Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions we receive are answered here but should you need more information please contact us. If you are aged 10 to 16 for all information on trials and development school go to our 10 to 16 page.
What basic criteria must I meet in order to apply?
You need to be 15 - 18 years old and you must have played football to County/District standard or been recommended to us by a Club Coach or Scout.
I am 15, can I apply?
As long as you are aged 16 by 1st September 2011 you can apply for entry for the season starting in 2011. We can only accept candidates who are 16 or over for the course. Please have a parent/guardian submit your details to us.
Why do you want a parent/guardian to submit the application?
Protec Football Development School takes great care of application details but your parents/guardian may not wish your address or telephone number to be used over the internet.
What level of player are you looking for?
We are looking for County Standard as a minimum entry requirement for the Protec Football Development School, unless you can be recommended by a Teacher/Coach who believes you may have missed out but are actually County Standard.
I don't live near London, can I still apply?
You don't need to live in London. Protec Football Development School takes teenagers from across the UK and abroad.
I live outside the UK, can I still apply?
You need to have a valid UK passport to apply to the Protec Football Development School. Check with the British Consul in your country.
How much does the course cost?
Course costs are free to those who are accepted by trial. Once accepted there is an annual Protec registration fee which for 2011 is fixed at £500. This covers all expenses outside of the school and college programs including the following:
- use of fully equipped gymnasium
- in-house sports therapist and fitness coach
- equipment, league registration fees
- minibus travel
- public liability insurance
- additional guest coaching sessions.
There is an annual kit package charge which may vary - price upon application.
Course registration and kit fees will not be refunded once courses have
started or for students that fail to attend or are expelled for any
reason. Registration and course fees will only be refunded if students are
not accepted by schools prior to course commencement dates, or G.C.S.E.
grades being of an acceptable level for chosen subjects or cancelation of
a course or program
However there are various benefits obtained through the Protec Football Development School such as reduction in Tube and Travel fares, EMA top-ups for people on benefits and also dependant on your circumstances, reimbursement for training kit and books.
Other websites charge for trials, why don't you?
Protec Football Development School trials are for entry into our education programme which is partly-Government funded so we have no need to charge.
How can I live my dream with Protec Football Development School?
Before you apply for a free trial to the Protec Football Development School you must be prepared to full commit to our football training and our education programmes. During the season Protec showcases coached games against professional sides for the best potential players.
Where will I live?
When selections are made and you are successful accommodation can be found for you by the Protec Football Development School. However we do not fund accommodation.
What will I be doing?
From Day One you will be learning the basic competencies required of a professional football player. You will be working on:
- Development of individual technique
- Football skills
- Set pieces
- Strategies and techniques
- Specialist training methods for outfield players
- Specialist training for goalkeepers
- Pre-season training
- Anaerobic exercise and plymetrics
- Introduction to Sports Nutrition
- Key skills
How will I develop as a player?
You will develop through various Youth and Senior Leagues. Protec Football Development School has the best facilities available for individual development, team coaching and training.
How will I be seen by professional football clubs? Which clubs are you associated with?
Protec Football Development School has numerous professional contacts and games against professional teams throughout the season giving you ample opportunity to be spotted.
Where are the trials held?
All Protec Football Development School trials are held in Hertfordshire throughout the year.
What happens if I fail to attend regularly or don't complete my college studies?
Whichever educational route is best suited to a student, their acceptance onto the combined football/education course will be dependent on their ability to demonstrate sufficient footballing talent and willingness to be coached.
All applicants should be aware that academic course work and attendance must be at an acceptable level before you will be selected for games. Protec Football Development School teams represent a number of clubs and institutions ranging from non-League to professional and all players will have the opportunity to represent Protec in the respective Leagues and National competitions.
Do you have any information about the academic achievements of your students?
Yes, see examples of our academic achievers. We are very proud of the results achieved by our boys and we believe success in the classroom is just as important as success on the pitch.
