Contacting a football academy takes more than sending a message saying that you want to become a professional player. To give you a useful answer, the academy needs to understand who you are, where you currently play, what level you compete at and what kind of opportunity you are looking for.
A strong first contact should include a short introduction, your age, position, current club or academy, competitive background, availability, football CV and recent match footage. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian should also be involved.
This process may lead to a profile assessment, interview or invitation to join a programme. However, sending an application or enrolling in an academy does not guarantee a club trial, signing or professional contract.
How to contact a football academy: The short answer
To contact a football academy properly:
- Research the academy and its programmes.
- Use its official application form, email address or WhatsApp number.
- Introduce yourself with your name, age, nationality and position.
- Explain where you play and what level you compete at.
- State what you are looking for: an assessment, trial, training stay or longer programme.
- Attach a concise football CV.
- Include recent footage and check that every link works.
- Mention your availability and country of residence.
- If you are under 18, include a parent or guardian.
- Allow a reasonable amount of time before following up.
The purpose of your first message. is not to convince an academy that you are a future star. It is to make an initial and serious assessment of your profile possible.
In the United States, you may see the same process described as contacting a soccer academy, sending a soccer résumé or submitting a player application. The terminology changes, but the information an evaluator needs is largely the same.
Before you write: make sure the academy is right for you
Not every football academy offers the same experience. Some focus on technical development. Others organise short training stays, residential programmes, trials or full-season pathways. Some academies are connected to clubs or representation structures, while others are independent training providers.
Before sharing your personal information, check:
- What ages the academy accepts.
- Where the programme takes place.
- How long each option lasts.
- Whether it works with international players.
- What playing level it expects.
- Whether accommodation, meals or local support are included.
- What the published price includes and excludes.
- Whether applicants are assessed before admission.
- Who leads the training.
- Whether advertised matches are friendly, private or officially sanctioned.
- What conditions must be met to compete.
- Which official channels the academy uses for applications.
Be cautious with any website or contact promising to turn every applicant into a professional player, guarantee a contract or place you immediately with a major club.
Professional football depends on performance, development, team needs, age, position, adaptation and decisions made by coaches, clubs and sporting directors. No academy can control all of those variables.
Academy, club and agency: understand the difference
Before submitting your player profile, identify the type of organisation you are contacting.
| Organization | Main role | What you can ask about |
| Football academy | Player training and development | Assessment, training or programme admission |
| Football club | Team development and competition | Trials, scouting or age-group recruitment |
| Representation agency | Career and contract representation | Assessment for a possible representation relationship |
| Camp | Short-term football experience | Registration for a specific training activity |
| Showcase | Player exposure during an event | Participation in an organised scouting event |
Contacting a football academy is not the same as contacting an agent or applying directly for a professional contract.
Under FIFA’s football agent framework, services involving the negotiation of a player’s employment, registration or transfer must be provided by licensed football agents. If someone approaches you as an agent or representative, check whether the person appears in the official FIFA Football Agent Directory..
¿What to prepare before contacting a football academy?
An international academy may receive player applications from several countries and age groups. The more organised your information is, the easier it becomes to decide whether an appropriate programme exists.
You do not need an exaggerated presentation. You need clear, recent and credible information.
1. A short player introduction
Prepare two or three sentences answering the following questions:
- What is your name?
- How old are you?
- What is your nationality and where do you live?
- What position do you play?
- What is your current club or academy?
- What age group or competition do you play in?
- What opportunity are you looking for?
Example:
My name is Daniel Torres. I am a 17-year-old Mexican winger currently playing in a federated U18 league. I am looking to assess a three-month training programme in Spain for the 2026/27 season.
This tells the academy much more than phrases such as “I am extremely talented,” “I will do anything for an opportunity” or “my dream is to play in Europe.”
2. An updated football CV
A football CV helps the admissions team, coach or evaluator understand your background before watching your footage.
It should include:
- Full name.
- Date of birth and current age.
- Nationality and country of residence.
- Primary and secondary position.
- Dominant foot.
- Height and weight, when relevant and current.
- Current club or academy.
- Age group and competition.
- Recent playing history.
- Verifiable achievements or statistics.
- Languages
- Contact details.
- Parent or guardian contact if the player is under 18.
- Video links.
- Immediate football objective.
For a complete structure and template, read our guide to creating a football player CV..
3. Footage that makes your game easier to assess
Your video should not show only goals, dribbles and celebrations. An evaluator also needs to see how you make decisions and what you do when you do not have the ball.
Include actions that are relevant to your position:
- First touches and passing.
- Off-ball movement.
- Positioning.
- Attacking and defensive transitions.
- Duels.
- Recoveries.
- Covering and support.
- Finishing, when relevant.
- Communication and game awareness.
For a first contact, a short highlight reel can make the initial review easier. You should also have a full match or longer sequences available because they provide more context.
Before sending the link:
- Check that it opens.
- Review the permissions on Drive, YouTube or Vimeo.
- Identify the player at the beginning of each sequence.
