Does Watford run academy trials?
Watford FC Training Ground, Bell Lane · London Colney, Hertfordshire
No open trials for the academy, but the most transparent pathway of any club we have checked. Watford's community trust publishes the whole system: Tier 1 Skill Centres anyone can join for U7 to U14, Tier 2 Player Development Centres by invitation after a one or two week trial, and Tier 3, the Advanced PDC, on Friday evenings at the club's training ground with fixtures against academy age groups. Players are scored twice a season on the FA Four Corner model. Score 150 or more and you are recommended for a trial up. Score 119 or less twice and you are released.
4 ways players actually get in.
One to two week trial into Tier 2, then scored blocks. Academy trial only on the trust's recommendation or direct scouting.
- 01Tier 1 Skill Centres
Open invitation for U7 to U14 in St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Watford and Harrow. The entry point to the trust pathway, and where coaches identify players for a Tier 2 trial.
Official page ↗ - 02Tier 2 Player Development Centres
Invite only, U7 to U16. Entry by a one to two week trial after a trial request email, a trust tournament, a school, or a grassroots club referral. Thirty-two weeks a season, two digital reports in December and June, retain or release twice a year.
Official page ↗ - 03Tier 3 Advanced PDC at the training ground
Friday evenings at Bell Lane, U7 to U16, fixtures against other advanced squads and Watford academy age groups. Two face-to-face reviews a season. The trust sends recommendation lists to the academy's head of recruitment once or twice a season, and arranges pre-academy fixtures for recommended U7 and U8 players.
- 04Scouted at grassroots in Hertfordshire
The academy also scouts directly. The trust is explicit that a recommendation does not guarantee a trial, and the academy decides.
- Watford, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead
- Harrow and Hillingdon
- Wider Hertfordshire
- EPPP limit: 1 hour travel U9 to U11, 90 minutes U12 to U16
- Ask which tier. The trust publishes what each one includes, so you can hold them to it.
- Ask for the block score. Reports are numeric and the thresholds are public: 150 recommends, 120 to 149 retains, 119 or below releases.
- The training ground is in London Colney, not Watford. Check the travel time from home.
- Trial requests go to trustpdctrial@watfordfc.com with name, date of birth, address, school, grassroots team and position. Expect a waiting list.
Three things parents get sold.
- Watford FC CSE Trust, Player Development Centre booklet 2022/23 ↗
- Watford FC CSE Trust, PDC information booklet ↗
- Watford FC CSE Trust, Player Development Centre page ↗
- 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.