Frequently Asked Questions

Do players share rooms?

Yes, our experienced staff ensure ages and cultures are considered with most rooms having two players. In nearly all circumstances room-mates become friends for life however if it isn’t working out we can swap players around.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available to all students.

Are there laundry facilities?

Yes, a laundry room with washing machines, tumble dryers, irons and ironing boards along with washing powder/conditioner will all be provided, and a member of staff will be on hand to advise.

Laundry for all football and training kits, as well as bed linen, will be done by the Academy.

Is accommodation included?

Yes, players will stay at their own exclusive accommodation at Grace Dieu Manor Park.

The accommodation is in safe and secure surroundings and includes more than 50 bedrooms all with en-suite facilities, dining room, communal rooms, games room, study areas, tennis courts and a swimming pool.

When does the Football with Education course commence?

The International Football Academy has two intakes during the season, for players to begin the two-year BTEC qualification. These are in September and January.

How long is the Football with Education Course?

To gain the full BTEC qualification the course takes two years to complete.

Can I attend the Academy as a non-residential student?

Yes, the International Football Academy has welcomed many day students to join the international students on the full-time football course whilst also studying a BTEC in Sports Studies.

Am I provided a training kit?

Yes, players will be issued a training kit, winter coat and a match day tracksuit for their stay.

At the end of the course am I guaranteed to be offered a contact at a professional club?

Unfortunately, the Academy cannot guarantee that a player will find a club, as all clubs are seeking different types of players at different times and we all know how difficult it can be.

We will guarantee though you will leave us a better player and we will aim to open as many opportunities for you as possible.

You can read through our Alumni page, which lists previous students and where their football career has taken them since leaving the Academy.

Do I need to attend a trial?

Ideally, we would like to see a player for our coaching staff to assess their ability, which can be done in either of the following ways:

• Attend an Individual Taster Day. Please download the form and return to us at the address shown and we can arrange to show you and your family the excellent facilities.
• Attend a Development Camp or Football Only Course

If unable to attend an Individual Taster Day, Development Camp or Football Only Course:

Send video footage of the player in action together with a summary of the players football history to date and a reference from a qualified football coach.

Where Is the Academy based?

The International Football Academy is located in Thringstone, Leicestershire in the United Kingdom.

What are the age limits?

The Football with Education courses are available for players aged between 16-18 years of age, with Development Camps and Football Only courses available for those aged 16-21.

What do the fees include?

The Football with Education fees include the following

• All football coaching, matches, trials and assessments
• Training kit
• Accommodation and meals for all residential students
• Welfare support
• Physiotherapy support and registration with local NHS Doctors/Dentists
• CAS application support and visa support for all international students
• Academic courses, materials, textbooks and public exam fees
• Gym membership

How much does it cost to join?

UK students: £26,995 (BTEC Level 3) / £31,995 (English Language) / £31,995 (Degree Course)

EU + International students: £31,995 (BTEC Level 3) / £31,995 (English Language) / £31,995 (Degree Course)

Day students: £14,995 (BTEC Level 3) / £19,995 (English Language) / £19,995 (Degree Course)

Can fees be paid in instalments?

Yes, we have a payment plan spread over three instalments. This can be discussed on being offered a place at the Academy.

How to join the Academy

International Football Academy, in conjunction with it’s academic partners Loughborough College & Pitsford School, is able to offer the opportunity for students to commence the full-time football programme and BTEC Sports Studies course starting in September or January each year.

It is easy to register your interest, simply speak with a member of our admissions team via email recruitment@internationalfootball.academy or telephone +44 1933 420000.

Our admissions team will arrange an online video call with you to discuss the courses at FCV and opportunities available.

What if I have any dietary requirements?

Our food is freshly prepared onsite by our Head Chef, we can cater for all types of dietary requirements including vegetarian, halal, kosher and vegan to name a few. If you do have any requirements or food allergies, please make us aware when booking to ensure we pass this onto the Head Chef.

What if I have any religious requirements?

We have a diverse collection of players from a wide variety of cultures. We cater for different cuisines i.e. halal meat. The Academy will also ensure prayer rooms are available when required.

We can also help assist in finding local churches, mosques etc

What other welfare support is offered?

Our staff can also assist with setting up bank accounts, gym membership, passport and visa assistance, arranging IELTS tests and sitting exams.

What kit/equipment will I need to bring?

A full list of kit and equipment will be sent out in the confirmation pack players receive once they have completed their booking. In general players will require:

Training Kit

Studded boots & Moulded boots

Trainers suitable for indoor football or gym work

Shin Pads (must be worn at every training/match session)

Wash kit in wash bag (incl. suitable sun screen etc.)

Large towels

Small bag, suitable for a change of clothes and footwear

Casual Clothing

Please bring enough clean comfortable clothing for evenings, meals and entertainment, such as jeans, t-shirt/tops, trainers/shoes etc.

Can I still attend if I have had a previous injury?

Yes. All players will be required to complete a medical form when booking, where you will need to state any previous injuries or health concerns.

What if I am sick?

All full-time residential players are registered with a local NHS doctors and dental surgery.

The boarding house also has first aid provisions, medical supplies, a defibrillator and all staff are first aid trained.

I’m from outside the UK, can I still attend the on a Full-Time basis?

