How do players get into the Middlesbrough academy?

Ask the club about recruitment: The academy page lists a head of recruitment but does not give a public player application form. Use the official club contact route to ask for the current process. Read the academy’s school arrangements: Players aged 12 to 16 attend the academy one day a week through its school-release programme. The club says it works with schools and provides education alongside training.

What should parents do if a Middlesbrough scout makes contact?

Discuss school release with your child’s school before accepting an offer. Ask how work missed at school is planned and checked. Ask about player care and support if your child leaves.

Category 1ChampionshipEntry age unconfirmed to U21

Does Middlesbrough run academy trials?

Rockliffe Park training complex · Hurworth, near Darlington · Checked 5 October 2026

NoTrial information

We found no current open academy trial date in the official pages checked. Middlesbrough publishes a Category 1 academy at Rockliffe Park. Its academy page explains school release for players aged 12 to 16, full-time scholarships at 16 to 18 and support after players leave. It does not publish a public trial application process. Ask the club about recruitment for your child’s age.

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

Practise decisions before the trial: free Look First game →

Category1

Academy baseRockliffe Park

Ages 12 to 16One school-release day a week

Ages 16 to 18Full-time scholarship stage

Recruitment and training programmes

How recruitment works

The official academy page does not state a public trial process or length. Ask the club to confirm these.

01
Club programme
Ask the club about recruitment
The academy page lists a head of recruitment but does not give a public player application form. Use the official club contact route to ask for the current process.
Official page ↗
02
Club programme
Read the academy’s school arrangements
Players aged 12 to 16 attend the academy one day a week through its school-release programme. The club says it works with schools and provides education alongside training.
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 Amazon Shin padsMitre Aircell shin padsMost clubs will not let a child train without shin pads. The ankle sock keeps them in place.See price on Amazon BallMitre 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

Ages 12 to 16The club describes one day a week away from school, with two hours of education and four hours of football training.

Ages 16 to 18Players offered scholarships attend full time. The club publishes an apprenticeship and a sport diploma alongside football.

Where scouts watch

The academy page describes opportunities for young people in Teesside. It does not publish a precise recruitment catchment.

If a scout calls

Discuss school release with your child’s school before accepting an offer.
Ask how work missed at school is planned and checked.
Ask about player care and support if your child leaves.

Watch out

What to check before you agree

The school-release programme is for academy players. It is not a public trial booking.

The youngest entry age was not confirmed in the official pages checked.

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 →

How recruitment works

What to bring to an academy trial

By age group

What to check before you agree

Other nearby academies

AFC Bournemouth

AFC Wimbledon

Arsenal

Weekly advice for football parents