How to Apply for Hull City FC Academy Football Trials: Your Pathway to Becoming a Tiger

Dreaming of pulling on the black and amber stripes of Hull City AFC and showcasing your footballing talent at the MKM Stadium? The Hull City FC Academy offers a golden opportunity for young, ambitious players to develop their skills and potentially carve out a career with one of England’s storied football clubs. Known as the Tigers, Hull City has a proud tradition of nurturing talent through its Category 2 Academy, with a focus on developing players from as young as Under-6 through to Under-21s. If you’re determined to earn a trial and take your first steps toward professional football, this guide will ignite your imagination and provide a clear, actionable roadmap to apply for Hull City FC Academy trials.

The Hull City FC Academy: Where Dreams Take Flight

Imagine training on pristine pitches at Bishop Burton College, guided by UEFA-qualified coaches who have scouted and developed talents like Jarrod Bowen, now a Premier League star. The Hull City FC Academy is a breeding ground for future professionals, competing in the U18 and U21 Professional Development Leagues, the FA Youth Cup, and more. With a network of over 30 full-time and part-time staff, the academy coaches approximately 150 young players aged 8 to 18, offering a structured pathway to the first team. The Tigers’ commitment to youth development is evident in their Category 2 status, achieved in 2015, which allows them to recruit promising players from across the nation.

But how do you get noticed by the Tigers’ scouts? How do you secure that coveted trial to showcase your skills? Let’s dive into the process, painting a vivid picture of your journey to the Hull City FC Academy.

Step 1: Understand the Academy’s Recruitment Philosophy

Before you lace up your boots, picture yourself as a scout for Hull City. The academy’s recruitment philosophy is built on identifying players with exceptional potential—those who combine technical ability, athleticism, and a relentless work ethic. Scouts are looking for the next Chris Chilton or Andy Davidson, legends who rose through the ranks to etch their names in Hull City history.

The academy operates a rigorous scouting network, both locally in East Yorkshire and nationally, seeking players from Under-6 to Under-23 age groups. They prioritize attitude, coachability, and game intelligence alongside raw talent. To stand out, you’ll need to demonstrate not just skill but also a positive mindset and adaptability—qualities that shine in competitive matches and training sessions.

Step 2: Get Spotted at the Right Place, at the Right Time

Imagine this: you’re playing a Sunday league match, weaving past defenders with the ball glued to your foot, unaware that a Hull City scout is watching from the sidelines. This is how many players are discovered. The academy’s scouts frequently attend local club matches, school games, and grassroots tournaments across the UK. To increase your chances of being spotted:

• Play for a Local Club or School Team: Join a competitive team in your area, ideally within the East Yorkshire catchment or nearby regions. Scouts often visit matches in leagues like the East Riding Youth League or school tournaments.

• Attend Hull City Soccer Schools: Hull City’s Soccer Schools are a direct pipeline to the academy. These sessions, open to all, are held regularly and provide a platform to showcase your skills in front of academy coaches. Picture yourself dribbling through cones, striking a perfectly timed shot, and catching the eye of a coach who invites you for a trial. Enroll early, as these sessions are popular and offer a low-pressure environment to shine.

• Participate in Open Trials (When Available): Hull City occasionally hosts open trials, though these are typically invitation-only or through specific channels like Tony’s Soccer School. Pre-registration is required, and trials are strictly for UK-based applicants. Keep an eye on the official Hull City AFC website (wearehullcity.co.uk) or trusted platforms like tonys-soccer-school.net for announcements about trial dates.

Step 3: Direct Contact – Make Yourself Known

Picture this scenario: you’ve compiled a highlight reel of your best moments—goals, assists, and crunching tackles—ready to send to Hull City’s academy staff. While the club receives thousands of such submissions, a well-crafted application can make you stand out. Here’s how to do it:

• Prepare Your Player Profile: Create a concise CV that includes:

• Vital Statistics: Your full name, age, date of birth, height, weight, and preferred position.

• Footballing Background: Current club, previous clubs, representative honors (e.g., county or district teams), and any prior trials.

• Contact Information: Email, phone number, and address.

• Video Highlights: A short, high-quality video (3-5 minutes) showcasing your best moments. Ensure the footage is clear, ideally from competitive matches, and includes your name and position. Upload it to a platform like Hudl or YouTube and include the link.

