Depending on your requirements (e.g. educational, geographical, etc), we have two possible options for entry into our youth pathway – the Bees Academy or Canons High Academy. Details on each of the programmes are set out below and to register your interest in one of the programmes, please use the contact emails at the bottom of the page.
Barnet FC and London Bees FC are thrilled to launch The Bees Academy, a pioneering program dedicated to enhancing football development for young players and creating pathways to the Barnet FC and London Bees first teams. Under the guidance of Dillon Barnes and supported by Connor Smith, Barnet FC’s first-team assistant manager.
The Bees Academy aims to expand recruitment efforts and rebuild the club’s youth structure.
The Bees Academy is the pride of Barnet FC and London Bees FC. Our mission is to identify, recruit, and nurture talented players aged 4-19 across North, West, East, and South London, as well as Sussex.
The academy seeks to create a sustainable pathway for these individuals to pursue careers in professional football and potentially represent Barnet FC and London Bees at various competitive levels.
Players at The Bees Academy benefit from elite, professional coaching delivered by highly qualified coaches.
These coaches hold a minimum of a UEFA B license and are trained in first aid and safeguarding.
The youth teams will also be given additional support during their time with us, including analysis, welfare, physio and rehabilitation and safeguarding services.
16-19 Football and Education Academy
In partnership with Sports Group International, our Full Time Football and Education Academy offers aspiring 16-19-year-olds a unique blend of professional football coaching and sporting education courses. The academy operates from satellite campuses across North, West, South, and East London, and one in Sussex, attracting local talent and fostering development through the first-team pathway.
Elite Team: Led by Barnet FC assistant manager Conor Smith, this team comprises the best players from each campus. The team trains three times per week in the evening and competes in bi-weekly fixtures against professional academies, providing players with insights into professional football.
Program Benefits:
- First Team Pathway
- Opportunities to earn a National League contract
- Training sessions with the first team
- Regular league and showcase fixtures
- Participation in the FA Youth Cup
- Stadium fixtures and Talent ID events
- FIFA-accredited 3G pitch
- Coaching by UEFA and FA licensed coaches
- Official training and match kits
- Veo Performance Analysis
- Access to physio and fitness coaches
- NCFE Diplomas in Sport
- NCFE Personal Training Course
The program supports the transition from youth to senior football, with SGI specializing in nurturing player development alongside a bespoke curriculum. The club closely monitors academy players, providing high-performing individuals the chance to trial with the first team.
The Youth Academy provides a professional environment for young players to learn and enjoy the game. Competing in the Junior Premier League (JPL) offers players an opportunity to begin their journey with Barnet FC, potentially leading to the 16-19 Football and Education Academy and the First Team.
Designed for players aged six to eight, the Pre Academy focuses on recruiting and developing young talent. It ensures that players have fun while maximizing their development until they join the club’s academy teams. Multiple Pre Academy centers are located in North, West, East, and South London.
Welcome to the Barnet FC Academy, where we nurture young football talents through different phases of development.
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Youth Development Phase (YDP – Barnet Under 15-16s):
- Barnet FC Under 15’s: In the upcoming season, we are excited to introduce our Under 15’s squad, who will compete in the Eastern Junior Alliance. We’ll be starting recruitment for the 2024-2025 season during the February half term and will be considering prospective year 9 students.
- Barnet FC Under 16’s: Our Under 16 Academy Football Team trains twice a week, emphasizing player and tactical development. They compete in the Eastern Junior Alliance (EJA) league on Sundays and take part in county cup competitions. We will begin recruitment for the next season’s Under 16’s during the February half term, considering prospective year 10 students. The goal of these squads is to train and develop players for progression into the Barnet FC Academy youth teams.
Professional Development Phase (PDP – Barnet FC Under 17-18’s and 19’s):
• Barnet FC Under 17-18’s: Our Under 17-18’s train intensively (3-4 times a week) and compete in the Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League (SCFYL) and Eastern Junior Alliance U18 leagues. They also participate in the FA Youth Cup and Middlesex County Cup.
• Barnet FC Under 19’s: The Under 19’s is the highest level of our academy system. They also train full-time and compete in the National League Under 19 Alliance, the highest-ranked league outside of the professional game for this age group in the UK. Here we additionally recruit games late developers, players exiting professional clubs later in the season. This squad has arrangements with Men’s Senior football teams in the non-league pyramid, with many players playing semi-professional football.
Both the Under 17-18 and 19 squad players receive full-time training while pursuing their education at our partner school, Canons High School. The Barnet FC Academy and Canons High School partnership offers a fantastic opportunity for students to excel academically and athletically over a two or three-year football and study program. Education options include BTEC Level 3 qualifications, A Levels, and a Level 2 Diploma in Gym Instructing & Sport Coaching. Canons High School sixth subjects and entry requirements.
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Additionally, our program offers various benefits students benefit from working with UEFA A License Coaches, first-team and senior team opportunities in men’s football, training and match analysis using Veo & Catapult Playertek Technology, a kit package, pathways to UK and USA universities, and career opportunities via apprenticeships or full-time employment.
We will be holding trials to assess players as we look forward to bringing through the next generation of Bees to continue our historic reputation for producing excellent young footballers.
If you are interested in pursuing this incredible opportunity with The Bees Academy, you can apply for a trial.
For more information about the academy, feel free to contact us at 020 8381 3800 or via email at football@beesacademy.co.uk.
For further information or enquiries, please contact James O’Dowd, Academy Manager via jodowd@barnetfcacademy.com