Woking FC Academy is excited to announce the launch of its new Elite Development Squad (EDS) programme, set to begin in the 2025/26 season. In recent years, the Woking Football Academy has offered players a comprehensive 2-year full-time education and football pathway. The Elite Development Squad programme is an additional 1-year extension, designed for players from our second-year programme, as well as those who have been released from similar academy structures and have not secured a first-team professional contract. This initiative provides an opportunity for these players to continue their development through an extra year of full-time training, alongside studying an NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Skills for Business. The primary aim of this programme is to further enhance player development, offering more time in a professional football environment, with the ultimate goal of progressing these players into our First Team.

The Programme:

• Non-Contract First Team status

• Assigned First Team squad number

• Opportunities to train alongside the First Team

• Gain additional experience and development with the goal of progressing into the First Team

• Training 2-3 times a week, including strength & conditioning sessions in a gym facility.

• Represent Woking Football Club and compete at a high level against other football academies in competitions such as the National League Academy South (U19’s) and the Suburban Premier League (open age).

• The squad will compete in regular friendly matches against other professional football clubs, to provide ongoing challenges for the EDS players

• Opportunity for players to go out on loan and gain Men's First Team experience within the non-league pyramid (dual registration).

• Earn an NCFE qualification that provides UCAS points, opening pathways to further education and future career opportunities.

• Reduced education hours from the 1st and 2nd year programme (10 hours per week).

• Dedicated social media coverage of fixtures.