How to enter a football academy: real steps and requirements

Not all academies use the same admission process, but the criteria they evaluate are consistent: technical level, competitive attitude, and development potential. If you're looking to join an academy, you need to know exactly what they're looking for and how to position yourself so they notice you.

Understand what academies are looking for

Academies don't just evaluate who plays best today. They look for athletes who show learning capacity, willingness to receive criticism, and consistency in performance. A technically good player with a problematic attitude is a risk; one with less talent but a growth mindset has better chances of being selected.

Physical potential also counts. Technical directors observe speed, jumping power, cardiovascular endurance, and coordination. This doesn't mean you need to be the fastest on the field, but that you show characteristics that, with training, can be developed.

Versatility in positions adds points. If a player can perform in two defensive lines, or as a winger and midfielder, it expands their options for call-ups at different times.

Prepare before the evaluation

The first step is being realistic about your current level. If you play in a local league but never participated in departmental or regional tournaments, that's important information. Academies expect you to come from the best competitive level available in your area.

Train specifically in the weeks beforehand: work on execution speed, accuracy in short and long passes, and ball control in tight spaces. The evaluations last a few hours; what they see there is a sample, not your full potential, so optimize what you can show.

Maintain physical fitness. You don't need to be at peak season form, but if you arrive with poor cardiovascular base or overweight, evaluators will notice immediately. A week before, reduce training intensity to arrive fresh, not tired.

The evaluation process: what to expect

Almost all academies structure the evaluation in two phases: technical tests and a match observation.

In the technical tests there will be dribbling exercises, passing accuracy, shooting, ball control with different foot surfaces, and physical drills like sprints or vertical jump. These exercises are standardized. What's important is executing them focused and without pressure; many players fail because they get nervous, not because they can't do the movement.

The match is where they really evaluate you. Here the evaluator looks at tactical decisions: will you pass or shoot?, do you provide defensive support?, do you communicate with teammates?. A player who touches the ball few times but at intelligent moments impresses more than one who touches it a lot without purpose. Play simple, maintain position, mark when necessary.

How to get evaluated: access channels

There are several paths. The most direct is contacting the academy directly: check their website to see if they open convocations. Many hold evaluations two or three times a year, not continuously, so check the periods.

Academy scouts also go to local and regional tournaments. If your team competes in a well-known tournament, there are likely evaluators watching. Perform in those matches as if it were the final.

On Smidrat you can access a directory of academies with their evaluation periods and verified contacts, which saves you time searching for scattered information on social networks. There are also coaches who use the platform to identify talent, so having your profile updated increases the probability that they'll contact you directly.

Another option is that someone in your circle—coach, physical education teacher, family member—has a connection with an academy. An internal contact speeds up the process, but it doesn't automatically get you in; you still have to pass the evaluation.

After the evaluation

The response can take time. Some academies communicate in days; others in weeks. It's not that they didn't notice you; they're simply comparing the whole group before deciding.

If you didn't get in, ask for feedback. Ask specifically which aspect you need to improve: technique, positioning, attitude, physical condition. A rejection is information, not a final conclusion. Many players enter an academy on the second attempt after working on their weak points.

If you got in, celebrate but don't let your guard down. The first month is critical: academies continue observing during that stage and can reassess admission decisions. Show you deserved to get in.

Frequently asked questions

What age should I enter an academy?

There's no single age. Some academies start training from 8 or 9 years old; others focus on players 14 and up. What's important is that you already have good technical fundamentals (knowing how to pass, control, dribble) and really want to improve. The younger you are, the more chances you have to train completely within the academy.

What happens if an academy rejects me the first time?

It means that at that specific moment you didn't meet criteria (technical level, age, position, current demand), but it doesn't close doors. Work on the aspects they told you to improve, participate in bigger tournaments, and apply again at the next convocation. Many players who are in academies today had previous rejections.

Does it cost money to enter an academy?

The initial evaluation is almost always free. If you get in, then there will be monthly fees for maintenance, transportation, and technical staff. The amount varies between academies and countries. Before applying, confirm if there are hidden costs and if the academy offers full or partial scholarships for performance.