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Category ChampionshipU7 scouting to U21

Does Cardiff City run academy trials?

Academy venue: confirm with the club · Cardiff · Checked 5 October 2026

NoTrial information

No open academy trials. Cardiff watches players at their clubs before inviting them for a training period. Its scouts identify players from Under-7 to Under-18, locally and nationally. Parents can email a playing CV and fixture list to academy.recruitment@cardiffcityfc.co.uk. The club says it cannot reply to every request. Its academy staff page also lists an Under-21 programme.

Got a trial or a scout’s invitation? How to prepare your child →

Practise decisions before the trial: free Look First game →

Open trialsNone
Scouts identifyUnder-7 to Under-18
Older programmeUnder-21
RequestsFrom parents or guardians
Recruitment and training programmes

How recruitment works

Observation at the player’s current club, then an invitation for a training period. The recruitment page does not state its length.

  1. 01
    Scouted
    Scouted at your current club

    Scouts watch games. Cardiff says it approaches your coach, club secretary or another club official before contacting parents.

    Official page ↗
  2. 02
    Referral
    Parent sends a playing CV

    Email academy.recruitment@cardiffcityfc.co.uk with date of birth, position, playing history and fixtures with kick-off times and venues. Include references if available. The club only communicates with parents or guardians of children.

    Official page ↗

What to bring to an academy trial

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra.

Boots for the surface (grass = FG, firm ground; 3G or astro = AG, artificial grass), shin pads, a ball, a named water bottle and plain kit (no rival club shirts). Check the club’s trial email first.

Bootsadidas F50 Club kids bootsMost trials are on grass or 3G. These grip on both, so your child can turn and stop without slipping.See price on AmazonShin padsMitre Aircell shin padsMost clubs will not let a child train without shin pads. The ankle sock keeps them in place.See price on AmazonBallMitre Impel footballA few touches before the session helps nerves. Size 4 for most 8–11s, size 5 from about 12.See price on Amazon

Which ball size? See our size guide.

We have not tested these products. Check size, price and delivery on Amazon before you buy.

By age group

Under-7 to Under-18This is the range Cardiff gives for scouting. Under-7 means the under-seven age group for that season.
Under-21The academy staff page lists an Under-21 coaching programme.
Where scouts watch
  • Local and national scouting, as described in the club’s recruitment questions.
  • The club says trials must comply with the relevant football and immigration rules.
If a scout calls
  1. Ask your coach whether the club has made contact.
  2. Send a fixture list with times and venues if you contact recruitment.
  3. Ask for the training venue and trial length in writing.
Watch out

What to check before you agree

Sending a CV does not guarantee a trial or a reply.
Under-7 is the youngest scouting age on the recruitment page. It is not a promise of academy registration at that age.
Sources

Compare every club: football trials UK 2026, by club, age and region.

Updated 17 October 2026. Last verified 5 October 2026. Spotted a change? Tell us so we can check the page.

Nearby

Other nearby academies

Category 2

AFC Bournemouth

Canford Magna, near Wimborne, Dorset · U9 to U21

No open trials

Read the club guide →
Category 3

AFC Wimbledon

Wimbledon, south-west London · U9 to U18

No open trials

Read the club guide →
Category 1

Arsenal

Walthamstow, north-east London · U9 to U21

No open trials

Read the club guide →
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