Does Stevenage run academy trials?
Stevenage FC Academy, Bragbury End · Stevenage, Hertfordshire
No open trials for the boys' academy, but Stevenage runs one of the clearest ladders in the lower leagues. Development centres for ages 7 to 16 at the academy or at Cheshunt give an hour of technical coaching a week with academy scouts watching. Above that sits a Player Pathway for players the club thinks will be academy standard soon: academy syllabus, a fixture every six weeks, a full review every six weeks, and the grassroots club kept. Girls have published trials every June and July.
4 ways players actually get in.
Development centre, then Player Pathway with six-week reviews, then academy registration. Academy players are reviewed every six weeks with parent meetings every ten.
- 01Development centres, ages 7 to 16
One hour of technical coaching a week at the academy or at Cheshunt FC, in term-based blocks with a performance report at the end of each. Academy scouts attend. Fast-track routes exist into the centre of excellence.
Official page ↗ - 02Player Pathway, ages 7 to 16
For players judged near academy standard. Academy coaching syllabus, one competitive fixture per six-week phase, full review every six weeks, medical cover, chances to train with academy teams. Players stay at their grassroots club.
- 03Scouted at grassroots in Hertfordshire
A Category 3 academy recruits locally. Scouts cover Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Welwyn and the wider county.
- 04Girls Talent Pathway trials, ages 8 to 16
Run by the Foundation. Trials announced in spring and held in June or July for U10, U12, U14, U16 and goalkeepers. Tiers: Girls Football Centre, Girls Development Centre, FA Emerging Talent Centre, JPL squads. Over 260 girls involved.
Official page ↗
- Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth
- Welwyn, Hatfield, Cheshunt
- Wider Hertfordshire
- EPPP limit: 1 hour travel U9 to U11, 90 minutes U12 to U16
- Ask whether it is a development centre, the Player Pathway, or the academy. The club describes all three differently.
- In the Player Pathway, ask for the six-week review in writing. It is part of the offer.
- Category 3 means fewer hours and local recruitment. Good for a child who wants to stay at school and their grassroots club.
- Check the travel rule from home. One hour at U9 to U11.
Three things parents get sold.
- Stevenage FC Foundation, Girls Talent Pathway ↗
- Stevenage FC academy structure as reproduced by FC Scout ↗
- The Football Scholar, Stevenage FC Academy 2025-26 ↗
- Premier League Youth Development Rules (travel limits, registration) ↗
Last verified 5 September 2026. Spotted a change? Tell us and we will re-check within a week.