Academy

[ben_5000]

We are from Leicester and my 11 year old has been watched twice now by LCFC scouts who told me they have submitted reports to the club for consideration for a trial. I know it's all very early days but excited for him if he gets a trial as he's only been playing 8 months and starting to develop well. My question is how soon do you typically receive an invite once reports have been submitted? I guess they have to compare his report vs others already in the academy in his position ( striker ) to see if he is worth bringing in. I guess if we hear nothing they have found better 🤣. Just thought someone on here will have someone in the academy and can shed light on how it works. Thanks

[CornwallFox]

Academies take hundreds of kids. Absolutely get a little excited, who wouldn't, but also be realistic that it doesn't mean much unless they're still there at 15/16. They'll go through a reassessment every year and can get dropped at any time. Enjoy it as an opportunity not all kids get, rather than treating it as a pathway to fame and fortune. Stay grounded, keep your kid grounded.

[ben_5000]

Thanks for your reply. Yeah I agree it's good to get noticed but the hardest thing is to stay in the building long term. All he can do is work hard and stay humble and what will be will be. I actually am concerned if he is ready because he hasn't played for long and know how competitive it will be and just want him to have a positive experience rather than doubting if he should be there. You hear so many horror stories you sometimes wonder if it's a good thing or not. 

[Fox92]

8 hours ago, ben_5000 said:

Thanks for your reply. Yeah I agree it's good to get noticed but the hardest thing is to stay in the building long term. All he can do is work hard and stay humble and what will be will be. I actually am concerned if he is ready because he hasn't played for long and know how competitive it will be and just want him to have a positive experience rather than doubting if he should be there. You hear so many horror stories you sometimes wonder if it's a good thing or not. 

There are horror stories but also good stories. Work hard and keep his head down. I went to school with 4 or 5 friends who went to academies but only one ended up being (and still is) a professional footballer. From that what I take is it's just as important being focussed/determined off the field as well as on it.

 

Also. Congrats and good luck!

Edited 16 October 2025 by Fox92

[AKCJ]

I was scouted by Northampton Town as a kid (I was at secondary school so probably 11/12). I absolutely hated it. It was all too much. I just wanted to play with my mates.

[Greg2607]

9 hours ago, CornwallFox said:

Academies take hundreds of kids. Absolutely get a little excited, who wouldn't, but also be realistic that it doesn't mean much unless they're still there at 15/16. They'll go through a reassessment every year and can get dropped at any time. Enjoy it as an opportunity not all kids get, rather than treating it as a pathway to fame and fortune. Stay grounded, keep your kid grounded.

doesn't mean much until you sign pro terms to be honest... I was there till 15/16.  Was never gonna make the grade.   There were a couple of players in my Age group that did go on to have pro careers of various success (Eng U21's and Premier League Players, followed by Championship and League 1) - but those two were MILES ahead of the rest of us at the age group we were in. 

 

It's still a fantastic experience and gives a good grounding in Structure and discipline.