DERBY COUNTY ACADEMY Information on everything relating to latest football trial opportunities. Includes the academy contact, process of applying for possible academy opportunities and trials procedure, scholarship availability and your chances on joining this academy. Improve your football progression - Register on our website today! 

The Journey to Derby County FC Academy: A Dream for Aspiring Footballers

The path to professional football is a dream pursued by many, but only a few make it through the rigorous and competitive process of football academy trials. For those aiming to join the ranks of Derby County FC's esteemed academy, the journey is filled with excitement, hard work, and the hope of one day playing at Pride Park Stadium.

Derby County FC, a club with a rich history dating back to 1884, has been a nurturing ground for football talent. The academy is known for its commitment to developing young players, providing them with the skills and mindset required to succeed at the highest levels of football. With a legacy that includes being one of the 12 founding members of the English Football League, the club has a deep-rooted connection to the sport's history in England.

The academy trials, often held and Tony's Soccer School, are a gateway for talented young footballers to showcase their abilities. These trials are not just about skill; they are a test of determination, tactical understanding, and the ability to work as part of a team. The academy looks for players who demonstrate potential, discipline, and the drive to improve every day.

For those interested in applying for the Derby County FC Academy football trials, the process is detailed and requires preparation. Aspiring footballers must be ready to provide a comprehensive footballing CV, including their playing history, positions, and any previous experience with professional academies. The trials are open to various age groups, offering opportunities for players as young as under six to those over sixteen.

The academy's trials are meticulously planned throughout the year, with specific dates set for each age group. This structured approach ensures that every player gets a fair chance to impress the scouts and coaches. The trials are not just a one-off event; they are part of a continuous search for talent that could one day grace the pitch as part of Derby County FC's first team.

For those who make it through the trials, the academy offers a world-class training environment. The coaching staff, equipped with extensive experience and knowledge, are dedicated to refining the skills of each player. The academy's philosophy is to create well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the pitch.

The journey to becoming a professional footballer is challenging, but for those who dream of playing for Derby County FC, the academy trials are the first step towards turning that dream into reality. It's a chance to join a club that values its youth system as the foundation for future success.

For more information on the trials and how to apply, aspiring footballers can visit Tony's Soccer School's website or contact the academy directly. This is an opportunity to be part of a club that has stood the test of time and continues to contribute to the beautiful game's ever-evolving story. 

Remember, it's not just about talent; it's about passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. If you have what it takes, the Derby County FC Academy could be the start of an incredible footballing journey. Good luck to all the hopefuls aiming to make their mark in the world of football!

The Derby County Development Centre trials take place on a regular basis during the year.

The Academy holds a series of Open Trial Evenings to find the best young male talent in the Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire area.

Since the Development Centres were originally set up, over 70 players have progressed through the Development Centre system to sign for Derby County’s Academy.

Last season, 10 players made the step from the Development Centre to the Derby County Academy, ranging from Under 8s through to Under 15s.

The Development Centre gives children the opportunity to train free of charge on a weekly basis, in an environment that will develop them technically, tactically, psychologically and socially.

Successful trialists will earn a place at their chosen trial venue or given the opportunity in the Rams' shadow squads or Academy.

The current trials are now full to capacity. Please check back soon for future trial dates.

Academy Staff

Operations

Academy Director: Darren Wassall

Head of Academy Operations: John Barton

Academy Secretary: Lindsey Noon

Coaching Staff

Senior Professional Development Phase Coach: Pat Lyons

Lead Professional Development Phase Coach: Justin Walker

Lead Youth Development Phase Coach: Adam Thorley

Youth Development Phase Coach (U16 Coach): Danny Holmes

Lead Foundation Phase Coach: Richard Astle

Foundation Phase Coach: Josh Butler

Senior Goalkeeping Coach: Jason Pearcey

Goalkeeping Coach: Richard Taylor

Goalkeeping Coach: Ross Atkins

MORE FOOTBALL TRIALS BY FOOTBALL CLUBS HOLDING FOOTBALL TRIALS

Reading FC Academy Open Trials Official Application Process

Potential players are occasionally invited in for a trial period of up to eight weeks with Reading FC Academy.

Here is the official route to get a trial with Reading FC

If you would like a player to be watched by Reading Football Club then please send in as much information about their playing career, including a fixture list for the club they currently play for, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our recruitment department may then decide to send a scout to watch the player.

As well as contacting the Recruitment Team with full details of a youngster's playing history, it is also possible for talented children to be spotted through our Football in the Community scheme.

MK Dons Academy Football Trials Application process

If you want to apply for trials at MK Dons this is the official route to apply.

please e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details to include in your email;

1. Your full name

2. Your full address including postcode

3. Your contact telephone number

4. Your age

5. Your date of birth

6. School(s) attended

7. The position you prefer to play

8. Your footballing CV or background

9. The current team you play for

10. The fixtures of your current team

11. Any other relevant information, for example, previous experience playing at a Professional Football Club’s Academy

12. Confirmation that you hold a British or EU passport

Please make sure you include your fixtures, including dates, kick-off times and venues, if known.