• Contact the Academy: Send your profile to the Hull City FC Academy via their official contact channels. The academy is based at: Hull City Academy, Bishop Burton College, York Road, Bishop Burton, Beverley HU17 8QG. Check the official website (wearehullcity.co.uk) for the latest contact email or submission form. Be professional, polite, and concise in your communication.

• Follow Up Respectfully: Understand that the academy receives a high volume of applications, so responses may not be immediate. If you don’t hear back, don’t be discouraged—focus on performing at your club or soccer school to get noticed organically.

Step 4: Shine at a Trial

Imagine stepping onto the pitch at Dransfield Stadium or Bishop Burton College, the home of Hull City’s youth teams, with scouts and coaches watching your every move. If you’re invited to a trial, this is your moment to shine. Here’s how to prepare:

• Physical Preparation: Train consistently to improve your fitness, speed, and agility. Hull City’s trials often include high-intensity drills and small-sided games, so stamina and quick recovery are key.

• Mental Preparation: Picture yourself staying calm under pressure, listening to coaches’ instructions, and communicating effectively with teammates. Scouts value players who show enthusiasm, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. A positive attitude can set you apart.

• What to Expect: Trials typically last 2-3 hours and include:

• Drills (1-2 hours): Technical exercises like passing, dribbling, and shooting to assess your skills.

• Small-Sided Games (30-60 minutes): Matches to evaluate your game intelligence, positioning, and teamwork.

• 11v11 Matches: For older age groups, full-sided games to test your effectiveness in a match scenario. Scouts may also assess your ability to play out of position, so be versatile.

• Bring the Right Gear: Wear appropriate football kit (boots, shin pads, and comfortable clothing). Avoid wearing other clubs’ kits to show respect for Hull City. Arrive early, hydrated, and ready to give 100%.

Step 5: Leverage External Opportunities

If you’re struggling to get noticed directly, imagine attending a trial organized by a reputable football trials agency like UK Football Trials or Protec. These organizations work with professional clubs, including those in the EFL Championship like Hull City, and offer structured trial events where scouts are present. For example:

• UK Football Trials: Offers 2-3 hour sessions with UEFA Pro or A Licence coaches, including drills and matches. Register at ukfootballtrials.com, ensuring you select trials in the Yorkshire area or for EFL clubs.

• Protec Football Academy: Known for sending players to trials at clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, Protec could connect you with Hull City scouts. Check their trial dates at soccertrials.com.

These events are a stage to perform in front of multiple clubs, increasing your chances of being scouted. Picture yourself scoring a goal in a trial match, with a Hull City scout nodding approvingly in the stands.

Step 6: Understand the Challenges and Stay Persistent

The path to Hull City’s academy is competitive, like trying to break into a fortress guarded by the fiercest Tigers. The academy is selective, and competition is fierce, especially for older age groups (U16 and above). Here are some realities to keep in mind:

• High Volume of Applicants: Clubs receive thousands of CVs and videos weekly, so direct submissions may not always lead to a response.

• Scouts Work Discreetly: You may not know a scout is watching, as they often avoid club kit to reduce pressure on players. Focus on consistent performance in every game.

• Persistence Pays Off: Many players, like former academy graduate Will Jarvis, faced setbacks before securing a spot. Keep training, playing, and seeking opportunities.

Imagine the feeling of receiving an email from Hull City inviting you to a trial. Stay patient, keep improving, and never stop chasing your dream.

Step 7: For Girls – Explore Hull City Ladies Academy

If you’re a female player, picture yourself joining the Hull City Ladies Elite Academy, a program that has accepted over 90 girls and is always seeking talented goalkeepers and outfield players. To apply:

• Complete the Interest Form: Visit hullcityladies.com to fill out the interest form for the Girls Elite Academy. Trials are held periodically, with dates announced based on availability and safety regulations.

• Prepare for Trials: Similar to the boys’ academy, trials involve drills and matches. Show your technical ability, teamwork, and passion to stand out.

Imagine representing Hull City Ladies, playing with pride, and following in the footsteps of trailblazers in women’s football.

