How to Apply for Birmingham City Academy Trials

We shall study “Apply for Birmingham City Academy Trials”. Also, study Reasons to join Birmingham city Fc Academy, How to register for Birmingham City Fc Academy, How to Join Birmingham City Fc Academy, Birmingham Fc Academy soccer schools, etc.

Introduction To Birmingham City FC Academy

Are you a young footballer? Do you feel you have the talent to make it in football? Certainly, this is your chance to join Birmingham City FC Academy. However, the focus of the Academy, is to groom young prospective footballers to become professionals. In the course of this, the Academy still ensures that, they get the best coaching, health, and nutritional treatment. So, let’s see how to join Birmingham City Championship Fc League Academy.

The managerial season of Barry Fry saw the dissolution of the academy’s youth development system. This was in 1996. However, the main cause was the Bowman Ruling. It was detrimental for the academy to groom a player, and a rival club will take the player at no cost. Instead, let them channel their savings to buying players.

At the replacement of Barry Fry by Trevor Francis, he gave the directive to restore the youth development system. Similarly, they got licensed from FA to function as an academy in 1999. As a result, prospective players have emerged from the academy. Some play for the Birmingham City FC, while some move to other clubs. A few of them are: Darren Carter, Craig Fagan, Andrew Johnson, etc. Also, a couple of them have represented their countries. Some of them are: Colin Doyle (Republic of Ireland), David Howland (Northern Ireland U21), Sone Aluko (England U-19), etc.

In the 2009–10 season, the England U-17squad called up goalkeeper Jack Butland, for the 2010 European Championships which they won. Similarly, the USA U-17 squad called Will Packwood for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

In 2006, Terry Westley got the job to manage the academy. He started off well, leading the U-18 squad to the FA Youth Cup quarter finals. After subsequent years, they got to the semi-final. In February 2011, he left the club under mutual agreement. After that, his assistant Kristjaan Speakman took over.

At some point under the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Place, the academy got the Category 2 assessment. They played in East Hills, their training ground. In December 2020, they replaced the Academy with a C team.

An Overview Of Birmingham City FC Academy

Birmingham City Football Club Academy, City Kings Norton, West Midlands is the location of the Birmingham City Academy. There, they offer the most outstanding form of development for the young players. Also, the club employs the best people to carry out the educative aspect of the grooming. To do this, they apply the use of technical knowledge and coaches to produce the best in the players.

However, due to the high level of a tussle to get the opportunity, the club takes its time to scrutinize individuals. It isn’t so easy to get into the Birmingham City Academy. Currently, Academy phase 1 clubs have the privilege to sign players under 12 years. Unlike before, where their ability to do this was regulated. The FA saw the need to remove the regulation to give a sort of liberty to the aspiring players. On the other hand, all that the Birmingham City Academy has done, is to provide a conducive environment for these players to feel at home. Most importantly, it improves their psychology to attain greatness. Let us proceed more on how to join Birmingham City Championship Fc League Academy.

Requirements To Get A Birmingham City FC Academy Trial

The basic requirement to get a trial is to possess the desirable talent of football. Also, to be always informed and available whenever the club’s scout comes around. But, bear in mind that most times, you won’t notice their presence. So, diligence is also of key importance rather than sending your football clips to the Birmingham City FC Academy’s mail. This is because, most times the operators of the mailbox don’t go through all the videos and links.

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Also, by enrolling in a soccer school run by the Birmingham City FC. It is the most achievable way as the chance of getting a trial is high. In addition, during your local club training, the club can send out scouts to observe young players. The scouts already have the qualities they wish to see. So, once they discover it, they make contact with your coach or manager. After that, they send you an invitation to the club’s development center for an interview. Most importantly, enrolling children in football schools helps to properly develop them. This way, when the players get to the pitch, it won’t be a big challenge. This is also how to join Birmingham City Championship Fc League Academy.

What Can One Do To Get Scouted By Birmingham City FC Academy?

Most times, the Birmingham City FC Academy scout just shows up at your training centers and observes without your knowing. Then, you are ignorant of their presence, so you are not under pressure. So, it is important to always be at the right place, at the right time to get an opportunity. On the other hand, one can message the academy if they wish to be scouted. But, bear in mind that the chances are low due to the high volume of messages they get.

