UPCOMING TRIAL DATES

Check below to see trial dates & school cluster groups

SCHOOL CLUSTER GROUPS

how it works

From the school pitch to the national stage — here’s how it works.

School player Nominations - Where It All Begins

At Who’s Next Football Trials, everything starts with the schools. We work directly with PE teachers and SGOs because no one is closer to young talent than the school staff who see them train, compete, and grow every day. Schools have the insight, the daily contact, and the instinct to spot potential — and that makes them the first and most important step in our talent ID process.

That’s why nominations can only come from schools. No agents. No Parents. No outside interference. Just trusted professionals who know their students best.

Who’s Next brings together:

• The eyes of the school
• The football expertise of ex-pros and qualified coaches
• And exposure to professional scouts and clubs

Together, this creates a fair, structured, and high-quality pathway for young players to be seen — and schools are absolutely central to that journey.

Their nomination could be the one that changes a player’s future.

trial phase 1

Phase 1 is where the journey begins.

Nominated students from each school will take part in their local cluster group trial — grouped with other schools from nearby areas to ensure accessibility and fairness.

Each Phase 1 trial day includes:

• A high-quality coaching session led by a UEFA-qualified coach
• Competitive small-sided and full matches designed to give every player the chance to showcase their ability in a real-game environment

Phase 1 trials are also open to professional scouts from local clubs within the cluster area — giving clubs the first look at talent from their own community. No external scouts from outside the cluster are permitted to attend Phase 1. This system is designed to ensure a fair opportunity for local players to be seen by their local pro clubs first, protecting the integrity of regional development. At the end of Phase 1, a small number of standout players from each year group will be selected to progress to the final stage of the trials at St George’s Park.

final trial

st georges park

The journey leads here — to the ultimate stage. Players selected from their Phase 1 Cluster Trials will earn a place at the Final Trial held at St George’s Park, the iconic home of England Football. This is where the very best talent from across the region comes together for one purpose:  to showcase their ability in front of professional scouts from across the country.



Unlike Phase 1, the Final Trial is open to national scouts — giving players exposure to clubs from all levels of the professional game, not just those in their local cluster.

The event will feature:

• A single, high-level showcase match
• Played in a professional setting
• Observed by academy scouts, heads of recruitment, and talent ID staff from clubs nationwide

“This is where futures are decided. This is Who’s Next.”