FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT
The Lincoln City Pathway
The Lincoln City pathway provides a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where children of all abilities can learn, play, and grow through football. Working alongside Lincoln City Academy, we offer opportunities for players aged 3 to 16, with our programme supporting the development of beginners through to more talented and experienced players.
We offer age-appropriate coaching tailored to each stage of development that builds confidence and a love of the game while allowing opportunities to progress within the pathway. Our programmes work in conjunction with grassroots football and provide extra training options delivered by highly qualified coaches.
Our philosophy is that football is for everyone and that enjoyment of the game is a key factor in development. Our coaches reinforce this focus through a supportive approach designed to positively impact children in their footballing journey. Our curriculum is closely aligned to the FA 4 corner model which provides an holistic approach to player development.
Whether your child is taking their first steps in football or looking to develop their skills further, our programme ensures they can play, learn, and thrive in a supportive environment.
Please click on the relevant programme below for more details or contact football@lincolncityfoundation.co.uk
Boys Pathway Overview:
Mini Imps – children aged 3-6. Sessions are hosted Saturday mornings at ProAmpac Stadium or Market Rasen.
Open Development Centre (all welcome to attend). These training sessions are held on Saturday mornings at ProAmpac Stadium - U7 to U16. U7-U8 at Market Rasen and Bottesford Friday evenings.
Development Centre (invitation only). Training sessions are held on Monday and Friday evenings at ProAmpac - U9 to U16, Friday evenings at Market Rasen U9-U13, Friday evenings at Bottesford U9-U15.
EDP Talent Hubs U7-U8 (invitation only). Multiple Lincolnshire locations.
EDP Talent Centres U9-U12 (invitation only). Training sessions are held on Friday evenings at Riseholme. Friday evening for GK's (U9-U16).
EDP Squads U13-U16 (invitation only). Sessions will be held on Thursday and Friday evenings at Riseholme.
Boys Pathway detailed descriptions:
Foundation Pathway
Mini Imps - The start point for a football journey into our pathway. Mini Imps is a fun introductory session to football for players aged 3 to 6 years of age. Ran by specialist coaches, the unique programme is mapped along a football syllabus parallel to the early years foundation stage curriculum; this ensures players develop more than just their football with us.
The programme also gives players possible opportunities to participate in small-sided games festivals with players from other Mini Imps centres to come together and learn the game.
Open Development Centre - These sessions are open to players of all abilities between Under 7 and Under 16 without the requirement for an assessment trial. Weekly sessions follow the Lincoln City Curriculum and are aligned to the FA 4 Corner model. Coaching is delivered by UEFA C qualified coaches. It is possible for players to progress into Development Centres if excelling within their Open Development Centre group.
Goalkeeper Open Development Centre - Goalkeeper specific training delivered by a UEFA B qualified coach. Places on this programme are invitation only and require an assessment trial before an offer is made. Weekly sessions follow the Lincoln City Curriculum and are aligned to the FA 4 Corner model. Development Centre teams participate in occasional fixtures (usually during school holidays) with other CCOs and grassroots teams.
Development Centres places are invitation only and require an assessment trial before an offer is made. Weekly sessions follow the Lincoln City Curriculum and are aligned to the FA 4 Corner model. Coaching is delivered by UEFA B/C qualified coaches. Development Centre teams participate in occasional fixtures (usually during school holidays) with other CCOs and grassroots teams. It is possible for players to progress into the Elite Development Pathway (EDP Programme) if excelling within their Development Centre group.
Elite Development Pathway (EDP)
The Lincoln City Talent Hub provides advanced academy - level coaching for U7 and U8 grassroots players, giving young footballers the chance to learn, grow, and thrive in a more challenging environment than standard grassroots sessions. Designed to bridge the gap between local football and the professional academy pathway, the Talent Hub focuses on developing confident, creative, technically strong players who love the game.
The Talent Centre is the next stepping-stone on the Elite Development Pathway, where U9-U12 selected players continue their development within a more structured, long-term pathway. Those who thrive and show exceptional potential may be invited to transition and progress, even further, into Lincoln City’s Academy; providing young potential talent the chance to train, compete, and grow within a professional environment. This pathway ensures every child is supported at the right level, with clear opportunities to advance as they develop.
The GK Talent Centre offers an elite environment for U9-U16 goalkeepers to develop within a high-quality, structured programme. Through specialist goalkeeper coaching and focused small group training sessions, players benefit from an environment designed to accelerate learning, build confidence, and enhance performance. Goalkeepers who consistently demonstrate commitment, ability, and high potential may be identified for progression opportunities within Lincoln City’s Academy system, where they can continue their development in a professional setting. This pathway provides young goalkeepers with a clear route for progression, ensuring they receive the right level of support, challenge, and opportunity at every stage of their development.
Lincoln City’s U14 and U16 Squads provide an elite training and playing environment for talented boys and girls who are ready for a higher level of challenge. Built to mirror the standards of a professional academy, our squads combine technical coaching, tactical development, strength & conditioning, and performance analysis to give players a complete, modern development experience.
If you are interested in joining please contact the team on football@lincolncityfoundation.co.uk