Step 8: Live the Academy Life

If you secure a trial and impress, picture yourself as part of the Hull City Academy. You’ll train at state-of-the-art facilities like Bishop Burton College or the LNER Community Stadium, learning from expert coaches and using advanced technology to hone your skills. The academy emphasizes holistic development—technical, tactical, physical, and mental—preparing you for a potential career in football. You could compete in the FA Youth Cup, follow in the footsteps of players like Ken Wagstaff, and maybe even earn a scholarship for the 2024/25 season, as 12 players did recently.

Final Tips to Fuel Your Journey

• Start Early: The younger you begin (ideally U6-U9), the better your chances of developing within the academy system.

• Stay Local if Possible: Living in or near East Yorkshire increases your chances of being scouted, as the academy prioritizes local talent.

• Be Versatile: Scouts value players who can adapt to different positions, as modern football demands flexibility.

• Network with Coaches: Attend soccer schools or camps where Hull City coaches are present. A personal recommendation can go a long way.

Your Next Steps

Ready to chase your dream of joining the Hull City FC Academy? Start by checking the official Hull City website (wearehullcity.co.uk) for soccer school dates and trial announcements. Register with trusted platforms like Tony’s Soccer School (tonys-soccer-school.net) to stay updated on trial opportunities. Prepare your player profile, train hard, and keep performing in competitive matches. The roar of the Tigers awaits—go seize your chance to shine[Image]

Disclaimer: Trial opportunities and processes may change. Always verify details through official Hull City AFC channels or trusted partners like Tony’s Soccer School or UK Football Trials.

This article is designed to captivate aspiring footballers and their families, blending practical advice with an inspiring narrative to fuel their ambition. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to pursuing a trial with Hull City FC Academy.

MORE FOOTBALL TRIALS BY FOOTBALL CLUBS HOLDING FOOTBALL TRIALS

Reading FC Academy Open Trials Official Application Process

Potential players are occasionally invited in for a trial period of up to eight weeks with Reading FC Academy.

Here is the official route to get a trial with Reading FC

If you would like a player to be watched by Reading Football Club then please send in as much information about their playing career, including a fixture list for the club they currently play for, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our recruitment department may then decide to send a scout to watch the player.

As well as contacting the Recruitment Team with full details of a youngster's playing history, it is also possible for talented children to be spotted through our Football in the Community scheme.

MK Dons Academy Football Trials Application process

If you want to apply for trials at MK Dons this is the official route to apply.

please e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details to include in your email;

1. Your full name

2. Your full address including postcode

3. Your contact telephone number

4. Your age

5. Your date of birth

6. School(s) attended

7. The position you prefer to play

8. Your footballing CV or background

9. The current team you play for

10. The fixtures of your current team

11. Any other relevant information, for example, previous experience playing at a Professional Football Club’s Academy

12. Confirmation that you hold a British or EU passport

Please make sure you include your fixtures, including dates, kick-off times and venues, if known.

Please note: The Academy is restricted by time/distance within the Foundation Phase (U7-11) and Youth Development Phase (U12-16). Within the Foundation Phase, travelling is limited by 1 hour and in the Youth Development Phase, travelling is limited by 1 hour 30mins.

An e-mail confirming receipt will be sent to individuals applying for a trial.

This information will then be passed onto one of our scouts, who will report to the Head of Recruitment and Head of Academy Coaching with his recommendation. 

Trial enquiries should be sent to the Academies Head of Recruitment, Daz Waring:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Players must enclose their football CV

Kings Lynn Town FC

For general Trials with Kings Lynn Town FC please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. enclosing a CV Thank you

Crawley Town FC

Are you currently in Year 11 or 12? Interested in a career in football? Email

to apply for our trials this Easter: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Players must pre-register

Birmingham City Official Player Recruitment Process

The player recruitment department is tasked with the monitoring, selection and transition of players operating outside of our Academy environment. The recruitment team will work collectively with our coaches to the identification of players within the three phases of the player pathway.

The priority of the department is to recruit, develop and produce players able to reach the Academy’s core purpose. This process is player centered, focusing on the identification of players able to excel in one or more of the four corners associated to player development and, where possible predominantly recruit from a catchment area within an hour of Birmingham. The strategy will be collaborative in nature, planned and aligned to the profiles through each of the development phases where appropriate.

