The short answer
Blackpool (League One) runs a Category 3 academy with squads from Under-9. It can register Under-9 to Under-11 players who live within 1 hour of the academy and Under-12 to Under-16 players within 1½ hours. From Under-17 there is no limit. The academy is based at Squires Gate training ground, Lytham St Annes.
| League 2026/27 | League One |
| Academy | Category 3 |
| Academy age groups | Under-9 to Under-21 |
| Academy base | Squires Gate training ground, Lytham St Annes |
How far Blackpool can recruit from
Under Rule 262 of the Youth Development Rules, a Category 3 academy can only register players who live within these travel times of its main training venue:
| Age group | Travel limit |
|---|---|
| Under-9 to Under-11 | 1 hour |
| Under-12 to Under-16 | 1½ hours |
| Under-17 to Under-21 | No limit |
Trials have their own limits: 1 hour at Under-9 to Under-11, 1½ hours at Under-12 and Under-13, and no limit from Under-14 to Under-16 (Rule 270).
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Compensation if a player leaves Blackpool
When a player aged Under-9 to Under-16 leaves the Blackpool academy for another club and compensation is due (for example, because Blackpool wanted to keep the player), the new club pays a fixed training cost for each year the player was registered here, at the Category 3 rate (Rule 363).
For example, a player registered at Blackpool from Under-9 to Under-14 would cost the new club £82,500 in training costs, before any appearance payments. Read how it works in our EPPP compensation guide.
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Nearest other academies
Approximate straight-line distance between academy bases. Journey times by road will be longer.
| Club | Category | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Fleetwood Town | Category 2 | 8 miles |
| Preston North End | Category 3 | 11 miles |
| Liverpool | Category 1 | 21 miles |
| Wigan Athletic | Category 2 | 21 miles |
| Blackburn Rovers | Category 1 | 24 miles |
| Bolton Wanderers | Category 2 | 25 miles |
Frequently asked questions
What category is the Blackpool academy?
Blackpool runs a Category 3 academy in 2026/27, with academy squads at Under-9 to Under-21.
How far can Blackpool recruit academy players from?
Under-9 to Under-11 players must live within 1 hour of the academy and Under-12 to Under-16 players within 1 and a half hours. From Under-17 there is no limit.
Where does the Blackpool academy train?
The Blackpool academy is based at Squires Gate training ground, Lytham St Annes.
Source: Training Ground Guru club profile: Blackpool (undated; shows 2025/26 productivity rankings; accessed 2026-10-29); Place North West: Seasiders tie up training ground deal (new site to allow move from Cat 3 to Cat 2) (c.2022). Last checked 29 October 2026. Academy categories can change after an audit. If something here is out of date, email info@scout52.com.