms along with over 18’s and under 18’s.. With,

Participants take part in meal planning, shopping, and preparation, working together to cook for each other, using a generous budget for meals, snacks, and drinks.

Cooking lessons are included as standard, and each participant receives a handy cooking booklet for home or independent living.

The first meal is lunch on Day 1, and the week ends with a shared meal at The Jolly Sailors in Brancaster.

Dietary Requirements:

Please provide any special dietary needs at the time of booking. Independence16 Ltd T/A Scorpion Airsoft cannot guarantee accommodation of requests at short notice. 

Location & Meeting Point:

By Car: Building 23, West Raynham Business Park, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 7PL

Arrival & Departure Times:

Day 1: Arrive between 11:30 and 12:00

Final Day: Pick-up at 14:00

By Train:

Recommended station: Norwich Rail Station

Trains between London Liverpool Street and Norwich run up to 2 times per hour, journey approx 1 hr 45 min

Aim to arrive at Norwich by 10:30 on Day 1

Transport provided from Norwich to the site, and back on the final day

By Air:

Transfers can be arranged from nearby airports. Please contact us in advance to discuss.

For full details and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the Joining Instructions provided after booking.

This residential experience aligns with the core aims of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award by fostering independence, teamwork, communication, leadership, and resilience.

Participants will engage in structured activities and shared living experiences that encourage collaboration, reflection, and personal challenges, all in keeping with the Duke of Edinburgh’s values.

Our team boasts over 20 years of experience in delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, with more than 2,500 participants successfully completing their GOLD Residential Section with us. 

All staff members have undergone enhanced DBS checks, and we adhere to stringent safeguarding procedures.

Every activity is thoroughly risk-assessed and adheres to rigorous health and safety protocols.

Independence16 Ltd, trading as Scorpion Airsoft, holds a £5 million indemnity policy covering insured activities and other approved activities.

Founders offer Course Fee: £550 per person  

Deposit: £100 to secure a place  

Funding support may be available via DofE grants or local youth funding schemes.

Young people under 21 living or working in Norfolk are encouraged to apply for a grant for up to the full cost of the course through the Red House Youth Trust 

 Cancellation Policy:  

From booking until 57 days before start date: Loss of deposit  

 57–42 days before start date: Loss of deposit  

 Fewer than 42 days before start date: 100% of course fee payable  

This residential is a structured, high-energy week combining football training, physical conditioning, and team development. Led by experienced coaches with Military and Emergency Services backgrounds, the programme gives an insight into the discipline, fitness, and teamwork required in high-performance sport and uniformed services pathways.

Set in beautiful rural and coastal Norfolk, the week is progressive, supportive, and designed to challenge players of all abilities while building confidence, resilience, and friendships.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Arrival & Team Building

• Arrive at lunchtime to meet the team and instructors.
• Work together to plan meals and shop for the week before settling into the accommodation.
• Head to the pitch for an initial skills assessment to identify strengths and areas for development.
• End the day with dinner and a relaxed coastal walk.

Day 2 – Fitness & Technical Skills

• Start the day with a beach fitness session at Brancaster.
• Head to the pitch, focusing on core skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control.
• Take part in small-sided games and performance tracking.
• Finish the day with team video analysis and performance review.

Day 3 – Tactics & Teamwork

• Begin with a conditioning session.
• Attend a classroom session covering formations, tactics, and match awareness.
• Apply learning during a full-pitch training session focusing on communication and positional play.
• Evening games night to relax and bond as a team.

Day 4 – Match Day

• Prepare for the highlight of the week: a competitive match against a Military or Fire Service football team.
• Travel to the venue, complete pre-match warm-ups and team talks, and kick off at 14:00.
• Celebrate the week with a dinner and awards evening at the Jolly Sailor in Brancaster.

Day 5 – Departure

• Enjoy a final breakfast before departing the accommodation.
• Return to base for a Gel Blaster Battle, lunch, final presentations, and team photos.

Challenge by Choice

All activities are challenge by choice. Participants are encouraged to push themselves, but no one is ever forced to take part. Support, safety, and personal development come first.

At Scorpion Airsoft, we reflect on the values people feel and what drives them to act, forming the basis of how they make judgments and decisions. We achieve this by encouraging 

Courage – promotes strength and confidence to do what is right, even if it may be unpopular.   

Discipline – Self-confidence and self-control  

Respect for others – embracing diversity and valuing individual contributions and viewpoints  

Integrity – Developing trust amongst individuals and leaders  

Loyalty – Creating an atmosphere of team cohesion  

Selfless Commitment – adopting the needs of the team before personal interest  

Those looking to achieve their Gold DofE Residential are advised to familiarise themselves with the requirements for the residential section, you will need to demonstrate not only the DofE Requirements but also our Scorpion Airsoft Values for our Assessor to complete your Report.

DofE Requirements - Participants will be assessed on   

Personal standards 

Relationships with others 

Responsibility 

Initiative 

Development of skills 

Knowledge and General Progress

1. Customers participating in courses/activities must expect to be involved in adventurous and sometimes strenuous activities. Although prior experience and/or training is not necessary for all the courses/activities, customers are expected to be in good general health. 
2. The medical section must be completed as part of the booking process. 
3. All prior injuries and/or serious illnesses must be declared. Any injury or illness occurring between the time of the declaration and the commencement of the course must be reported. 
4. The customer must satisfy him/herself that taking part in the course is within his/her own capabilities. Independence16 Ltd T/A Scorpion Airsoft reserves the right to refuse a booking on medical grounds if it is considered to be detrimental to the safety and smooth running of the course.
5. The participant/parent/guardian (For those under 18) agrees that the applicant has the necessary social skills to take part in a residential with other young people, will always take responsibility for themselves and will have full regard for safety and other instructions given by the staff.
6. Behaviour that disrupts the smooth running of an event may result in the disruptive customer(s) being excluded. Any damage caused to property or equipment as a result of unruly behaviour will be charged for.