The short answer
Cheltenham Town (League Two) 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 Smarta Energy Training Ground, Quat Goose Lane, Swindon Village, Cheltenham.
| League 2026/27 | League Two |
| Academy | Category 3 |
| Academy age groups | Under-9 to Under-21 |
| Academy base | Smarta Energy Training Ground, Quat Goose Lane, Swindon Village, Cheltenham |
How far Cheltenham Town 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 Cheltenham Town
When a player aged Under-9 to Under-16 leaves the Cheltenham Town academy for another club and compensation is due (for example, because Cheltenham Town 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 Cheltenham Town 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Swindon Town | Category 3 | 33 miles |
| Birmingham City | Category 1 | 33 miles |
| Bristol Rovers | Category 3 | 36 miles |
| West Bromwich Albion | Category 1 | 41 miles |
| Oxford United | Category 3 | 41 miles |
| Coventry City | Category 2 | 41 miles |
Frequently asked questions
What category is the Cheltenham Town academy?
Cheltenham Town runs a Category 3 academy in 2026/27, with academy squads at Under-9 to Under-21.
How far can Cheltenham Town 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 Cheltenham Town academy train?
The Cheltenham Town academy is based at Smarta Energy Training Ground, Quat Goose Lane, Swindon Village, Cheltenham.
Source: Training Ground Guru club profile: Cheltenham Town (Academy Category: Three) (undated profile (cites 2025/26 Academy Productivity Rankings); accessed 2026-10-29); EFL iRecruit: Academy Coach (Casual), Cheltenham Town - 'growing Category 3 Academy' (2025-10 (per search summary)); EFL iRecruit: Academy Senior Physiotherapist, Cheltenham Town - 'ambitious Category 3 Academy' (2025 (per search summary)). Last checked 29 October 2026. Academy categories can change after an audit. If something here is out of date, email info@scout52.com.