However, there are some details the Academy expect from an aspiring player. They are:

  • Players CV
  • Covering Letter
  • Players Vital Statistics: Players’ position, Age, Date of Birth, Height, Weight, contact email/phone/address, current club, previous clubs, detail of any trials already attended, any representative honours such as school, districts, county etc
  • Players’ school they attend
  • Fixture list of your current team, including location and kick-off time to be passed to scout

After reading the information, Birmingham City Academy will now deliberate, if they will assign a scout to you.

Scheme Of Work At Birmingham City FC Academy

To clarify, Birmingham City Academy provides both technical and tactical training programs, with a special module for Goalkeepers. Above all, the information below demonstrates:

  • That there is the professional development part
  • Also, they have the youth development part
  • They have the foundation part
  • There is the youth / professional development part
  • Finally, the foundation development goalkeeper part.

The Part Of Elite Evolution At Birmingham City Academy

Technical Aspect Of Outfield Players

  • Passing – Playing forwards through tight passing channels
  • Receiving the ball – Receiving the ball in the air to pass in the least number of touches
  • Passing – Generic passing practices to move the ball on two touches
  • Running / Dribbling with the ball – Developing the 1st touch to break through a variation of receiving surfaces
  • Running / Dribbling with the ball– Variations in the dribble to advance in 1 v 1’s
  • Shooting – Shifting the ball to get shots off under pressure
  • Passing – Keeping the ball moving for a long period
  • Manipulating the ball – Shifting the ball across the body with a variation of surfaces
  • Turning – Turning away from pressure and protecting possession of the ball

Tactical Aspect Of Outfield Players

  • Possession (Playing out from the back) – Midfield rotation to receive high and low open up passing channels
  • The Possession (Retaining the ball to penetrate) – Working in front or behind opponents to retain the ball looking to play forwards
  • Possession (Game management) – Playing with and against an overload (the extra man)
  • Attacking (Counter attacking) – Breaking from the defending third
  • The aspect of Attacking (Centrally) – Playing between lines and breaking lines with and without the ball
  • Attacking (Wide areas) – 1 v 1’s, 2 v 2’s to create goalkeeping opportunities
  • Defending (Individual) – Approach to the ball dependent on the opposition and area of the pitch
  • The Defending (Groups & Units) – Defending later and deeper
  • Defending (Making play predictable, Regains and Possession decisions) – Pressure as the team/group hunting the ball for quick regain
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Goalkeeping Aspect

  • Goalkeeper support – Variety of passes and support for players in possession
  • The Goalkeeper support – Awareness of best option looking to penetrate with distribution
  • Goalkeeper support – How the goalkeeper can affect the state of the game
  • The Goalkeeper defending – How to deal with 1 v 1 situations in game situations
  • Goalkeeper defending – Early shots are always being set in and around the box
  • The Goalkeeper defending – Positioning and decision making in dealing with the cross
  • Goalkeeper communications – Organization and support to the defender
  • The Goalkeeper communications – Communications to players away from the ball
  • Goalkeeper communications – Developing the goalkeeper to compact

Grassroot Phase at Birmingham City Academy

Technical Aspect Of Outfield Players

  • Protecting the Ball – Setting the scene for receiving on the safe side – guidelines for success
  • Passing – Short, quick, and high tempo passing in small groups
  • Receiving the Ball– Developing the set as part of link play to move the ball forwards
  • Turning – Developing turns under passive pressure to include disguise
  • Shooting – Longer distance shooting relevant to the age of the group
  • Running / Dribbling With the Ball – Long and thin practices to practice breaking into space from a dribble or receiving the ball
  • Shooting – One touch finishing around the goal on angles with pressure approaching
  • Passing – Passing within larger areas focusing on techniques to a longer pass (floor / aerially)
  • Manipulating the Ball – Quick foot movements to manipulate a small skills ball

Tactical Aspect Of Outfield Players

  • Possession (Individual) – Developing players to receive the ball and maintain possession on their safe side
  • The Possession (Group Play) – Develop players to receive and play away from pressure in small groups
  • Possession (Directional) – Possession/wave practises maintaining the speed of the ball from start to finish
  • Attacking (Individual) – Changes of direction and speed to beat opponents
  • Attacking (Groups) – Small group attacking practices (4v4, 5v5). Movement/combinations to create and exploit space
  • Attacking (with/against overloads) – Small-sided games working on creating and exploiting space on the transition
  • Defending (Pressure the Ball) – Basic principles for approaching a player in possession
  • The Defending (Small Groups) – Possession based practices focusing the change of roles based on the movement of the ball
  • Defending (Regaining to Play) – Regaining the ball and countering to a scoring conclusion