Yes, the Academy has many international students that join. Should you be offered a place, you would be required to obtain a Tier 4 Student visa, which we will provide information for. The Acadeny are not able to help with any travel expenses incurred.

Are you able to help with my Tier 4 Student Visa application?

Most international students will need to apply to the UK Home Office for a visa before coming to the UK and we can help you to do this.  With regards to a Tier 4 Student Visa application, our academic partner Loughborough College is a government-approved Tier 4 Sponsor, allowing us to offer courses at NQF Level 3 and above to international students aged 16 years and over.

What if my visa is refused by the embassy?

If your visa application is refused, you will be required to inform the Academy as soon as possible, and email us a scanned copy of all pages of your Refusal Notice. We will then be able to advise you on the options available to you, in keeping with our terms and conditions.

Can I work whilst on a Tier 4 Student Visa?

There are limits on your working hours that depend on when you applied for permission to come to or stay in the UK, the type of course you study and what type of sponsor you are studying with. Please feel free to read through the Tier 4 Policy Guidance, which is available on the gov.uk website.

What is FIFA International Clearance?

FIFA International Clearance applies to any player over the age of 10 who is seeking to register for a club in England and has previously been registered for a club abroad (including the other Home Associations), or who is a foreign national seeking to register for the first time in this country.

If the player is under the age of 18, they are subject to the provisions of FIFA Article 19. International Clearance is applicable at all levels of the game.

Extract of FIFA Article 19 Protection of minors Rule

International transfers of players are only permitted if the player is over the age of 18, unless one of the three exceptions apply:

1. The player’s parents move to the country in which the new club is located for reasons not linked to football.
2. The transfer takes place within the territory of the EU or EEA and the player is between 16 to 18 years old. If this the case the club must meet FIFA’s minimum obligations, which includes in England the club competing in the English Football League (which FCV Stamford do not).
3. The player lives no further than 50 km from the national border and the club is no further than 100 km away from the player’s home.

Work Permits

Non-EU citizens who have received International Clearance would still require a work permit visa under Tier 2 and/or Tier 5 to sign a contract with a club in England that compete at Premier League level down to Step 4 of the non-league pyramid. A work permit is not required to play for a club from Step 5 of the non-league pyramid and below.

In order to apply for a Governing Body Endorsement from the FA, an applicant club must hold a Sponsor’s Licence under Tier 2 and/or Tier 5 of the PBS and thereby be eligible to assign Certificates of Sponsorship. To be eligible to become a Sponsor and assign Certificates of Sponsorship a club must be a member of The Premier League or The Football League.

The FA PBS criteria is due to be updated on 1^st May 2017, the FA have stated no major amendments to the regulations are set to be made.

Is there any education involved?

Yes, the International Football Academy can offer full time education alongside the football programme.

What education courses can I take?

There are several courses available to players on the Full Time programme, these include:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness)

English Language

What are the entry requirements?

Many of our Educational courses have specific Entry Requirements:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness)

Students studying a BTEC Extended Diploma programme should normally have achieved 5 GCSE’s at Level 4 or above, including English and Maths, or the equivalent in their own country. Alternatively, students who have studied at Level 2 Diploma/Certificate or a BTEC First Diploma in a related subject should have achieved at least Merit grades.

For those students that do not meet the necessary entry requirements, the Academy can offer the opportunity to study an OCR Level 2 Sports qualification as an alternative.

English Language

This course is open students of all levels of English language from beginner to advanced.

Distance Learning Courses

Entry requirements for these courses vary based on individual factors. Please contact us for more information.

How long are the courses?

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness)

To achieve the full BTEC qualification that the Academy offers will take two years.

English Language

These are adapted to the student studying the course, as they can be a year long or used as a top up to prepare for an IELTS.

Distance Learning Courses

These particular courses can be studied for one or two years.

Can I take additional AS and A Levels?

Yes, International Football Academy can offer players the opportunity to take an AS and A Level Business Studies qualification, to support their BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Studies course. The AS and A Level in Business Studies qualification is awarded through the AQA Examinations Board.

Additional costs are required for students wishing to study either the AS / A Level Business Studies through the FCV Academy.

What is the standard of coaching I will receive?

All coaching sessions and matches are led by our highly qualified UEFA A coaches, with previous experience either playing professionally or managing English Football League sides.

Specialist outfield and goalkeeping sessions, strength and conditioning training and nutritional advice are also provided during your stay.

What level of supervision do the players receive?

The boarding house is staffed 24 hours a day and 7 days a week by our highly experienced and qualified residential team.

What if I get injured at the Academy?

The academy employs a full-time Sports Therapist for football injuries, who will be present during players stay. There is a dedicated medical room at the football centre.

Players will be required to provide their own medical insurance and health cover, in case of any emergency or medical treatment they may require whilst staying at the International Football Academy. This is highly recommended, especially as you will be taking part in physical activities through football.

Are airport transfers included?

No, transport to and from the International Football Academy is the responsibility of the player. We can arrange airport transfers at an additional cost that is dependent on the airport a player arrives at. We will require the full flight details to allocate a driver. The latest prices are:

• East Midlands – £55
• Luton – £165
• Birmingham – £110
• Stansted – 205
• Heathrow – £295
• Gatwick – £345
• Manchester – £195
• All other will be price on request