Please note: The Academy is restricted by time/distance within the Foundation Phase (U7-11) and Youth Development Phase (U12-16). Within the Foundation Phase, travelling is limited by 1 hour and in the Youth Development Phase, travelling is limited by 1 hour 30mins.

An e-mail confirming receipt will be sent to individuals applying for a trial.

This information will then be passed onto one of our scouts, who will report to the Head of Recruitment and Head of Academy Coaching with his recommendation. 

Trial enquiries should be sent to the Academies Head of Recruitment, Daz Waring:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Players must enclose their football CV

Kings Lynn Town FC

For general Trials with Kings Lynn Town FC please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. enclosing a CV Thank you

Crawley Town FC

Are you currently in Year 11 or 12? Interested in a career in football? Email

to apply for our trials this Easter: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Players must pre-register

Birmingham City Official Player Recruitment Process

The player recruitment department is tasked with the monitoring, selection and transition of players operating outside of our Academy environment. The recruitment team will work collectively with our coaches to the identification of players within the three phases of the player pathway.

The priority of the department is to recruit, develop and produce players able to reach the Academy’s core purpose. This process is player centered, focusing on the identification of players able to excel in one or more of the four corners associated to player development and, where possible predominantly recruit from a catchment area within an hour of Birmingham. The strategy will be collaborative in nature, planned and aligned to the profiles through each of the development phases where appropriate.

PRE-ACADEMY

The Pre-Academy is a development programme designed to identify, assess and nurture local talented individuals between 6 - 8 years of age. The primary aim is to develop technically gifted individuals for our U9’s squads who become accustomed to the club’s culture and playing philosophy through weekly training sessions and games, allowing for an easy transition into the Academy way of life. The major emphasis of the programme is technical development. With the use of the clubs training facilities, and a structured coaching syllabus and games programme, our UEFA qualified Academy staff seek to increase player to ball contact time in a fun, inclusive and professional environment.

COMMUNITY TRUST

The Club has a very large Community Trust scheme operating a number of local coaching programmes. The Community Trust run a shadow squad programme for U12-U14 players participating on a weekly basis in a number of local grass root leagues. There is also a full time programme for the U17-U19’s.

Players from within the Community Trust programme can be directly recommended by a member of staff for a trial period. In addition to this, each Community Trust coach working within the shadow squad and on the U17-19 programme acts as a spotter, recommending opposition players they have seen in the fixtures that their respective teams have participated in.

SCHOOLS FOOTBALL PROGRAMME

Within the West Midlands area there is a thriving schools football programme. Through community links, it has been identified that there are some young players who only participate in schools’ football and may not be observed participating in local grass root fixtures. There are a number of reasons for this, the most common being a recent move to the area or little/no parental support.

The Academy continually supports West Midland District Schools at both primary and secondary level allowing the use of the training facilities for prestigious games in their calendar. School staff are also invited to Academy CPD events in order to aid their development as coaches. This relationship means there is the opportunity for talented players who are identified by school staff to be recommended directly to the Recruitment Manager/Officer. This may lead to an observation, and if suitable, an invitation to the Academy trial process.

TRIAL APPLICATION

The Academy is always on the lookout for local talented young players. Should you or someone you know, wish to be considered for a trial please follow the procedure set forth below. Players between 9 and 18 years old are asked to send their playing CV and cover letter to the Academy Recruitment Manager and Officer.

Please make sure to include the following:

Player Name
Player Date of Birth
Approx Height and Weight
Contact Address and Telephone Number
Current Club**
Previous Clubs
Details of Previous Trials
School Name
Player Position
Any Representative Honours
** Please include a fixture list of your current team making sure to include location and kick off time.

Upon receipt of your contact the recruitment department will make a decision as to whether a scout will attend your games.

Head of Player Recruitment at Birmingham City Simon Jones This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ASSISTANT ACADEMY MANAGER & HEAD OF COACHING  Stuart English  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cambridge United Academy Trials Official Process 

Cambridge United Football Club are constantly looking for talented young players to join our performance pathway.

If you are looking for a trial in the Academy please send your football CV to Jordan Collins Head of Academy Recruitment by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Your Genuine & Official Application for Trials at Port Vale Academy... 

-Please note that in accordance with FA Premier League rules trials can only be offered to players in the Under 9 to Under 11 age group if the player lives within one hour's traveling time of Port Vale Academy.

-Trials can only be offered to players in the Under 12 to 16 age group if the player lives within one-and-a-half hours traveling time of Port Vale Academy.

Players are asked to send a covering letter highlighting your footballing experiences to the Academy by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. players over 16 can apply and also for the Education Scholarship programme

Name:
Age:
School Year:
D.O.B
Address / Contact Number:
Height:
Weight:
Position:
Attributes:
Playing History:
Next 3 fixtures / Venue / Kick off time:

Due to the amount of trial inquiries we receive, please fill out with as much detail as possible, any videos or clips of you playing will help the recruitment process.

On receipt of your email, the recruitment staff will make a decision as to whether a scout will watch your games.

