Oaklands Wolves Football Academy, previously known as St Albans Football Academy (SAFA), is one of the most successful and longest-running college football programmes in the country. Established in 2004, the academy has won numerous competitions and produced an abundance of players, many of whom have progressed into non-league, national squads, and professional football.
All student-athletes at Oaklands are consistently reminded they are students first and athletes second. Therefore, achieving in the classroom is equally, if not more, important than on the pitch. A holistic approach is taken to every student-athlete’s progression, making it clear from the outset that it’s not just about football. According to Steve Castle, the sooner young players grasp this idea, the sooner they begin to see results, both in their football careers and alternative career aspirations.
The primary objective of the football academy is to offer a pathway for improvement and progression for each athlete within the academy. This is accomplished through the structured training programme.
High-Level Training Facilities: Equipped with the latest sports technology
This section provides important information regarding residential accommodation, team details, and academic requirements to join the men's football academy.
Students can find guidance on accommodation options available through Oaklands College, ensuring a comfortable and supportive living environment. Additionally, information about the academy's teams and their development pathways will be highlighted, alongside the necessary kit for students.
For more information, please refer to the drop down sections.
All athletes will need to pass one of the football academy trials usually held during half terms and college holidays.
For more information, dates and to book a trial, please email your interest to
WolvesFootball@oaklands.ac.uk
The only formal requirement of joining the Men's Football academy is to be enrolled on one of our full time courses.
Explore our courses
All Oaklands Wolves Athletes are required to purchase their kit from KitKing.
Purchase Oaklands Wolves kit
The scheme operates six teams, with three training in the morning and three in the afternoon. All teams compete in the Youth Alliance League or the Association of Colleges (AOC) League, structured as follows:
- Elites AM & PM – Youth Alliance/AOC Cat 1
- U19s AM & PM – AOC Cat 2
- U17s AM & PM – AOC Cat 3
The Elite squad typically includes players with professional academy or county-level experience, while U19s often come from semi-professional backgrounds, and U17s mainly consist of local amateur players. Selection is based on performance, attitude, and desire during trials.
Each squad has 18-22 athletes, with progression based on attendance and performance. Elite players may have opportunities with Non-League or Professional clubs and can also trial for professional academies or the England colleges squad under the guidance of Head of Academy Steve Castle. The academy fosters connections with various non-League clubs, ensuring suitable progression routes for players.
Student accommodation at our St Albans Campus is available for those enrolled in specialised programmes such as land-based courses, apprenticeships, and sports academies. Our aim is to create a safe, supportive community that helps you transition smoothly away from home.
The football academy boasts a distinguished alumni network that reflects the success and development of its athletes beyond their time at Oaklands.
Jaden Ogwuazor: Signed for Stevenage in 2021
Deivi Kreka: Signed for Aldershot in 2022
Gus Scott-Morriss: Signed for Southend in 2022
If you’re passionate about taking your athletic performance to the next level, Oaklands Wolves Sport Academies are the perfect place to unlock your potential. Offering elite coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and tailored development pathways, we nurture talent across a wide range of sports.
Whether you’re aiming for professional competition or looking to sharpen your skills, our academies provide the guidance and support to help you excel.
Register your interest today and join the wolfpack.