The Leeds United Youth Academy develops young football players with the potential to play professionally. If you’re selected for the Youth Academy, you’ll train with some of the best youth coaches in England and compete in the U18 Premier League, FA Youth Cup and other prestigious youth tournaments.
To be considered for the Youth Academy, you must:
- Be between 9 and 18 years of age. The Academy scouts players from the U9 to U18 age groups.
- Have experience playing at a competitive club or school level. The Academy looks for players who excel in their age group and demonstrate high potential.
- Attend an Academy trial. Trials are held several times a year for players in each age group. If selected from a trial, you’ll be invited to join the Development Squad for further assessment.
- Meet the Academy’s high standards for skills, physical fitness and mentality. Players must be highly talented, hard working, and able to handle the demands of the training program.
If you impress the coaches during your time with the Development Squad, you may be offered a spot in the Academy. As an Academy player, you’ll get to train at Thorp Arch, compete in youth leagues, and work your way up to the U23 and first team.
The Youth Academy is the first step to becoming a star for Leeds United. With dedication and hard work, the Academy can launch your career and help you achieve your dream of playing football professionally. If you have the talent and desire, apply for a trial – you could be pulling on the white shirt of Leeds United someday!
Eligibility Requirements for Leeds United Youth Teams
To apply for Leeds United’s youth academy teams, there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet. The club is looking for talented young players between the ages of 7 to 21 who show potential to develop into professional footballers.
Age
The age groups for Leeds United’s youth teams are:
- Under 9s (U9s): Ages 7-8
- Under 12s (U12s): Ages 10-11
- Under 14s (U14s): Ages 12-13
- Under 16s (U16s): Ages 14-15
- Under 18s (U18s): Ages 16-17
- Under 23s (U23s): Ages 18-21
You must be within the specified age range for your age group as of August 1 of the season you wish to join. For example, to join the U12s, you must be between 10 to 11 years old on August 1.
Talent and Potential
Leeds United scouts look for players who demonstrate natural talent, skill, athleticism, and potential to develop into a professional player. Things like ball control, speed, vision, and football IQ are assessed. The club receives thousands of applications each year, so you must show you have the dedication and ability to stand out.
Geographic Location
Leeds United accepts applications from players across Yorkshire and the surrounding counties. While the club prefers players living within 90 minutes of the training ground for logistical reasons, exceptions are made for exceptionally talented players.
Training Schedule
To join Leeds United, you must be able to commit to a full training schedule. The U9s to U16s typically train 2-3 times per week, while older age groups train up to 5 times per week. Training, games and travel can require up to 15-20 hours per week for some teams. You must have the time and means to commit to such an intensive schedule.
The Leeds United Youth Team Application Process Step-by-Step
To apply for Leeds United’s prestigious youth team, follow these key steps:
1. Check Eligibility
First, make sure you meet the age requirements to join the Under-9s up to Under-16s teams. Applicants must be between 8 to 15 years of age for the 2024 season. If you’ll turn 16 before December 31, 2024, you’re unfortunately too old to apply for the youth program.
2. Register Online
Go to the Leeds United youth team application website and register as a new user. You’ll need to provide details like your name, address, date of birth and upload a recent photo. There is no fee to register or apply.
3. Attend a Trial
If your application is accepted, you’ll be invited to attend an evaluation trial. Trials are held between January and March at the Leeds United Training Academy. The trials allow coaches to assess your skills and potential in a competitive environment. Do your best to demonstrate your football abilities, teamwork and passion for the game.
4. Wait for the Decision
After the trials conclude, the coaching staff will review all applicants and decide who will be offered a spot in the youth academy. This can take 4 to 6 weeks. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get in on your first attempt—many players aren’t accepted until their 2nd or 3rd trial. Keep practicing and try again next season.
5. Confirm Your Place
If accepted, you’ll receive an official letter from Leeds United offering you a place in the youth team for the 2024 season. Spots must be confirmed quickly, so you’ll need to sign and return any paperwork right away to secure your place. Get ready to join one of the top football academies in the UK!
READ ALSO- How To Apply For Juventus Academy Scholarship
Conclusion
The path to joining Leeds United’s youth team may not be easy, but with hard work, skill and persistence, your dream of playing for one of the most storied clubs in England can become a reality.
