UKUS
Newsletter
Category 3League OneU9 to U18

Does MK Dons run academy trials?

Confirm the age-group venue with the academy · Milton Keynes · Checked 5 October 2026

NoTrial information

We found no current open boys’ academy trial date in the official pages checked. MK Dons’ May 2017 academy vacancy describes a Category 3 programme. That is an older category statement, not a new audit. A July 2025 player update describes its pre-academy programme and Under-9s entry. U9 means Under-9s. The club also publishes an Under-18s scholarship programme.

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

Practise decisions before the trial: free Look First game →

Category3
Published age groupsU9 to U18
Training venueConfirm the age-group venue with the academy
Recruitment and training programmes

How recruitment works

The official pages checked do not give a current trial timetable or length. Ask the academy to confirm the process for your child’s age group.

  1. 01
    Club programme
    Ask about the pre-academy programme

    The July 2025 update describes a player joining through the pre-academy programme. These are younger sessions before the main academy age groups. Ask the club about current entry ages and availability.

    Official page ↗
  2. 02
    Club programme
    Ask about academy recruitment

    The club’s scholar announcement describes an Under-18s group and two-year apprenticeships. It is a July 2021 announcement, not a current invitation to apply. Ask the club about the present recruitment process.

    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.

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

    The 2017 vacancy mentions ambitions to change category. It does not confirm a later upgrade.
    The July 2021 scholar announcement is not a current open trial notice.
    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 →
    Email newsletter

    Weekly advice for football parents

    Get academy updates, questions to ask your child’s coach and simple football tips. We do not advertise paid trial days.

    Free. Unsubscribe in one click. We never sell the list. Privacy