Question 1

What is Prestbury Girls Academy?

Accepted Answer

Prestbury Girls Academy is the performance arm of Prestbury Phantoms AFC, providing a structured girls football environment focused on technical, tactical, physical and personal development.

Our aim is to create the most challenging and caring girls football academy in the region.

Question 2

What teams do you currently run?

Accepted Answer

For 2026/27 the Academy currently operates 7 active squads: U11 Warriors, U12 Warriors, U13 Warriors, U14 Warriors, U15 Trojans, U15 Warriors, U16 Warriors.

Question 3

What is the difference between Warriors, Trojans and Pathway?

Accepted Answer

Warriors are the first-team JPL squads within an age group and set the playing and behavioural benchmark.

Where operated, Trojans are development squads within the Academy structure. Pathway places keep developing players inside the Academy environment while providing opportunities to progress and receive match involvement where appropriate.

Read Pathway Procedures

Question 4

What do you look for in players?

Accepted Answer

We look at the player as a whole: technical ability, decision-making, movement, effort, attitude, resilience, teamwork, coachability and capacity to learn. Current performance matters, but so does future development potential.

Question 5

What standard of coaching can families expect?

Accepted Answer

Our coaching teams work within an Academy-wide development model. Role requirements, qualifications and responsibilities vary by position, with coaches supported through internal CPD, shared methodology and age-group collaboration.

Question 6

Who can apply for a trial?

Accepted Answer

Players do not need to be current Prestbury players or have previous academy experience. Age eligibility and current squad opportunities are checked when an application is reviewed.

Question 7

When are trials held?

Accepted Answer

Applications are welcomed throughout the season. When formal future trial dates are available they are shown on the Football Trials page. If no date is listed, families can still submit a rolling application and the Academy will contact them with the appropriate next step.

Question 8

Is there a cost to attend a trial?

Accepted Answer

No. Prestbury Girls Academy trial sessions are free to attend.

Question 9

Do I need to upload a player photo?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A current head-and-shoulders photo is mandatory for the trial application so coaching and trial staff can identify players accurately. An application will not progress without it.

Question 10

Can a player stay with her grassroots club?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Academy is designed to work alongside grassroots football wherever schedules allow, and dual registration is supported.

Question 11

Can a player apply again if not offered a place?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Development is not linear and players are welcome to re-apply in the future. There is no need to wait for one fixed annual trial window because recruitment operates on a rolling basis.

Question 12

What are the 2026/27 fees?

Accepted Answer

Full squad: £60 registration + £600 membership + £7.5 JPL administration. Pathway: £60 registration + £300 membership + £7.5 JPL administration. New full-squad players also have a £175 kit package. New Pathway players have a £125 kit package. Payment options for full-squad membership: 100% Upfront OR 20% Upfront then 8 monthly instalments of £60.

Question 13

How often do Academy teams train?

Accepted Answer

Current Academy squads follow three core weekly sessions: Monday Technical, Wednesday Strength & Conditioning, and Friday Tactical. Exact venues and times vary by age group.

Question 14

Where does training take place?

Accepted Answer

Training currently uses several venues across the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury area, including Bishops Cleeve, Bournside, Lakeside, Tewkesbury and Winchcombe. Because venues can change, each team page is the live source for current times and locations.

Question 15

When are JPL matches played?

Accepted Answer

JPL fixtures are generally played on Saturdays. Exact kick-off time, venue and fixture information is confirmed through the team communication channels once arranged.

Question 16

How is player availability managed?

Accepted Answer

Families are expected to keep availability up to date through Academy communication systems. Coaches use availability, attendance, development needs and squad requirements when planning matchday squads.

Question 17

Do you provide transport to away fixtures?

Accepted Answer

Transport arrangements vary by fixture and age group. Where Academy transport is organised, the team will communicate the pick-up point, timings and any relevant requirements in advance.

Question 18

What is 360Player used for?

Accepted Answer

360Player is used for Academy communication, session and fixture information, availability, attendance and team messaging. Families should keep notifications enabled and their contact details up to date.

Question 19

When will I receive access to 360Player?

Accepted Answer

Trial applicants and new players are invited at the appropriate stage once their application or registration has been processed. If you are expecting an invitation, check your email and spam folder before contacting the Academy.

Question 20

What is GotSport used for?

Accepted Answer

GotSport is used within the JPL registration and competition process. Where a parent action is required, the Academy will send the relevant instructions and registration link.

Question 21

How are fixture changes communicated?

Accepted Answer

Changes such as kick-off times, venues, postponements or rearrangements are communicated through the Academy team channels, primarily 360Player, as soon as the information is confirmed.

Question 22

Who should I contact if I cannot find the information I need?

Accepted Answer

For general Academy enquiries use join@prestburyacademy.co.uk. Trial and recruitment questions can be directed to recruitment@prestburyacademy.co.uk.

Question 23

How does the Academy support player development?

Accepted Answer

Players are reviewed throughout the season rather than being fixed permanently into one level. Movement between environments is based on development, performance, attendance, attitude and the needs of the player and squad.

Question 24

What medical and physiotherapy support is available?

Accepted Answer

The Academy has an internal medical and physiotherapy pathway for player injuries, rehabilitation and return-to-play support. Access and information are handled through the secure Academy system rather than public pages.

Question 25

What if my child has an additional need or requires reasonable support?

Accepted Answer

Families are encouraged to tell us about anything that may help a player participate safely and confidently. We aim to work with families to understand appropriate support and adjustments.

Question 26

Who handles safeguarding and welfare concerns?

Accepted Answer

Safeguarding and player welfare are treated separately from normal football matters and are handled through the appropriate restricted Academy process. If there is an immediate online safety concern, the CEOP Safety Centre is also available.

Question 27

Can families ask for help if circumstances change?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We want families to communicate early where a player may need additional support. Appropriate welfare, inclusion or financial-support routes can then be discussed confidentially with authorised Academy staff.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

What is Prestbury Girls Academy?

What teams do you currently run?

What is the difference between Warriors, Trojans and Pathway?

What do you look for in players?

What standard of coaching can families expect?

Contact the Academy