what is category 1 in football trial
Category 1 Academy is the ultimate standard for English youth football development. The Elite Player Performance Plan is designated for clubs that meet the most demanding criteria for staffing, facilities, coaching hours, education, and player care.
category 1 requirements
To achieve and maintain Category 1, a club must typically employ a large full-time multi-disciplinary team, which includes:
- Academy Manager with a UEFA A Licence and enrolment in the Elite Academy Managers Development Program
- multiple UEFA-qualified coaches per phase
- a full sports science and medicine department, performance analysts
- a psychologist, a Head of Education
- a Player Care Officer
- and more
facility criteria
Facilities must also meet the standard criteria. The requirements consist of floodlit grass pitches, FIFA-quality artificial surfaces, a dedicated indoor artificial pitch measuring at least 60 x 40 yards, medical consulting rooms, analysis suites, and finally, classrooms that satisfy the standards of Department of Education. Players also have more interactive time with their coaches, compares to lower-ranked categories.
Because of the high demands and intense standards, only a few places have met the requirements. As a result, very few players outside of the professional academy system ever receive this level of organisation, intensity, and support. This is where Premier Football UK comes into play. Our 10-Day Events are specifically designed to give talented players a genuine taste of that environment, allowing them to fulfil their full potential.
10-day programme
- Competitive matches against professional clubs and Category 1 Academy opposition
- EPL-standard physical, technical and tactical testing day so you leave with clear data
- Daily training under UEFA-qualified coaches with a detailed individual performance report
- On-site physiotherapists, recovery protocols and performance-focused nutrition
- Luxury residential accommodation, 24/7 welfare supervision and professional infrastructure
- Scout-attended Talent ID showcase with recorded footage for your portfolio
This is structured professional evaluation, not another open trial or commercial camp. The intensity, the opposition, the multi-disciplinary support and the feedback mirror the standards expected at Category 1 level.
If you have the talent, we have the platform, the infrastructure and the network to help you take the next step.
Players aged 7–21 who are serious about testing themselves at this level are invited to register for the next available 10-Day Event.
Ready to step into a Category 1 standard environment?
Register Now to receive more information.