- Use recent footage.
- Avoid music or effects that make the action difficult to assess.
- Do not alter the speed of the clips.
- Add the date, opposition and competition when possible.
You can explore these criteria in more detail in our guide to creating a football CV and video for clubs in Europe..
4. A specific objective
“I want to become a professional footballer” describes an ambition, but it does not explain what you need now.
A useful objective could be:
- Request an initial profile assessment.
- Join a training programme during the school holidays.
- Prepare for a trial.
- Train in Spain for one to three months.
- Explore a full-season pathway.
- Assess whether a programme in Spain suits your current stage.
- Request information for a minor travelling with family.
- Compare programmes according to age and playing level.
The more specific the objective, the more useful the academy’s reply can be.
How to write an email to a football academy
The best message is short, specific and easy to answer. You do not need to tell your entire football story in the email. Your CV and video provide the details. The message should give context and explain what you want the academy to assess.
Subject lines that work
Use a subject line that identifies the player: Player assessment – Name – Age – Position – Country
Example: Player assessment – Daniel Torres – 17 – Right winger – Mexico
Other useful options include:
- Programme enquiry – Three-month pathway – U17 player
- Football academy application – Centre-back – 18 – United States
- Assessment for programme in Spain – U19 goalkeeper – Canada
Avoid vague subject lines such as:
- Opportunity
- Professional footballer
- Urgent
- Watch my video
- The next Messi
Football academy email template
Subject: Player assessment – Santiago Perez – 17 – Right-back – United States
Hello,
My name is Santiago Perez. I am a 17-year-old right-back from the United States and currently compete for [club name] in [league or competition].
I am looking for information about your programmes in Spain, particularly a three-month training stay beginning in [month and year]. I would like to know whether my profile can be assessed and which option may be appropriate for my age and competitive background.
My material is available here:
- Football CV: [link]
- Highlight reel: [link]
- Full match: [optional link]
My parent or legal guardian, [name], is copied into this email and can be included in any conversation about the programme, requirements and travel arrangements.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
Santiago Perez
WhatsApp: [number with country code]
Email: [address]
Country of residence: United States
Short WhatsApp template
Hello, my name is Maya Williams. I am an 18-year-old central midfielder from Canada and currently play in [age group or competition].
I am looking for a football training programme in Spain for [dates or period]. Do you carry out an initial player profile assessment?
My CV and video are available here:
CV: [link]
Video: [link]
Thank you.
WhatsApp can be appropriate when the academy lists it as an official contact channel. Avoid sending multiple consecutive messages, large files without context or long voice notes.
Common mistakes that reduce your chances of receiving a reply
- Sending only “I want a trial”
The academy still does not know your age, position, playing level, country or availability. Someone will have to request all the missing information before giving you an answer.
- Sending the same generic message everywhere
Phrases such as “Dear prestigious club” often show that the player has not researched the organisation.
One or two personalised lines are enough:
I have reviewed your three-month programme in Madrid and am particularly interested in the combination of individual development and competitive experience.
- Exaggerating your level or inventing statistics
False information damages the credibility of your application. If you do not have official statistics, explain your role and use footage to demonstrate your characteristics.
- Sending private links or excessively long videos
The evaluator should not have to request access, download several gigabytes or search through a 90-minute match without any guidance.
- Hiding the fact that the player is under 18
A responsible academy will need to communicate with a parent or guardian and review accommodation, supervision, education, travel, documentation and consent.
- Asking for impossible guarantees
It is unrealistic to expect an academy to guarantee a professional contract before assessing you. It is reasonable to ask:
- How the assessment works.
- Who makes the sporting decisions.
- What the programme includes.
- What competitive level may be available.
- What conditions apply to match participation.
- How progress is evaluated.
- What happens if the player is not a suitable fit.
- Paying before checking the conditions
Before making a payment, request written information covering:
- The responsible legal entity.
- The programme being purchased.
- Dates.
- Training facilities.
- Training schedule.
- Accommodation and meals.
- Local transport.
- Insurance and medical support.
- Cancellation terms.
- Immigration requirements.
- Conditions for competitive participation.
- Included and optional services.
What happens after you submit your player profile?
Every football academy has a different admissions process. A serious response may lead to one or more of the following:
- A request for additional information.
- Review of your CV and footage.
- A player assessment form.
- A call with the player and family.
- A recommended programme.
- A request for a full match.
- A remote or in-person assessment.
- Confirmation of dates, availability, conditions and cost.
- A rejection or recommendation to continue developing.
An initial assessment is not the same as final admission. The academy may still need to check age, playing level, physical condition, dates, documentation and compatibility with the programme.
When and how to follow up
If you used the official channel and provided all the requested information, allow five to ten working days before following up, unless the academy specifies a different response time.
A follow-up can be very short:
Hello, I am writing to confirm whether you received the player profile sent on [date]. I can provide full-match footage, a coach reference or any additional information if required. Thank you.
One follow-up is enough. Sending daily messages through email, WhatsApp and Instagram will not improve your chances of being selected.
