How do players get into the Port Vale academy?

Check official open sessions: Use the club’s opportunities page for current information. Confirm the programme, eligible ages and application steps before attending. We found no upcoming date on the page checked.

What should parents do if a Port Vale scout makes contact?

Ask to see the scout’s club identification. Ask the academy to confirm the invitation through its official contact route. Ask for the venue, dates and feedback arrangements before agreeing to attend.

Category 3League TwoU9 to U18

Does Port Vale run academy trials?

Confirm the age-group venue with the academy · Port Vale · Checked 5 October 2026

YesTrial information

Port Vale’s official opportunities page says it holds open sessions during the year for different ages and abilities. These can lead to academy or foundation education opportunities. Ask which programme a session covers. Its July 2019 academy article describes Category 3 status and Under-9s to Under-18s. U9 means Under-9.

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.

01
Club programme
Check official open sessions
Use the club’s opportunities page for current information. Confirm the programme, eligible ages and application steps before attending. We found no upcoming date on the page checked.
Official page ↗

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.

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.

Where scouts watch

If a scout calls

Ask to see the scout’s club identification.
Ask the academy to confirm the invitation through its official contact route.
Ask for the venue, dates and feedback arrangements before agreeing to attend.

Watch out

What to check before you agree

The category and age-group description is from 2019. Open sessions may cover the academy or a foundation education programme.

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

What to check before you agree

Other nearby academies

AFC Bournemouth

AFC Wimbledon

Arsenal

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