Our Academy
Conditioned For Football operates academy programs across multiple locations, each led by qualified coaches and built on the same player-first development philosophy. Our academies provide structured training, clear pathways, and a supportive environment for players wanting to take their game to the next level.
2027 Academy Trials
Results are a by-product. Development isn't.
Confidence and skill are built once - between roughly age 6 and 16. That's the window where a player's technical habits, decision-making and love of the game actually take shape. Conditioned For Football exists to make that window count: real development, taken seriously, without deciding in advance who's allowed to improve.
Trials are now open for entry into our 2027 Academy Squad Program, a full year of structured individual, position-specific and team-based development, coached by players who are still competing in NPL and VPL football themselves. Every player is coached to the same standard at both our Bentleigh and Casey venues.
Want the full picture first?
See how we develop players across our academy, our coaching, weekly structure and what a season at C4F looks like by downloading our 2026/27 Academy Guide.
GROWING THE FEMALE GAME
FREE 4 week pre-trial clinic
We're serious about getting more girls playing football and keeping them in the game as they grow. Girls' football is too often treated as an afterthought. At C4F, it's genuinely resourced, led by current Melbourne Victory player Ella O'Grady.
To back that up, we're running a free 4-weeks girls' clinic in the lead-up to trials. No cost, no commitment. It's a chance for more girls to train with our coaches, build confidence and walk into trial day knowing exactly what to expect.
FAQ
Who it's for?
Open for players aged 6 - 16 years old (born between 2011 - 2021) who want to get serious about football in a genuinely competitive but supportive environment for the 2027 season. Whether your player is new to C4F or already training with us, all are welcome to trial.
Where and When?
Bentleigh: 7th Sept - 11 Sept (5-8pm) | Victory Park, Bentleigh
Casey: 14th Sept - 18th Sept (5-8pm) | Casey Comets, O'Tooles Road, Cranbourne
(Exact timeslots for age groups will be released closer to the date and upon registration confirmation)
What to bring?
Boots, shin pads and a drink bottle
Weather-appropriate training gear
(GK gloves if applicable)
What to expect on the day?
Trials are run as normal training sessions, not high-pressure tryouts. Players are put through a series of technical and small-sided game activities so our coaches can see them play, while they get a genuine feel for how we train.
Come ready to play and enjoy it - that's when we see players at their best.
What we're looking at?
We're assessing potential and attitude as much as current ability. How a player learns, competes and works with others matters just as much as what they can already do.
After trials, our coaching team reviews every player and places them into the squad that best fits their current stage of development. Every player who trials will be offered a clear next step and development pathway, placement is about finding the right environment to grow in, not about turning anyone away.
Bentleigh Cobras Football Club
Academy Program
Wallabies, Kangaroos, Community A
Age Group
Training Frequency
U6 – U17
U7 – U9: 2 sessions per week
U10 - 14: 3 sessions per week
Competition
Football Victoria Winter Season
Melbourne League
Youth Super Cup
Junior Champions League
Program Focus
Long-term player development supported by consistent coaching standards, clear junior-to-senior pathways, and a strong emphasis on culture and enjoyment of the game.
Casey Comets Football Club
Academy Program
Wallabies, Kangaroos, Community A
Age Group
Training Frequency
U6 - U17
U7 – U9: 2 sessions per week
U10 - 16: 3 sessions per week
Competition
Football Victoria Winter Season
Melbourne League
Youth Super Cup
Junior Champions League
Program Focus
Long-term player development supported by consistent coaching standards, clear junior-to-senior pathways, and a strong emphasis on culture and enjoyment of the game.