Does Chelsea run academy trials?
Cobham Training Centre · Cobham, Surrey
No open trials. But Chelsea has two real doors most parents do not know about. The academy runs a recruitment programme called Future Blues, where scouts watch a player for four to six weeks and then assess them weekly. And the club officially accepts self-nominations through the aiScout app, where your child records set drills on a phone and Chelsea scouts review the scores. Separately, Chelsea Soccer Schools runs a paid three-tier development programme that sits outside the academy.
4 ways players actually get in.
Four to six weeks of observation, then weekly scored assessments over a block. Not a single day.
- 01Scouted into Future Blues
Scouts identify a player at grassroots, school or district football and monitor them for one month to six weeks. Selected players then get weekly assessments by coaches and scouts, scored against set criteria, before any recommendation.
Official page ↗ - 02Self-nominate through aiScout
The one official way to put your own child forward. Download the app, complete the drills Chelsea sets, upload. AI scores the attempt, Chelsea staff review the profiles and may invite a player to an in-person trial. Free.
- 03Chelsea Soccer Schools development programme
Paid weekday-evening coaching in three tiers: Player Training Centre, Player Development Centre, Player Performance Centre. Trial sessions are bookable for school years 1 to 9. This is not the academy or pre-academy, though strong performers at the top tier can be looked at.
Official page ↗ - 04Coach referral
A grassroots coach can contact the academy with a profile and fixture list. A scout may attend a match without telling anyone.
- South-west London
- Surrey
- Wider London for outstanding players
- EPPP limit: 1 hour travel U9 to U11, 90 minutes U12 to U16
- Ask which programme the invitation is for. Future Blues assessment, a Soccer Schools tier, or the academy itself are three different things.
- Cobham is the base. Work out the weekly drive before you say yes. The travel rule is one hour at U9 to U11.
- Ask how the scoring block works and when you will hear. Chelsea uses a set assessment period with an average score at the end.
- Stay registered at your grassroots club until the academy registration form is signed.
Three things parents get sold.
- Chelsea FC, Future Blues recruitment programme ↗
- Chelsea FC, About the Academy ↗
- Chelsea Soccer Schools, Player Development Programme ↗
- Premier League Youth Development Rules (travel limits, registration) ↗
Last verified 5 September 2026. Spotted a change? Tell us and we will re-check within a week.