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The PFA announced the return of its hugely successful PFA pre-season camp for unsigned players, which last year helped over 100 players sign new deals with clubs.

The 10-week programme, fully funded by the player trade union, offers unsigned professionals an intense and structured training environment over the summer period, mirroring pre-season preparations within clubs.

The PFA pre-season camp will run for 10 weeks between 30 June and 4 September 2025 and is open to all unattached, out-of-contract PFA members who were signed on a professional contract over the 2024/25 season.

Last year, over 120 players benefited from the programme, with over 100 going on to secure new deals with clubs after being contacted directly as a result of their involvement in the camp.

A daily schedule of on-pitch training, fitness and recovery is led by the PFA’s team of professional, UEFA-qualified coaches, with players also offered 1-1 wellbeing and personal development support.

The weekly camps run Monday to Thursday, and involve a three-night residential stay in Leicestershire. Players are provided with a private dining hall with full catering, pool and recovery facilities, as well as recreational activities. Members are supported by a team of PFA staff who are on-site for the full duration of the 10-week programme.

Former Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle was among those who attended last season’s PFA pre-season camp who went on to secure a new professional contract.

“The environment was perfect for a lot of players’ mental wellness as well as physical,” Gayle said shortly after signing for Scottish Premiership side Hibernian FC.

“It’s a great opportunity for out-of-contract players, and I was really grateful to the PFA for their support.”

Carl Jenkinson, former Arsenal and England defender, also joined the PFA pre-season camp for several weeks last summer, and went on to sign with League Two side Bromley.

“The training has been top level. It mirrored what would be happening at a club,” he said during his time at the camp.

“What the PFA has done has given the players a platform to keep fit, and also to have conversations which help massively with the mental side of being out of contract.”

Maheta Molango, PFA CEO, praised the "application and commitment” of members who attended last year’s pre-season, and highlighted the value of the camp as a ‘shop window’ for players and clubs.

“Last year’s PFA pre-season was an overwhelming success, and it was fantastic to see so many of our members go on to secure new deals with clubs off the back of their time with us.

“Our PFA team and Players’ Board worked incredibly hard to create the environment for a successful 10-week camp, but it was the application and commitment of the players on the pitch that really made it feel like a genuine club pre-season set-up.

“Summer can be a tense time for players, especially those waiting to secure their next move. So we’ve put PFA pre-season in place for members who want to be in that team environment to keep physically and mentally fit, stay connected, and ultimately put themselves out there ready for when the next opportunity arrives.

“Preparations have been well underway for a number of months, and we’re excited to once again welcome our members to camp this June. I also urge managers, club staff and scouts to join us and see first-hand the talent on show.”

In response to last year’s incredible demand, the union has increased the number of spaces available to members, with around 40 players per week now able to attend each week’s training camp.

A schedule of pre-season friendlies is also being finalised, offering scouts and club staff the opportunity to observe the free agents in competitive 11v11 settings.