An Overview Of The Academy/Grooming Base

In the academy, the goal is groom young players, who can attain the club’s First Team professional football. Also, they wish to enable players excel in both academics and sports. And, the best way to do this, is by employing experienced and quality coaches. In addition, installing a good development strategy, values and culture, etc. When there is availability of resources, the staff can carry out their duty effectively. So, availability of resources is also important.

The academy serves as a platform, where young players come to achieve their dreams in football. So, the academy sets up a Pre-Academy programme. On the other hand, the development programme is for all. Irrespective of the fact that, everyone can’t be in the clubs First Team, those who didn’t make it, can apply the knowledge elsewhere.

Meanwhile, it will bring delight to the academy, to see their players portray virtues worthy of emulation. That is why, the club included the holistic education in the syllabus. Above all, creating an environment that supports communal living amongst players.

Notable Culture And Values that the academy adopts

They Birmingham City Football Academy upholds a couple of values and culture. As a result, it covers all-and-sundry. Most importantly, it is a distinguishing feature from all other academies. Also, he helps to key players in, to enable them achieve their aim.

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However, the notable values in the Academy are: Honesty, Hardwork and Commitment. The culture is to give outstanding players, the hope of achieving their purpose.

How The Academy Recruits Players

The recruitment team is incharge of player recruitment men. Consequently, they observe and monitor players for selection. Also, the select any player that exhibits the desirable qualities. To achieve this, the team and the coaches must work collectively. The recruitment of players is to groom them to be professionals. As a result, impact in the club’s senior team or other clubs they may find theirself. On the other hand, the recruitment team goes for players within Birmingham. This will promote easy accessment to the academy.

The Section before the main Academy (Pre-Academy)

One may ask, what is the difference between the academy and the pre-academy?. Well, the pre-academy share the same goal with the academy. But, here the age focus is between 6-8 years. This very young talents will be able to imbibe the clubs culture and values. Meanwhile, they also obtain holistic education. Consequently, they can achieve this through training, practice and games.

The pre-academy section has a UEFA certificate. This means they are excellent in their activity. Before they could merit this, they employed modern facilities and experienced coaches. With all these in check, players are a step ahead to achieving their goal.

The Community Trust Scheme

This scheme is for local or grass root leagues. However, it covers from the U12-U14 players. Also, it cover the U17-U19 players. Here, we have the scheme operating some local coaching programmes. Meanwhile, the adopts shadow squads to implement this. Players in this scheme are open to recommendation for trial. Then, the coaches indicates opposition players and recommends them.

The School’s Football Scheme

Some schools football scheme run within West Midlands region. Most of the players there, do not get the recognition they deserve. They don’t even get the chance to play in local matches. A couple of circumstances influence this. No parental support and recent movement to an area can cause this.

So, the academy collaborates with the West Midlands Schools to bring out these players. In the same vein, the academy employs the assistance of the school staff as coaches. This way, grooming the players will be easy. This development can earn these young players, a direct link to the recruitment center. Thereafter, trail may follow suit.

But, it is important to note that, they academy doesn’t charge money for trial. Also, we make use of our scouts when making contact with players. We declare that anyone claiming to be our staff, without an authentic ID, isn’t the staff of Birmingham City FC.

Registration Process At Birmingham FC Academy

The Summer season is always the registration period of Birmingham FC Academy. The first requirement is to obtain and fill the Application form. In case of International students, they can research and know where they can find the academy outside England. Or they can visit:

https://soccerschools.birminghamfc.com/international-courses to see the full list of Birmingham FC Academy addresses in other countries.

Some sports fans, may find sport courses in Birmingham Academy. It covers all on Sports business management, Coaching, Marketing, Branding, e.t.c.

Visit the Birmingham Academy Courses webpage https://soccerschools.birminghamfc.com/ukcourses/academy-courses to see more.

Visit https://soccerschools.birminghamfc.com to commence your Birmingham FC Academy Registration

Kindly Select any of the Academy below and Apply 

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