If you receive no reply, check:
- Whether you used the correct contact channel.
- Whether the video link is public.
- Whether the message makes your profile clear.
- Whether the academy accepts your age group.
- Whether your proposed dates are realistic.
- Whether your playing experience matches the programme level.
How to ask for a football trial without creating false expectations
A football trial is an assessment, not a promise of selection. Instead of writing “give me a trial,” ask:
- Does the academy carry out an initial profile assessment before considering a player for a trial or programme?
You could also write:
Could you explain the assessment process for 17-year-old international players and what material you need before considering an in-person opportunity?
This allows the organisation to explain its actual process.
Before travelling specifically for a football trial, confirm in writing:
- Who organises the activity.
- Who will assess you.
- How many sessions are included.
- Where the trial takes place.
- What age group and level will participate.
- What expenses the family must cover.
- Whether sports insurance is provided or required.
- What happens after the trial.
- Whether the opportunity belongs to a club, academy or independent event.
For further guidance, read our article about football tryouts in Spain for international players.
What under-18 players and families need to consider
If the player is under 18, a parent or legal guardian should be involved from the first contact.
The parent or guardian should:
- Be copied into emails.
- Participate in calls and interviews.
- Review contracts, payments and programme conditions.
- Check who will supervise the player.
- Request information about accommodation and transport.
- Confirm safeguarding procedures.
- Authorise the use of video and images.
- Seek immigration or legal advice when required.
Rules affecting minors vary according to the country, age, length of stay and type of football activity.
Training temporarily in another country is not the same as being registered or transferred internationally. FIFA places strict restrictions on the international transfer of players under 18 and allows only specific exceptions. A family should therefore never assume that enrolling in a football academy automatically allows a young player to compete in official matches or sign for a club.
If a pathway involves a federated registration, international transfer, long-term residence or school arrangements, the individual situation must be reviewed with the responsible organisations and qualified professionals.
Contacting an academy in Spain from the United States or another country
For an international player, the academy needs to assess both the sporting profile and the practical viability of the proposed trip.
Your first contact should clarify:
- Nationality.
- Country of residence.
- Age and date of birth.
- Passport availability.
- Possible travel dates.
- Approximate programme duration.
- Whether the player will travel alone or with family.
- Whether accommodation is required.
- Education commitments.
- Previous experience away from home.
- English or Spanish language level.
- Main objective of the stay.
You do not need to solve every administrative question before making an enquiry. However, families should separate three stages:
- Sporting assessment: does the player’s profile fit?
- Programme admission: are the dates, services and conditions appropriate?
- Administrative viability: can the travel, stay, insurance, visa and potential registration be arranged correctly?
Our guide to football academies in Spain for international players and families explains what to compare before making a decision.
How the Siello ecosystem works
Siello brings together three connected areas, but each one has a different role.
Siello Academy: training and development
Siello Academy provides daily high-performance training. Morning sessions focus on individual technical, tactical and physical development, led by a coaching staff with UEFA PRO licences.
The academy provides an environment where the player can work on current needs and be assessed over time.
Siello FC: competitive experience
Siello FC competes in Tercera RFEF, the fifth tier of Spanish football.
Players enrolled in longer programmes may be assessed for possible integration into the club’s competitive structure. Depending on their level and individual circumstances, this may create an opportunity to train with the team and participate in official competition.
Participation is not automatic. It may depend on:
- Playing level and performance.
- The coaching staff’s decision.
- Age and category.
- Squad availability.
- Programme dates and duration.
- Documentation.
- Eligibility and federative licensing.
- Competition calendar and applicable regulations.
Siello Football Group: representation
Siello Football Group is the representation agency within the ecosystem and manages more than 20 professional players across LaLiga, Primera RFEF and Segunda RFEF.
Joining a programme does not automatically provide representation or a professional contract. The agency may monitor players and consider possible opportunities when their profile, performance and sporting stage justify doing so.
Final checklist before submitting your application
Confirm that:
- I researched the academy and programme.
- I checked that it accepts players in my age group.
- I used an official contact channel.
- I explained my specific objective.
- I included my age, position, country and current club.
- I attached an updated football CV.
- I checked the video permissions.
- I used recent footage.
- I did not invent statistics or achievements.
- I included my availability.
- I included a parent or guardian if I am under 18.
- I understand that applying does not guarantee a trial or contract.
- I saved a copy of my message.
- I will allow a reasonable amount of time before following up.
A strong first contact makes assessment possible
Learning how to contact a football academy is largely about presenting your situation clearly.
A good application does not need dramatic claims. It needs specific information, recent footage, realistic expectations and a question the academy can answer.
The purpose of the first contact is to determine whether an appropriate programme exists and what the next step should be. The real evaluation comes afterwards: playing level, learning ability, performance, adaptation, documentation and practical viability.
Preparing your message properly does not guarantee an opportunity. It does prevent a potentially suitable player from being overlooked because the information was incomplete or difficult to assess.