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Academy

The Woking FC Academy has been operating in its current format for over a decade with the aim of helping talented young footballers make progress into the club's first team set up or in their sporting careers whilst continuing with their academic studies.

For the 2024/25 season, the youth and academy setup runs in three stages; a pre-academy for six to nine-year-olds, a youth academy for nine to 16-year-olds, and a full-time academy for talented young players above the age of 16, including an education programme.

The Academy works with the Football Club's partner charitable and community organisation, Cardinals in the Community (CITC).

Notable academy graduates in include Woking legends Craig Ross and Joe McNerney, Wrexham's Ollie Palmer, ex-Chelsea and now-Reading's Jayden Wareham and most recently Jack Matton (Wycombe) and Marco Underwood (Fulham).

Pre-Academy
The Pre-Academy is for the very youngest players, covering U7s, U8s and U9s. Meeting once a week, players train and learn in a fun and friendly environment under the watchful eye of our coaches. Players that show real talent have the opportunity to progress to Woking FC Academy Youth.

The Pre-Academy trains at The Winston Churchill School in Woking, Thursdays, 17:00 - 18:00.

Youth Academy
Starting with U9s and progressing through the age groups right up to U16s, players train with our Academy coaches and have the opportunity to play competitively in the Junior Premier League. Training is held twice weekly at CITC’s sports hub, within the grounds of Woking College, and matches are played on Saturdays. At this level, players are able to continue playing for their grassroots clubs.

As with the main Academy, players receive a progress report twice per season, which helps identify areas of their game to work on and improve. U16s players are assessed throughout the season with a view to being invited to join Woking FC Academy.

Woking FC Academy
Woking FC Academy is a National League licensed academy. We aim to develop each and every player to reach their full potential, instilling ambition and a professional attitude. We work as closely as possible to Category 3 Academy standards, creating a professional environment in which players thrive.

Players train 5-6 hours per week at CITC’s sports hub. Their development is supported by video analysis of training and matches, group workshops and strength and conditioning sessions. One-to-one reviews are held twice every season, along with player reports so that both the coaching staff and the players themselves have a clear focus on individual development.

Woking FC Academy plays competitive matches in the U18 Isthmian League, U19 National Leagues and also have the opportunity to play in U21 fixtures in the Suburban Football League. Pre-season training includes friendlies and there are opportunities to travel abroad for a training camp.

Our football timetable is planned in conjunction with players’ education. Academy players can choose to attend Woking College or focus on gaining the Level 3 National Diploma in Sport and Coaching which is delivered by VLUK at the CITC Sports hub.

Age Group Competitions

Under 21s
Play in: Suburban Football League - Premier Division
Home games: Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30

Under 19s
National League U19 Alliance - Academy South Division
Home games: Westfield FC, Wednesdays, 14:00

Under 17s
National League U19 Alliance - Division E
Home games: Woking College, Wednesday, 14:00

Under 18s -
Isthmian Football League - Youth West Division
Home games: Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30

Players will also have the chance to represent the academy in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.

Contact Academy manager Matt Winter for more information
matt@wokingcitc.org

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Woking Football Club Limited
A company incorporated in England and Wales (company number: ‍03329172)
Registered office The Laithwaite Community Stadium, Kingfield, Woking, Surrey, GU22 9AA

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