Academy reviews and release
Academy coaches review players and decide whether to offer them another place. Keeping a player is called retention. Ending their place is called release. This guide explains the process and how to support your child.
Reviews and decision dates
Registrations run one year at U9 to U11, two years from U13. Category 1 clubs must tell a U16 about a scholarship by 31 December. Retention decisions are due by the first Saturday in June, and that is also your deadline to decline.
- DecMid-season review
Player, one parent, the age-group coach and academy management. The purpose is that June holds no surprises. Ask: what would need to change by June for you to retain him? Get it in writing, even as an email summary you send back.
- Jan–MayThe quiet period
Playing time and position changes are signals. A child moved to a new position in spring is often being assessed for a different role or being eased out. Ask, calmly, which.
- JunThe decision
Retain, release, or at U16 the scholarship. Some clubs tell you in a meeting, some by phone, one player described an email his mother received while he was at school. Ask in December how the club communicates it, so you are not learning that part in June.
- AfterWhat the club owes you
EPPP academies must have a welfare officer and must support a released player's move: circulating details and clips to other clubs, an exit trial at U16, and access to support. Ask for all of it by name.
If your child is released
Written from released players' own accounts. "It was what I was used to for nearly six years. Going there every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. And I've then been told I can't go back."
- Day 1Say nothing useful yet
Not "it's only football". Not "they've made a mistake". Not "there'll be another club". Released players say the first two minimise it and the third promises what you cannot deliver. Sit with it. Let them be angry.
- Day 2The group chat
They will be removed from the team chat, sometimes the same day. Players describe this as the sharpest part. Message one or two parents you trust so the friendships survive the roster.
- Week 1Ask the club for three things
The written reasons. The name of the welfare officer. Confirmation that clips and details will go to other clubs, and which ones. If the answer is a 90-second meeting and a handshake, write to the academy manager and ask again.
- Week 2Do not chase a trial yet
Give your child time to decide what they want next. Options may include a local team, another academy or a football and education programme. Check the age requirements and application process with each provider. Older players can also look at US college soccer scholarships.
- Any timeIf they go quiet for weeks
Withdrawal, sleep changes, not wanting to see friends. The PFA runs a free counselling line for scholars and former scholars, and released players who used it say it was the thing that helped. Younger players: your GP, and the club's welfare officer, who is obliged to help even after release.
What you can say to your child
"I'm not going to say anything clever. I'm just glad you're in the car with me."
"Thank you. We'd like the written reasons, the welfare officer's contact, and to know which clubs you'll send his details to."
"He's been released. He'd love to keep seeing the lads. Can we sort a kickabout this weekend?"