Football Trials 2026: UK, Ireland and Europe Guide
Hunting for football trials in 2026? This guide covers the main trial windows by month, the regions worth targeting, the age groups clubs are actively recruiting, and how to apply without an agent. Use the live listings further down to see trials posted right now on FootballersCV.
New here? Build a free football CV first so you can attach a link when you apply. The CV takes about thirty minutes with our step by step guide.
Football trial windows by month in 2026
January and February
Pre season scouting in southern Europe. Many clubs schedule mid season trial days for players released in December.
March and April
Spring open trials kick off across the UK and Ireland for U16 to U21 age groups.
May and June
End of season showcase tournaments. Best window for players hoping to be picked up before the summer transfer freeze.
July and August
Pre season trials at semi pro and academy level. Bring your fitness, coaches will run you hard.
September and October
Late additions to squads. Clubs sometimes hold a second wave of trials when injuries open spots.
November and December
Indoor trials and futsal showcases. Quieter month, but a smart time to email scouts about January opportunities.
Trials by age group
- U14 to U16: Academy intake trials run mostly through schools and district football. Get scouted at games rather than applying directly.
- U16 to U18: Scholarship trials at EFL Categories 2 to 4 happen between February and May. Players released from Cat 1 academies often re trial here.
- U18 to U21: Reserve, B team and National League trials. The most active recruitment window of the year.
- Senior: Semi pro, non league and lower division trials. Pre season (July to August) is the biggest window.
Trials by region
England
EFL academies (Categories 1 to 4), National League and Isthmian League clubs. Most schedule trials between March and August.
Scotland and Wales
SPFL and Cymru Premier clubs run open trials in spring and pre season. Smaller catchment area, easier to stand out if you are local.
Ireland
League of Ireland and SSE Airtricity clubs hold winter trials due to the summer season schedule. November to January is a key window.
Spain and Portugal
Tercera and Segunda RFEF clubs trial international players from January. Visa eligibility matters more than tier here.
Germany and Netherlands
Regionalliga and Eerste Divisie sides scout heavily through agents. A cold email with a strong video link still works.
Live football trials posted on FootballersCV
No open trials listed at this exact moment. Check back soon, or browse the full board on the opportunities page.
How to apply for football trials in 2026
- Build a clean football CV with stats, video and references.
- Identify five to ten clubs at the right level for you and find the recruitment contact.
- Send a short, polite email with your CV link and a one paragraph pitch. Our guide to contacting clubs has a copy paste template.
- Follow up after a week if you do not hear back.
- Turn up early, in the right kit, and ready to perform. See our trial day guide.