Promising Youngster to Professional Player

6-8 Years - The Age of Fun

• No registration forms are signed
• Trial basis only
• Fun football
• Young players are prepared to join 'The Everton Way'

9-11 Years - The Age of Preparation

• Players sign for one year only
• Players informed in April whether they will be retained or released
• Techniques are worked upon
• 8v8 match programme
• Young players are now on 'The Everton Way'

12-16 Years - The Age of Development

• Players sign for a minimum of two years
• Players can be asked to sign further extensions to their registrations
• Players in year 11 will be informed by January of that year whether they have gained an Academy Scholarship
• Period of technical, tactical, physical and mental development
• 11v11 match programme
• Young players are firmly on 'The Everton Way'

16-19 Years - The Age of Competition

• Players sign an Academy Scholarship - usually for two years
• Full-time football development with a minimum of 12 hours education per week
• Academy League programme for matches
• Academy scholars will be informed by February of year two whether they have gained a professional contract
• Preparation for life as a full-time professional
• The importance of being a winner

Professional Status

• A select number of players will be offered a professional contract
• Professional forms can be signed only on the player's 17th birthday or after
• The final stages on 'The Everton Way' before hopefully joining the senior squads

Please remember: If any player is released it is not the end of the world. Everton Football Club will work hard to find a new club for him if he wishes.