Leeds United announce open trial to recruit first-team and U23 players for 2025-26 season | OneFootball

Leeds United Women will host an open trial as they look to recruit new players. (Photo: John Shirras)

Leeds United Women will host an open trial as they look to strengthen their senior and U23 squads.

The club in an update on its official website, wrote: “Leeds United Women are pleased to announce that the club will be hosting an open trial looking to recruit new players for our first team and Under-23s ahead of next campaign.

“The trial will be held on Thursday 19th June at the club’s Thorp Arch Training Ground, with further information to be provided upon registration.”

Interested trialists must be aged 16 or over, with an expression of interest form available on the club’s official website for those wishing to participate.

Leeds United Women hope to improve their chances of promotion from the FA WNL Division One North in the 2025-26 season.

The club finished fourth in the final standings last season. However, the team managed by Simon Wood, rounded off the season by winning the West Riding FA County Cup.

Meanwhile, Leeds United Women’s U23 side finished second in the Reserve Northern Premier Division.

Famous Leeds United Women players

Leeds United Women will be hoping to find the next big player in the open trial later this month.

Several big names in the women’s football scene played for Leeds before enjoying success elsewhere.

Steph Houghton played for United when they were known as Leeds Carnegie, before winning WSL titles with Arsenal and Manchester City.

England’s record goalscorer Ellen White also played for Leeds, as did Rachel Daly – both of whom were part of the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 winning squad.

Millie Bright played for Leeds on loan and was also part of the Euro 2022 winning squad. However, she ruled herself out of the Euro 2025 squad and has since undergone knee surgery.

Other notable names include former England goalkeeper Carly Telford, and Sue Smith who made 94 caps for her country and now works as a television pundit.

Open trials in women’s football

Leeds United are not the only side who have offered open trials to attract new talent for their women’s side ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Oxford City and Preston North End have held trials this month in a bid to find players for their first team and youth sides. Also in recent months, academies for clubs including Crystal Palace and Stoke City have held open trials.

The open trials give a chance for players to showcase their talents, while clubs hope to find unearthed gems to help build their squads.