How to Get a WSL Academy Trial (A Player's Guide)

Tue Jul 14 2026

'''The growth of the Women's Super League isn't just a headline; it's a real, tangible goal for thousands of young female players. With record attendances and increasing professionalisation, the pathway to a pro contract in women's football in England has never been clearer, but it has also never been more competitive. The first major step for any elite youth player is securing a spot at a WSL academy. But how do you actually get your foot in the door?

Forget what you think you know about simply turning up for a trial. The modern pathway is a structured, multi-year process. This guide will break down how it works, what scouts and coaches at top clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United are looking for, and what you can do to give yourself the best possible chance.

What Are WSL Academies and How Do They Work?

Top-tier women's clubs in England run Professional Game Academies (PGAs), which are the equivalent of the boys' elite academy system. These are not casual training centres; they are highly professional environments designed to develop players capable of stepping into a WSL or Championship first team.

These academies are typically structured into three main age groups:

• Under-14s
• Under-16s
• Under-21s

The entire system is fed by a wider network of FA-approved talent programmes, creating a pyramid with the WSL academies sitting right at the top. The training is intensive, often involving multiple sessions a week plus a weekend fixture against other academies. The focus is on holistic development, covering technical skill, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and psychological preparation.

The Main Pathways to a WSL Academy Trial

There isn’t one single way to get noticed. Most players who succeed are identified through one of these three key routes.

Getting Scouted from a Girls' Emerging Talent Centre (ETC)

This is the most common and structured pathway. The FA’s talent pipeline for girls starts with local clubs and schools, feeding into regional Emerging Talent Centres (ETCs). There are over 70 ETCs across England, designed for players aged 8-16.

Think of an ETC as the primary scouting ground for the big clubs. Scouts from WSL and Championship PGAs are constantly watching ETC games and training sessions. If you're consistently the best player in your ETC, you will get noticed. The key is to first get into an ETC, which you do by excelling at your grassroots club.

Attending Official Open Trials

While rarer than in the boys' game, some clubs do hold open trials, particularly for their U21 development squads or when launching a new age group. These are your chance to bypass the traditional scouting network.

These trials are almost always held in May or June, straight after the season ends. You need to be vigilant and check the official websites of WSL clubs regularly. They will post a registration form which you must fill out. Spaces are incredibly limited and fill up fast, so you have to be quick. Be prepared for a huge number of players and very little time to impress.

Sending a Player CV and Highlight Video

This is the proactive approach. It involves creating a strong football CV and a concise highlight video and sending it directly to the club. While it's a long shot due to the sheer volume of emails clubs receive, a professional application can sometimes catch an eye, especially if they have a known gap in a specific age group or position.

Your email should be addressed to the right person. Look for titles like "Academy Manager," "Head of Women's Football," or the specific coach for the age group you're targeting (e.g., "U16s Head Coach").

What Do Scouts Look for in a Female Player?

Beyond just being good with the ball, academy scouts are looking for a specific combination of attributes that show potential for the elite level.

• Technical Excellence: Your first touch has to be clean, even under pressure. Can you receive the ball on your back foot? Is your passing range varied and accurate? Your ability to strike a ball cleanly and consistently is non-negotiable.
• Game Intelligence: Do you understand your role? Can you read the game and anticipate plays before they happen? This means smart movement off the ball, knowing when to press, and making clever decisions in possession. They want players who understand the "why," not just the "how."
• Athleticism: The pace of the WSL is incredibly high. Scouts look for players with explosive speed, the stamina to perform for 90 minutes, and the agility to change direction quickly. You don't have to be the fastest, but you have to be an effective athlete.
• Winning Mentality: This is huge. How do you react after losing the ball or making a mistake? Do you get frustrated, or do you work twice as hard to win it back? They want coachable, resilient players who communicate well and contribute positively to the team environment.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Your Trial

So you’ve secured a trial date. Excellent. Now the real work begins. Don't just show up and hope for the best.

1. Elevate Your Fitness: You need to be in peak physical condition. For a month leading up to the trial, incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT), sprints, and endurance runs into your schedule. Your performance in the last 15 minutes of the trial, when others are tired, is what gets you noticed.
2. Master Your Touch: Dedicate 30 minutes every single day to ball work. Use a wall to practice your first touch and passing. Dribble through cones. Juggle. The ball should feel like an extension of your foot.
3. Study the Game and the Club: Watch WSL games, especially those involving the club you're trialing with. What formation do they play? What are the responsibilities of the player in your position? Arriving with tactical knowledge is a massive advantage.
4. Prepare Mentally: Confidence comes from preparation. Visualize yourself playing well, making great passes, and scoring goals. On the day, it's normal to be nervous, but channel that energy into focus. Remember, you were invited for a reason.
5. Be a Professional: This starts before you even step on the pitch. Arrive early. Introduce yourself to the coaches with a firm handshake and eye contact. Be the first to help collect cones and the last to leave. Your character is being evaluated just as much as your talent.

FAQ

How old do you have to be for a WSL academy?

Most WSL Professional Game Academies (PGAs) run teams at the U14, U16, and U21 levels. To get into the pathway before that, you should aim for a local Girls' Emerging Talent Centre (ETC), which starts from age 8.

Can you get a trial if you are from outside the UK?

It is extremely difficult. Due to safeguarding, education rules, and post-Brexit visa regulations, academies almost exclusively recruit players who are British citizens or have the right to live and study in the UK. International recruitment typically only happens for first-team players over 18.

What happens after the academy?

The goal is to sign a professional contract with the first team. However, not everyone makes it. Many players will sign for clubs in the FA Women's Championship or National League, while others may pursue scholarships in the US college system.

Do you get paid to be in a WSL academy?

No, you do not get paid a salary as an academy player. The "payment" is the elite coaching, facilities, medical support, and education you receive. Some clubs may offer assistance with travel expenses, but there is no wage until you sign a professional contract.

The journey to a WSL academy is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires years of dedication, resilience, and a relentless desire to improve. Focus on becoming the best player at your current level, whether that's a grassroots club or an ETC, and the opportunities will start to appear. You can find live women's football trials and contract opportunities posted by clubs and agents on My Football Future.'''