Men's and Women's Football

The scheme operates six teams, with three training in the morning and three in the afternoon. All teams compete in the Youth Alliance League or the Association of Colleges (AOC) League, structured as follows:

- Elites AM & PM – Youth Alliance/AOC Cat 1
- U19s AM & PM – AOC Cat 2
- U17s AM & PM – AOC Cat 3

The Elite squad typically includes players with professional academy or county-level experience, while U19s often come from semi-professional backgrounds, and U17s mainly consist of local amateur players. Selection is based on performance, attitude, and desire during trials.

Each squad has 18-22 athletes, with progression based on attendance and performance. Elite players may have opportunities with Non-League or Professional clubs and can also trial for professional academies or the England colleges squad under the guidance of Head of Academy Steve Castle. The academy fosters connections with various non-League clubs, ensuring suitable progression routes for players.

The programme operates three teams competing in the National Football Youth League (NFYL) or the Association of Colleges (AoC) League, structured as follows:

• Elite Squad – NFYL/AoC Category 1

• U19 Squad – NFYL/AoC Category 2

• U17 Squad – AoC Category 2/3

The Elite Squad comprises players with professional academy or county-level experience, while the U19 Squad typically features athletes from semi-professional backgrounds. The U17 Squad primarily consists of promising local amateur players.

Each squad consists of 18-22 players, with rosters subject to regular changes based on attendance, attitude, and performance on and off the pitch. This dynamic structure ensures a pathway for continuous progression and development.

Outstanding Elite Squad players may progress to non-league or professional clubs, and some may earn opportunities to trial for the England Colleges National Squad under the guidance of Head of Academy Steve Castle. The academy’s strong connections with professional and semi-professional clubs provide players with clear and suitable progression routes.

Student accommodation at our St Albans Campus is available for those enrolled in specialised programmes such as land-based courses, apprenticeships, and sports academies. Our aim is to create a safe, supportive community that helps you transition smoothly away from home.

Living at Oaklands