Does Luton Town run academy trials?
The Brache, and the academy at Ely Way · Luton, Bedfordshire · Checked 5 September 2026
No open trials for the academy, but Luton starts early and says so: players begin their journey with the club as early as six, through a pre-academy group, two centres of excellence and a talent identification programme run by the community department. The academy proper runs U9 to U18. U9 to U14 train three times a week and play Category 3 fixtures on Sundays. U15 and U16 move to a hybrid model with a day out of school each week at The Brache.
Got a trial or a scout’s invitation? How to prepare your child →Practise decisions before the trial: free Look First game →
How recruitment works
Identification in community programmes or at grassroots, then invitation to the pre-academy or an academy trial.
- 01Pre-academy group, U7 to U16
The community department's pre-academy sits directly under the academy and is the club's stated feeder. Entry by identification at community sessions and centres of excellence.
Official page ↗ - 02Centres of Excellence, U6 to U16
Two centres, including a south centre and a Bedford centre, run by the community trust. Paid coaching where academy staff and scouts identify players.
Official page ↗ - 03Scouted at grassroots in Bedfordshire
The club's stated catchment is Bedfordshire first, neighbouring counties second. Scouts cover junior leagues across Luton, Dunstable, Bedford and into Hertfordshire.
- 04Post-16 education programme with trials
The community trust runs a 16 to 18 football and education programme with open trial days in Bedford. A route back in for released scholars, not for younger players.
Official page ↗
Got a trial invite?
What scouts watch, what to bring, what to ask. £19 ($25)
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What to bring to an academy trial
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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.
Which ball size? See our size guide.
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By age group
- Luton and Dunstable
- Bedford and Bedfordshire
- North Hertfordshire
- EPPP limit: 1 hour travel U9 to U11, 90 minutes U12 to U16
- Ask whether it is a centre of excellence, the pre-academy group, or the academy. Luton publishes the structure, so the answer should be clear.
- At U15 the hybrid model means a day out of school each week. Talk to the school before saying yes.
- Category 3 fixtures are against Barnet, Southend, Cambridge and similar, plus festivals against Category 1 and 2. Ask which your child's age group plays.
- Check the travel rule to Luton. One hour at U9 to U11.
What to check before you agree
- Luton Town FC, Academy ↗
- Luton Town FC youth development structure, via The FA ↗
- Training Ground Guru, Luton Town ↗
- Premier League Youth Development Rules (travel limits, registration) ↗
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Updated 17 October 2026. Last verified 5 September 2026. Spotted a change? Tell us so we can check the page.