The short answer
Bromley (League One) runs a Category 4 academy, which means academy squads at Under-17 to Under-21 only. It doesn't register younger players, and there is no travel limit at those ages. The academy is based at Bromley.
| League 2026/27 | League One |
| Academy | Category 4 |
| Academy age groups | Under-17 to Under-21 |
| Academy base | Bromley |
How far Bromley can recruit from
Under Rule 262 of the Youth Development Rules, a Category 4 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 | No academy squads |
| Under-12 to Under-16 | No academy squads |
| Under-17 to Under-21 | No limit |
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Joining Bromley at 16
Because a Category 4 academy has no younger squads, Bromley recruits players who were released by other academies or were never registered with one. It can offer a scholarship to someone who isn't an academy player, or to an Under-16 whose academy has told them they won't get a scholarship (Rule 309). Many clubs also run post-16 college and BTEC football programmes through their foundation, which can lead to a trial.
Nearest other academies
Approximate straight-line distance between academy bases. Journey times by road will be longer.
| Club | Category | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | Category 1 | 2 miles |
| Charlton Athletic | Category 2 | 4 miles |
| Millwall | Category 2 | 5 miles |
| Fulham | Category 1 | 12 miles |
| AFC Wimbledon | Category 3 | 13 miles |
| West Ham United | Category 1 | 14 miles |
Frequently asked questions
What category is the Bromley academy?
Bromley runs a Category 4 academy in 2026/27, with academy squads at Under-17 to Under-21.
How far can Bromley recruit academy players from?
Bromley can only register Under-17 to Under-21 players, and there is no travel limit at those ages.
Where does the Bromley academy train?
The Bromley academy is based at Bromley.
Source: Training Ground Guru club profile: Bromley (undated; shows 2025/26 productivity rankings; accessed 2026-10-29); TWTD: Bromley Youth Cup date set ('Bromley, who have a category four academy') (c.Jan 2026 (tie on Thu 15 Jan)); Kentish Football: Bromley's Academy is moving in the right direction (National League Cat 4 audit 2019) (2019-08-23). Last checked 29 October 2026. Academy categories can change after an audit. If something here is out of date, email info@scout52.com.