PRE-ACADEMY

The Pre-Academy is a development programme designed to identify, assess and nurture local talented individuals between 6 - 8 years of age. The primary aim is to develop technically gifted individuals for our U9’s squads who become accustomed to the club’s culture and playing philosophy through weekly training sessions and games, allowing for an easy transition into the Academy way of life. The major emphasis of the programme is technical development. With the use of the clubs training facilities, and a structured coaching syllabus and games programme, our UEFA qualified Academy staff seek to increase player to ball contact time in a fun, inclusive and professional environment.

COMMUNITY TRUST

The Club has a very large Community Trust scheme operating a number of local coaching programmes. The Community Trust run a shadow squad programme for U12-U14 players participating on a weekly basis in a number of local grass root leagues. There is also a full time programme for the U17-U19’s.

Players from within the Community Trust programme can be directly recommended by a member of staff for a trial period. In addition to this, each Community Trust coach working within the shadow squad and on the U17-19 programme acts as a spotter, recommending opposition players they have seen in the fixtures that their respective teams have participated in.

SCHOOLS FOOTBALL PROGRAMME

Within the West Midlands area there is a thriving schools football programme. Through community links, it has been identified that there are some young players who only participate in schools’ football and may not be observed participating in local grass root fixtures. There are a number of reasons for this, the most common being a recent move to the area or little/no parental support.

The Academy continually supports West Midland District Schools at both primary and secondary level allowing the use of the training facilities for prestigious games in their calendar. School staff are also invited to Academy CPD events in order to aid their development as coaches. This relationship means there is the opportunity for talented players who are identified by school staff to be recommended directly to the Recruitment Manager/Officer. This may lead to an observation, and if suitable, an invitation to the Academy trial process.

TRIAL APPLICATION

The Academy is always on the lookout for local talented young players. Should you or someone you know, wish to be considered for a trial please follow the procedure set forth below. Players between 9 and 18 years old are asked to send their playing CV and cover letter to the Academy Recruitment Manager and Officer.

Please make sure to include the following:

Player Name
Player Date of Birth
Approx Height and Weight
Contact Address and Telephone Number
Current Club**
Previous Clubs
Details of Previous Trials
School Name
Player Position
Any Representative Honours
** Please include a fixture list of your current team making sure to include location and kick off time.

Upon receipt of your contact the recruitment department will make a decision as to whether a scout will attend your games.

Head of Player Recruitment at Birmingham City Simon Jones This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ASSISTANT ACADEMY MANAGER & HEAD OF COACHING  Stuart English  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cambridge United Academy Trials Official Process 

Cambridge United Football Club are constantly looking for talented young players to join our performance pathway.

If you are looking for a trial in the Academy please send your football CV to Jordan Collins Head of Academy Recruitment by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Your Genuine & Official Application for Trials at Port Vale Academy... 

-Please note that in accordance with FA Premier League rules trials can only be offered to players in the Under 9 to Under 11 age group if the player lives within one hour's traveling time of Port Vale Academy.

-Trials can only be offered to players in the Under 12 to 16 age group if the player lives within one-and-a-half hours traveling time of Port Vale Academy.

Players are asked to send a covering letter highlighting your footballing experiences to the Academy by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. players over 16 can apply and also for the Education Scholarship programme

Name:
Age:
School Year:
D.O.B
Address / Contact Number:
Height:
Weight:
Position:
Attributes:
Playing History:
Next 3 fixtures / Venue / Kick off time:

Due to the amount of trial inquiries we receive, please fill out with as much detail as possible, any videos or clips of you playing will help the recruitment process.

On receipt of your email, the recruitment staff will make a decision as to whether a scout will watch your games.

If the recruitment staff feels that the player has shown potential to play at Academy level, an approach will be made to the manager of your club as well as your parents and you will be invited in for a trial with Port Vale Football Club either through our Development Centre’s or into your Academy age group.

St Albans City FC Football trials opportunity
Clarence Park
St Albans
AL1 4PL

Players aged 16 to 18 Only please send CV to emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This information is only visible to Full Members.

Josh at Halesowen Town Academy has informed us of the following trials

Halesowen Town FC Academy Football Trial Dates Announced

These trials are held in the West Midlands of England

for Male footballers Ages 16/18

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info on these trials please inform him Tony at Tony's Soccer School sent you

For Mens Soccer trials in UK Please also Contact for trials and tell them Tony sent you This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Morecambe FC Academy will be hosting player trials

The open trials are for Under 7 to Under 14 age groups (Year 2 to Year 9) and will take place at the Academy training venue, Lancaster & Morecambe College, Morecambe Road, Lancaster LA1 2TY.

