TRIALS

Nomads Junior & Youth Trials – 2026 Season

Nomads United AFC will be holding trials for the following Junior & Youth grades for the 2026 season. These trials are for players seeking selection into our A Band, Pre-Academy, Division One, or Girls-Only competitive teams. 

Players wishing to play in community teams do not need to attend trials. 

New for 2026 – Online Expression of Interest Required

To help us manage increasing trial numbers and ensure a smooth, well-organised process, all players must now complete an online Expression of Interest (EOI) before attending trials. 

Completing an EOI helps us to:

  • Plan for expected group sizes
  • Maintain appropriate coach-to-player ratios
  • Create efficient, balanced trial groups
  • ​​​​​​​Communicate updates directly to parents and caregivers

Important – Academy Team Trial Interest

Players wishing to trial specifically for our 13th, 14th, 15th, or 17th Grade Academy Teams must complete the separate Academy Expression of Interest form, available on our Academy page.

This ensures your information is directed to our Academy staff and included in the correct assessment and selection process.

Trial Streams for 2026

10th Grade – A Band

For competitive 10th Grade players who enjoy being challenged, want to play with likeminded teammates, and aspire to progress toward higher pathway teams as they enter Youth football. 

11th/12th Grade – Pre-Academy

Designed for motivated players wanting a more focused development environment.

  • Includes two quality training sessions per week
  • Led by our Football Development Officer, Atticus Jones
  • ​​​​​​​Acts as a direct pathway into Academy football for future seasons 

13th, 14th, 15th & 17th Grade – Division One

For players seeking competitive football in a committed, well-structured environment.

  • Teams train twice per week
  • Compete in the Mainland Football Division One competitions
  • ​​​​​​​Where possible, we aim to select two competitive teams per age group (A & B teams)

Note: Players targeting Academy-level selection must complete the separate Academy EOI form. 

13th & 15th Grade – Girls-Only Competitive Teams

A supportive, enjoyable girls-only environment for players wanting to stay engaged in football while experiencing quality coaching. These teams emphasise enjoyment, development, friendships, and age-appropriate challenges. 

How Our Trials Will Run

To ensure fairness and transparency, all trials will be overseen by our full-time football staff, with support from neutral coaches and selected senior club players. 

Players will be assessed through:

  • Technical drills (first touch, passing, dribbling)
  • Position-specific actions
  • Small-sided and full-field game play
  • Attitude, work ethic, decision-making, and long-term development potential 

Some grades may include call-back trials if required to finalize selections. 

Information for Parents

To support smooth and effective trial sessions, please ensure:

  • Players arrive 10 minutes early for check-in and warm-up.
  • Shin pads, boots, and water bottles are brought to every session.
  • Please maintain a reasonable distance from the trials & avoid coaching your son/daughter within the trials process.
  • ​​​​​​​Our staff cannot discuss individual outcomes during or immediately after trials. 

Selections are made holistically, considering technical ability, understanding of the game, athletic qualities, attitude, and suitability for each programme level. 

Questions?

For general trial queries, please contact:admin@nomadsafc.org​To view our trials & selection policy & guidelines, click HERE