The short answer
Cambridge United (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 Cambridge United Training Complex, Cambridge.
| League 2026/27 | League One |
| Academy | Category 3 |
| Academy age groups | Under-9 to Under-21 |
| Academy base | Cambridge United Training Complex, Cambridge |
How far Cambridge United 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 Cambridge United
When a player aged Under-9 to Under-16 leaves the Cambridge United academy for another club and compensation is due (for example, because Cambridge United 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 Cambridge United 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Stevenage | Category 3 | 24 miles |
| Peterborough United | Category 2 | 31 miles |
| Luton Town | Category 3 | 31 miles |
| Colchester United | Category 2 | 36 miles |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Category 1 | 37 miles |
| Watford | Category 3 | 37 miles |
Frequently asked questions
What category is the Cambridge United academy?
Cambridge United runs a Category 3 academy in 2026/27, with academy squads at Under-9 to Under-21.
How far can Cambridge United 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 Cambridge United academy train?
The Cambridge United academy is based at Cambridge United Training Complex, Cambridge.
Source: Cambridge United: Vacancy – U9 & U10 Cell Coach ('Our category three Academy') (2025-09-03); Training Ground Guru club profile: Cambridge United (undated; shows 2025/26 productivity rankings; accessed 2026-10-29); Cambridge United granted Category Three academy status (2018-07). Last checked 29 October 2026. Academy categories can change after an audit. If something here is out of date, email info@scout52.com.