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Category 3League TwoU9 to U18

Does Exeter City run academy trials?

Cliff Hill Training Ground · Exeter City · Checked 5 October 2026

NoTrial information

Exeter’s official trial page describes scouts watching players across the South West. Families can also ask about an Advanced Development Centre through the club’s form. The academy page lists younger academy age groups and Under-18s. The club’s 2018 annual meeting report describes a Category 3 academy. 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 →

Category3
Age groups shownU9 to U18
Training venueCliff Hill Training Ground
Recruitment and training programmes

How recruitment works

The official sources checked do not give a current academy assessment timetable or length. Ask the academy to confirm the venue, dates and feedback arrangements for your child’s age group.

  1. 01
    Scouted
    Academy scouting

    The club says its scouts watch players across the South West. Identified players may be invited to the academy.

    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.

Exeter City development centre

Club programme
Ask about a development centre

Use the official form to ask about your nearest Advanced Development Centre. The club says it will contact families when a space is available. The form does not confirm an academy trial.

Official page ↗
Where scouts watch
  • South West
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

The Category 3 description is from a 2018 club report. It is not a new audit. A development centre enquiry does not confirm an academy invitation.
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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