Life at FCV International Football Academy is about more than football. For students joining us from across the world, the academy provides an opportunity to develop their abilities on the pitch while continuing their education, building friendships and gaining independence.
Based at Grace Dieu Manor Park in Leicestershire, our residential environment brings together students with a shared passion for football. With accommodation, training and educational facilities on campus, players can focus on their development while enjoying a structured and supportive daily routine.
The safety, wellbeing and personal development of our students are central to life at FCV.
Our residential team, led by Head of Welfare and Student Services Katie Wilton, provides day-to-day guidance and support to help students settle into academy life, particularly those living away from home for the first time.
Staff working with students undergo appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks relevant to their responsibilities, supporting our commitment to maintaining a safe residential environment.
We recognise that adjusting to a new country, meeting new people and balancing football with education can be challenging. Our team is available to offer practical guidance, encouragement and support throughout each student’s time at the academy.
Alongside student welfare, we recognise the importance of physical wellbeing, injury prevention and recovery as part of a demanding football training schedule.
Living on campus is an important part of the FCV experience, giving students the opportunity to become part of a close-knit international football community.
Our accommodation at Grace Dieu Manor Park includes shared bedrooms with private bathrooms, providing students with a comfortable place to rest and relax outside their training and education commitments.
Communal areas encourage students to spend time together, share experiences and build friendships with teammates from different countries and backgrounds.
Residential staff are available to provide supervision and assistance, helping students establish routines and feel at home throughout their stay.
The Players’ Hub is a dedicated social space where students can relax and spend time together outside their daily commitments.
Whether watching football, playing games or catching up with teammates, the Hub provides an opportunity to unwind and enjoy the social side of academy life.
For many students, these shared experiences are an important part of developing friendships and becoming part of the FCV community.
Good nutrition plays an important role in supporting football performance, recovery and general wellbeing.
Students receive three meals each day, prepared on campus to support their training and daily activities.
Mealtimes also provide an opportunity for players to come together, socialise and enjoy a regular routine alongside their teammates.
Academy life combines football training, education, meals, recovery and personal time within a structured weekly schedule.
For students enrolled on our Football with Education programmes, academic study forms an important part of their routine alongside coaching and competitive football.
Outside scheduled activities, students have opportunities to relax, use communal spaces and spend time with friends.
Daily schedules vary depending on the programme, training commitments and match fixtures, helping students balance their sporting, academic and personal development.
Students benefit from access to a range of training and recreational facilities at Grace Dieu Manor Park, including football pitches, a gym, an indoor swimming pool and an indoor padel court.
These facilities support both football development and opportunities to stay active outside regular training sessions.
Our Grace Dieu Manor Park campus provides further information about the facilities and accommodation available to students.
Life at FCV also provides opportunities to experience more of England beyond the academy.
Optional excursions may include professional football matches, stadium tours and recreational activities such as bowling, cinema trips and group outings.
These experiences give students the chance to explore new places, spend time with teammates and enjoy a balance between their academy commitments and leisure time.
One of the most valuable aspects of academy life is the opportunity to live and train alongside players from different parts of the world.
Students arrive with different backgrounds, cultures and experiences, but share a common interest in football.
Through training, education and everyday residential life, they have opportunities to develop communication skills, independence, confidence and friendships that extend beyond their time at FCV.
Our aim is to provide an environment where students feel supported, included and encouraged to make the most of their experience, both on and off the pitch.
