Please find below a brief introduction of our Shadow Squad Programme and the benefits you will gain as a player in the system.

• Southend United Shadow Squads - What are they?
Southend United Shadow Squads enable young invited players from across the local area to participate in a programme of training and fixtures.

The Shadow Squads run from Under 7 - Under 14 and support players within the programme to enhance in their football, whilst still playing at Category C level (local junior football)

• How does the programme operate?
The programme runs throughout the season, starting in September and ending in June. We have two venues which we use throughout the season, which supports the player's needs to perform in both training and fixtures.

Training Sessions take place on a weekly basis for 1 hour at our designated venue and run in conjunction with the school term timetable. The fixtures take place on a scheduled day during School Half-Term.

• What's the advantage of attending?
The players have the opportunity to improve their talent in training, participate in structured fixtures and receive the opportunity to go on a European Tour.

The Coaches support the youngsters in the four corners of player development throughout the season as we continue to support their personal football development.

The Shadow Squads play in EAPL (East Anglia Premiership League) which has been founded to enable all players participating in these programmes at various professional clubs to participate in 'friendly fixtures' during School-Half-Terms.

Playing in such fixtures enables the players to experience playing against other selective players and enables them to continue practising their talent in a positive environment.

Clubs participating include Norwich City, MK Dons, Northampton Town, Cambridge United, Rushden & Diamonds, Colchester United and Luton Town.

• What Cost is there to attend?
There is a cost to attend the Shadow Squad programme from Under 8 - Under 14 and payment is taken on a term basis. The cost includes, not only the support provided to each player but also enables the player to perform within the EAPL fixtures during Half-Term. Fixtures during half-term will be at a designated venue of the hosting club and therefore players will need to make their own way to the venue.

• Would I need a training Kit?
All players within the Shadow Squad will need to purchase a training kit, in which an order form is provided with a Player and Parents Handbook on your invitation. Your training kit will be required for our training and also will be used as your Match Kit in our fixtures.

• Could I progress into the Centre of Excellence from the Shadow Squad?
Players are always being identified and observed and players are always developing, so opportunities may arise at different times. We have had a number of players over the past years that have progressed into our Centre of Excellence, including Connor McLeod, Bradley Patterson and Elliott Warren.

This demonstrates that the Shadow Squads also provide a 'window of opportunity' for young players eager to progress to the next level.

• Who are the Shadow Squad Coaches?
All our coaches are very experienced and qualified in their work and enable the players to express their talent in a positive manner, whilst supporting the four corners of player development. Our coaches consist of full-time club coaches and Centre of Excellence coaches.

• How can I demonstrate my talent to gain a place?
The Shadow Squad Programme is invitation only, so numbers are limited in each age group. We are always looking to identify young players wishing to demonstrate their talent to us, so interested players looking to advance into our Shadow Squad programme, are welcome to apply for a trial.

Our Trials take place at various times over the course of the season. Information regarding any trials will be announced on this website page.

The Club only hold Centre of Excellence Trials, so we encourage all eager young players to apply. Players that may fall short of gaining an opportunity to be invited into the Centre of Excellence may be provided with an opportunity to join the Shadow Squad, if they wish to do so.

We look forward to hearing from any interested players who are looking to receive additional support in their football development.

• Contact Details

Shadow Squad Manager: Marc Tracy
Email: marc.tracy@southend-united.co.uk
Telephone: 01702 304123

Southend United Football Club
Roots Hall Football Ground
Victoria Avenue
Southend on Sea
Essex
SS2 6NQ