The Academy is supported by the North and South Ceredigion Junior Leagues and their respective coaching centres.
The Junior Leagues coaching centres represent the first stage of development of young players in the county. In Aberystwyth the coaching centre, known as the Junior Academy, is run by Aberystwyth Town FC.
Young players will normally enter the Academy during the first year of secondary school either through the Junior Academy or through recommendation by the Junior Leagues or the recommendation of Junior League Club managers or coaches. Indeed if you are a young player wishing to enter the Academy you should ask your Junior League Club manager to recommend you for a trial.
Players normally enter the Academy on a six week trial, though we can shorten that period if it appears appropriate.
The Academy operates the Junior Academy, U12, U13, U14, U16 and U19 squads. At U12, 14 and 16 level the Academy is restricted to registering 18 players plus 3 triallists at any one time.
Training for U12, U13, U14 and U16 teams is on a Wednesday evening at the UWA Astroturf. Each coaching session lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Coaching is delivered by qualified, designated age group coaches. The Academy also plays regular fixtures against other Academies.
Aberystwyth Town Football Club promotes the development of young players. The best young Academy players make the transition to adult football through the clubs teams in the Welsh Premier Under 19's League. The best young players are retained to the age of 19 and compete as a Youth Team in the FAW Youth Cup. Coaching is provided by the C and B Licence qualified Reserve team coaches for 2 hours each Tuesday evening on the Club’s Park Avenue pitch and Astroturf.
Upon attaining 19 a decision is made whether to release or retain the player for progression to the first team.