The Development Pathway

Welcome to the Bradford City Development Pathway.

There are four entry levels to the academy from the ages of U6-U16

  • Level 1 – Academy
  • Level 2 – DC Select Squad
  • Level 3 – Development Centres
  • Level 4 – Community Foundation Development Program (FDP)

Level 1 – Academy
The highest level of competition where all playersare recommended will be assessed on a case by case basis. This will take the form of a 8 week trial period when a player is recommended by a club scout

Level 2 – DC Select Squad
This group is made up of players currently attending the development centres that are showing the potential to progress to the academy level  

Level 3 – Development Centres
This is the main entry for players who show attributes linked to the player identification profiles but are not yet deemed to be ready to trial in the academy. 

Level 4 – Community Foundation Development Program 
This is the base level entry and players can remain in this programme or move through the levels to reach the academy.

Levels 1 to 3 are by invitation only. 

All levels of entry can lead to registration with the academy. 

Once players are on the Bradford City development pathway, their ambitions could be to play professionally for the first team, find alternative career opportunities with the club or just enjoy the journey and time that they spend with us.

All Bradford City development centres are operated internally by the club with all staff fully qualified and trained to work with young people.