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Category 3League TwoU9 to U18

Does Oldham Athletic run academy trials?

Confirm the age-group venue with the academy · Oldham Athletic · Checked 5 October 2026

NoTrial information

Oldham’s September 2026 update describes its second season since returning to the Elite Player Performance Plan, the system used to assess professional academies. Its academy coaching document refers to Category 3 requirements. The club also offers a separate football and education programme for students aged 16 to 18. 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 venueConfirm the age-group venue with the academy
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
    Club programme
    Ask about the academy programme

    Ask the club about its academy recruitment process and your child’s age group. The September update does not publish an open player trial date.

    Official page ↗
  2. 02
    Club programme
    Check the separate education programme

    The October announcement invites enquiries from students aged 16 to 18. It describes football training alongside study at Boundary Park. This is a separate programme from an academy registration.

    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 Category 3 reference is in a 2025 coaching document. Joining the football and education programme does not confirm an academy place.
    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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