Youth Development

Under 8's-Under 18's

In addition to our School of Excellence we will also run Development squads who will train with us once a week on Friday evenings but continue to play for their local team. The aim for the players at this level is to develop to a standard where they could progress into our Centre of Excellence squads.

Stevenage Football Academy has been running a fully operational Youth Development Program since August 2003. Our Youth Development Centre is designed to educate and improve talented players to one day represent the Senior squad as a professional footballer.

The boys Youth Development Program now has 300 young footballers between the age of 8-16 and the centre of excellence all being coached by fully qualified FA coaches each week. The scheme is split into 2 tiers and there is movement between the groups as the boys progress.

1, Centre of Excellence - designed for players with exceptional talent to represent Stevenage FC in the Football League Program against other Football League Clubs
2, Youth Development Program - For potential Excellence players


We now have in place a technical syllabuses which concentrates on team play and technical practises.

The program is designed to improve players technically and educate them in patterns and theories of play. At Development level we do not look to take players away from their clubs but to work together to bring along a player, which in turn should benefit their regular sides. Where as the Excellence centre is a signed programme where playing for other clubs is not permitted.

The Youth Development Programme is a professional set up with professional aims. Stevenage Football Club has a vested interest in the development of young local talent and our aim is to have a regular annual feed into our U18'S and finally into the world of professional football with the senior side.

If you know of a player with potential who might benefit from being part of the Youth Development Programme then please leave their details with a member of staff at the academy.