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Category 2League TwoU9 to U18

Does Colchester United run academy trials?

Confirm the age-group venue with the academy · Colchester United · Checked 5 October 2026

NoTrial information

Colchester’s club document describes a Category 2 academy. The club’s community development centres offer a published way to register interest. The centre team says it will contact families when a trial is scheduled. A development centre assessment does not confirm an academy place. U9 means Under-9. We found no current open academy trial date in the official sources checked.

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

Practise decisions before the trial: free Look First game →

Category2
Age groups shownU9 to U18
Training venueConfirm the age-group venue with the academy
Recruitment and training programmes

How recruitment works

The published four-week assessment applies to the development centre. We found no current open academy trial date. Ask the academy separately about any academy assessment.

  1. 01
    Club programme
    Attend an invited centre assessment

    The page describes a four-week trial for invited development centre players, followed by feedback. Ask which centre and age group the invitation covers.

    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.

Colchester United development centre

Club programme
Register interest in a development centre

Use the survey linked on the official development centre page. The team says it will contact you when a trial is scheduled.

Official page ↗
Where scouts watch
    If a scout calls
    1. Ask to see the scout’s club identification.
    2. Ask the academy to confirm the invitation through its official contact route.
    3. Ask for the venue, dates and feedback arrangements before agreeing to attend.
    Watch out

    What to check before you agree

    A development centre place is not an academy registration. The category source is a 2025 club document.
    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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