Advance booking is essential. We will not be able to accommodate players on the day who have not booked a place.

For more information, please contact Tom Bryan, Academy Head of Recruitment:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

To apply for this trial with Watford FC Academy please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Mansfield Town Football Club are on the lookout for talented young footballers to become part of our September performance group intake.

Havant & Waterlooville FC Academy Open Trials 

PRO FOOTBALL ACADEMIES UK

North London Academy Trials 16 to 19 year olds

New River Sports Centre White Hart Lane London N22 5QW DM us or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ROMFORD FC ESSEX WOMENS FIRST TEAM

Announcement so EXCITING to launch our very first women's 1st team 

this is a massive step we have wanted to take in ladies football and we are ready If you are interested in trials with our first team or our newly launching academy get in touch 07546334073

Stockport County FC Football Trials

Trials are available for start in September so you can Apply for this trial for Stockport County Here copy and paste in your search bar. http://stockportcountyacademy.co.uk/trials/ 

 RUGBY TOWN FC TRIAL  - YR 11/12 FULL TIME FOOTBALL BTEC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. EXPERIENCE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES as a Valley scholar

Brentford FC Football Academy Trial Dates

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust has announced that the next trials for its Football Development Centre (FDC) will take place  at Uxbridge High School. The FDC offers talented young players the opportunity to receive elite coaching– enhancing their skills in a player-centred environment.

What does the Football Development Centre involve?

With elite football coaching spanning more than 18 years, players will attend weekly training sessions at venues in Southall, Twickenham and Uxbridge. Goalkeepers are catered for with specialist coaching staff. The FDC includes term-time training in the evening and a structured development match programme against other football sports trusts such as Coventry City, Ipswich Town, MK Dons, Oxford United, Wycombe Wanderers and many more.

Plus, there are established Performance Squads as a level up from the current FDC programme. This initiative provides capable players with the opportunity to play against more skilled teams.

What is the benefit of joining the Football Development Centre?

Parents have highlighted the positive impact our FDC has had on their children.

Damian Christian, whose son attends our FDC, said: “We would like to thank the Brentford FC Football Development Centre and all the coaching staff for helping with Frankie’s footballing progress. He has thoroughly enjoyed the training after joining aged seven, the coaches and methods used by the development centre has had an incredibly strong and positive effect on him as a person and player.”

Simon Cairnes agrees: “When the boys play against other opposition, their superior skills, positioning and tactical knowledge really shines through and shows just how well they are coached.”

What is the criteria for the trials?

The trials are available to:

• boys in school years 1 to 11
• boys who live in Hounslow, Ealing, Richmond, Hillingdon and Spelthorne.

Excitingly, the Football Development Centre will run sessions from Gunnersbury Park’s new sports hub from September. The new £13.8 million sports hub will provide top-class facilities – including two outdoor floodlit artificial grass pitches.

How do I sign up?

For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Maidenhead Academy football trials

Our Maidenhead United Football Club Academy trials are taking place at the College 

This is for players aged 16 to 19

To register your interest or find out more please email the team at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 ROMULUS FC FOOTBALL TRIALS

With an excellent reputation in both education and sports achievements, Romulus Academy are

holding trials for 16-18 year olds at Castle Vale Stadium, B35 7NH. Contact Richard on 07956187016 for details. 

 Academy of Sport – Trial dates and Open Days AGE 16 TO 18

Come along to one of our trial sessions, meet the coaching team and show us your sporting skills.

FOOTBALL ACADEMY KETTERING CAMPUS
To register your interest in our Football or Rugby Academy or to book a place at a trial session, please contact our team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01536 413123. 

Official Benfica Trial Opportunities Here

Dunstable Town FC U18 PLAYERS FOR CURRENT AND NEXT SEASON

Dunstable Town are planning for next season, looking to add ambitious talent 

If your interested please contact Wayne upton This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tyler dunnell This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hounslow Football Academy trial

AC United Youth Academy football trials

We will be holding trials for the following age groups for next season

:U8s-U16s

If you are interested please email us - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.