UK football guides for parents

This section is for parents of young football players in England and the rest of the UK. It explains how academies find players, how trials work and what happens at academy reviews. Each guide links to its sources.

In the US? See the US youth soccer guides.

Start here

Football trials UK 2026: academy guides by club

How academy trials work, then trials, recruitment and registration rules for each club by region and age, with links to the club’s own pages.

Football trials

What happens at an academy trial and how to help your child prepare.

Academy reviews and release

What “retain and release” means, when reviews happen and what to ask the coach.

Girls’ academies

Girls’ training centres and academies in England, and how girls are selected.

Check a trial or training offer

Find out whether an invitation is from the academy or a paid coaching programme.

Academy outcomes data

Release rates and how many academy players become professionals, with sources.

What do you need help with?

A scout contacted usCheck who they work for and what happens next.We have a training invitationCheck whether it is academy training or a paid coaching programme.My child is at an academyUnderstand reviews and prepare questions for the coach.My child has been releasedFind out how to support your child and explore other clubs.

A paid coaching session is not the same as an academy place.

Does the academy offer open trials?

Choose a club to read its trial information, recruitment process and advice for parents.

85 clubs so far. See all UK academy guides.

Free tools

Travel-time check

Enter your postcode to estimate the journey to an academy.

Birth quarter checker

See if your child is among the older or younger children in their age group.

Football explained

Positions, team formations and coaching terms in plain words.