Join the Academy

Pape Academy is a players' academy — good footballers are invited to join and be part of something great. If you are talented, disciplined, and hungry, this is where your professional journey starts.

Initial Application

Fill out the online interest form with the player's basic information, age, position, and any previous football experience or club history.

Scouting Trial

Invited players attend a 2-day technical assessment at the academy grounds covering ball control, game intelligence, fitness, and attitude.

Interview & Medical

A meeting with the player and parents to discuss academy expectations, player welfare, and a basic medical fitness clearance.

Admission & Onboarding

Successful candidates are officially invited to join, receive their kits and training schedule, and are assigned to the Junior or Senior team.

Selection Criteria

What We Look For

Technical Ability

Good ball control, passing range, and comfort on the ball under pressure.

Game Intelligence

Ability to read the game, make decisions quickly, and understand positional play.

Physical Fitness

Age-appropriate speed, stamina, and willingness to work on physical development.

Attitude & Discipline

Coachability, punctuality, respect for teammates, and hunger to improve daily.

Hunger to Go Pro

Serious ambition for a professional career and the commitment to train like it every day.

Team Spirit

Ability to work within a team structure, communicate, and support fellow players.

Ready to take the first step?

Our registration for the 2026 season is currently in the pre-trial phase. Submit your interest now to be notified of the next scouting date.

Junior Team intake: ages 15 – 19
Selection is purely on footballing ability
Previous club history preferred but not mandatory
Free trials — no registration fees

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything parents and prospective players need to know about joining Pape Academy.

Pape Academy is a players' academy, not a school. We scout and invite good footballers to join and be part of something great. The academy runs two teams: the Junior Team (U15–U19) on our Elite Programme, and the Senior Team, which competes in the Nigeria League One. Every player also takes part in the Character Lab, our personal development programme.

No. Our scouting trials are completely free. Pape Academy believes that talent should never be limited by financial barriers. If a player is identified as having potential during the trial, they will be invited to join the program.

Training sessions run Monday through Saturday. Morning sessions (7:00–9:00 AM) focus on fitness and technical drills. Afternoon sessions (3:00–5:30 PM) focus on tactical work, small-sided games, and match simulations. Sundays are rest days or match days during the NLO season.

No. Pape Academy is a football players' academy — our focus is developing talented footballers into professionals. Players who are in school are supported to balance their education with training, and our Character Lab programme builds the discipline, leadership, and life skills every player needs, but we are not an academic institution.

All admitted players receive official training kits, match-day kits, and basic equipment. Players are expected to provide their own football boots, shin guards, and personal training gear. The academy provides all match balls, cones, bibs, and training equipment.

Currently, Pape Academy operates as a day academy. Players are expected to reside locally and attend training sessions daily. We are working towards a residential facility as part of our long-term development plan. For exceptional out-of-town prospects, we can assist families in finding suitable local accommodation.

Pape Academy FC competes in the Nigeria League One (NLO), which is the third tier of Nigerian professional football. This provides direct exposure to professional football. Additionally, we maintain scouting relationships with NPFL clubs, and our technical scouts actively connect standout players with higher-level opportunities both in Nigeria and abroad.

We hold quarterly parent–coach review meetings where we discuss each player's technical, physical, and personal progress. Parents also receive monthly progress reports via WhatsApp, and are welcome to attend open training sessions every last Saturday of the month.

Yes. All players must complete a basic medical fitness test before admission. This includes a general physical examination, cardiac screening, and confirmation of up-to-date vaccinations. This ensures the safety and well-being of every player in our program.

Trial dates are announced on our social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, and X) and on this website. The next scouting trial for the 2026/2027 intake will be announced after the conclusion of the current NLO season. You can register your interest via the Contact page to be notified directly.

PAPE ACADEMY