If the recruitment staff feels that the player has shown potential to play at Academy level, an approach will be made to the manager of your club as well as your parents and you will be invited in for a trial with Port Vale Football Club either through our Development Centre’s or into your Academy age group.

St Albans City FC Football trials opportunity
Clarence Park
St Albans
AL1 4PL

Players aged 16 to 18 Only please send CV to emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This information is only visible to Full Members.

Josh at Halesowen Town Academy has informed us of the following trials

Halesowen Town FC Academy Football Trial Dates Announced

These trials are held in the West Midlands of England

for Male footballers Ages 16/18

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info on these trials please inform him Tony at Tony's Soccer School sent you

For Mens Soccer trials in UK Please also Contact for trials and tell them Tony sent you This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Morecambe FC Academy will be hosting player trials

The open trials are for Under 7 to Under 14 age groups (Year 2 to Year 9) and will take place at the Academy training venue, Lancaster & Morecambe College, Morecambe Road, Lancaster LA1 2TY.

Advance booking is essential. We will not be able to accommodate players on the day who have not booked a place.

For more information, please contact Tom Bryan, Academy Head of Recruitment:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

To apply for this trial with Watford FC Academy please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Mansfield Town Football Club are on the lookout for talented young footballers to become part of our September performance group intake.

Havant & Waterlooville FC Academy Open Trials 

PRO FOOTBALL ACADEMIES UK

North London Academy Trials 16 to 19 year olds

New River Sports Centre White Hart Lane London N22 5QW DM us or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ROMFORD FC ESSEX WOMENS FIRST TEAM

Announcement so EXCITING to launch our very first women's 1st team 

this is a massive step we have wanted to take in ladies football and we are ready If you are interested in trials with our first team or our newly launching academy get in touch 07546334073

Stockport County FC Football Trials

Trials are available for start in September so you can Apply for this trial for Stockport County Here copy and paste in your search bar. http://stockportcountyacademy.co.uk/trials/ 

 RUGBY TOWN FC TRIAL  - YR 11/12 FULL TIME FOOTBALL BTEC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. EXPERIENCE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES as a Valley scholar

Brentford FC Football Academy Trial Dates

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust has announced that the next trials for its Football Development Centre (FDC) will take place  at Uxbridge High School. The FDC offers talented young players the opportunity to receive elite coaching– enhancing their skills in a player-centred environment.

What does the Football Development Centre involve?

With elite football coaching spanning more than 18 years, players will attend weekly training sessions at venues in Southall, Twickenham and Uxbridge. Goalkeepers are catered for with specialist coaching staff. The FDC includes term-time training in the evening and a structured development match programme against other football sports trusts such as Coventry City, Ipswich Town, MK Dons, Oxford United, Wycombe Wanderers and many more.

Plus, there are established Performance Squads as a level up from the current FDC programme. This initiative provides capable players with the opportunity to play against more skilled teams.

What is the benefit of joining the Football Development Centre?

Parents have highlighted the positive impact our FDC has had on their children.

Damian Christian, whose son attends our FDC, said: “We would like to thank the Brentford FC Football Development Centre and all the coaching staff for helping with Frankie’s footballing progress. He has thoroughly enjoyed the training after joining aged seven, the coaches and methods used by the development centre has had an incredibly strong and positive effect on him as a person and player.”

Simon Cairnes agrees: “When the boys play against other opposition, their superior skills, positioning and tactical knowledge really shines through and shows just how well they are coached.”

What is the criteria for the trials?

The trials are available to:

• boys in school years 1 to 11
• boys who live in Hounslow, Ealing, Richmond, Hillingdon and Spelthorne.

Excitingly, the Football Development Centre will run sessions from Gunnersbury Park’s new sports hub from September. The new £13.8 million sports hub will provide top-class facilities – including two outdoor floodlit artificial grass pitches.

How do I sign up?

For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Maidenhead Academy football trials

Our Maidenhead United Football Club Academy trials are taking place at the College 

This is for players aged 16 to 19

To register your interest or find out more please email the team at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 ROMULUS FC FOOTBALL TRIALS

With an excellent reputation in both education and sports achievements, Romulus Academy are

holding trials for 16-18 year olds at Castle Vale Stadium, B35 7NH. Contact Richard on 07956187016 for details. 

 Academy of Sport – Trial dates and Open Days AGE 16 TO 18

Come along to one of our trial sessions, meet the coaching team and show us your sporting skills.

FOOTBALL ACADEMY KETTERING CAMPUS
To register your interest in our Football or Rugby Academy or to book a place at a trial session, please contact our team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01536 413123. 

Official Benfica Trial Opportunities Here

Dunstable Town FC U18 PLAYERS FOR CURRENT AND NEXT SEASON

Dunstable Town are planning for next season, looking to add ambitious talent 

If your interested please contact Wayne upton This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tyler dunnell This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hounslow Football Academy trial

AC United Youth Academy football trials

We will be holding trials for the following age groups for next season

:U8s-U16s

If you are interested please email us - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.