Facts and Figures:

  • Almost 200 players are currently attending the Talent ID Programme.
  • High performing players have been invited into our Academy for Showcase Games throughout this season and we shall continue to provide further opportunities going into the future.
  • Despite the Talent ID Programme being in its infancy, we have invited a number of players across all Foundation Phase age Groups into trial, with several successfully signing for our Academy.
  • We have invited 25 grassroots teams to play against the teams in our Talent ID Programme and will continue to invite more teams in the future, thus giving the opportunity for local players to play at our Academy.
  • Our aim is to provide talented local footballers with an opportunity to showcase their talent to our Academy staff.



Parent Testimonials


“The Talent ID Programme at DCFC has been an incredible experience for our child. From the very beginning, the recruitment process was seamless, with clear communication and a welcoming approach that put us at ease. The coaching staff are exceptional - not only do they bring out the best in each player’s abilities, but they also instill confidence, discipline, and a true love for the game. The programme itself is well-structured, offering top-quality training and development opportunities. We’ve seen tremendous growth in our child, both on and off the pitch, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the dedication and support of the entire coaching team.”


“My son has loved being part of the DCFC Talent ID Centre. He enjoys the sessions each week and has built up a great relationship with his coach. His highlight to date was the invite to play at Liverpool Academy. That was a moment he will treasure forever.”


“The TID staff genuinely care about the wellbeing of the children. The coaches are very respectful towards the parents and children. The communication and feedback are also very good.”


“Derby Talent Identification Programme As a parent, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity my child has had to participate in the Derby Talent Identification Programme. From the very first session, both my son and I were made to feel incredibly welcome. The programme provides an excellent platform for my child to develop his skills and understanding of the game, all thanks to the outstanding coaching. The sessions are well-structured, and my son receives constructive feedback that helps him recognise his strengths and areas for development. What I truly appreciate is that the sessions go beyond just football—they instil important values such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These qualities will benefit my child not only on the pitch but in life as well. I also love the addition of game nights, which give the boys a fantastic opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in real match situations against other teams. It’s an experience that builds confidence, sharpens their skills, and makes learning even more enjoyable.”


“My son has been with the programme since 2022, so we have been around before the restructure of the programme and been lucky enough to witness the new talent ID program. I can honestly say for the duration of our time spent with the program has been very pleasant, all the coaches have been so helpful and supportive throughout my son’s journey, not only this but the impact the programme has had on my son on and off the pitch is huge. Mark has been coaching my son for some time now and he does a brilliant job, my son enjoys having him as a coach. In addition to this Callum the talent ID coordinator has always made himself available to us if we need to discuss anything and he’s been great at communicating with us as parents. I can guarantee anyone joining the programme will have a seamless and beneficial journey.”


“Our son has thoroughly enjoyed being part of the TID programme. He is made to feel welcome by coaches and really enjoys the sessions. As parents we receive regular email updates from Callum and the programme is well organised. The feedback my son received was helpful in identifying his strengths and what needs to be worked on.”


“We have been going to the sessions at the Sheffield centre with our son and so far he is absolutely loving them. The coaches are very child friendly; they work very hard with the children engaging and teaching them well. It’s very well organised with full communication through email. You really know where you are with Derby. Fantastic opportunity for my son and even better that he loves coming.”


“My son is currently in his second block with the Derby County Talent ID programme, and he is thoroughly enjoying the experience. After discussing it together, we both agree that the training is excellent, particularly the way Corey at Leicester delivers the sessions. He takes the time to stop play and provide valuable feedback to the boys, while also offering individual guidance to players like Harrie, which is a real positive. The sessions are engaging, structured, and enjoyable for the players. As a parent, I also appreciate the organisation of the programme, especially how Callum keeps us well-informed. His clear communication ensures we know what to expect, arrive on time with everything needed, and fully understand the structure of each session and game. I would highly recommend the Derby County Talent ID programme to anyone looking for a well-run, supportive, and high-quality football development experience.”