INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

www.pro-footballacademy.com

INTRODUCTION

PFA is the UK’s leading coaching academy with over 50 centres across the country. They coach over 3,000 players each week, aged 4 to 16 years of age. All their 100 coaches are FA / UEFA qualified, and have extensive coaching experience at the highest level of the game. PFA senior coaches will direct and deliver the football coaching sessions on a daily basis, following an age-specific, individually tailored coaching syllabus, designed to maximise individual talent and opportunities.

PFAI is the benchmark when it comes to designing and delivering professional football coaching sessions for international players wishing to maximise their game on the field whilst studying in a World Class environment. We also have a PFAI Pro Ambassador in place, Robbie Savage (Manchester United, Derby County, Leicester City & Wales) to bring the highest level of experience to the international academy.

The PFA Academy International is a fantastic opportunity for young, aspiring footballers from overseas to experience the highest level of English football development. No other organisation in the UK offers this level of coaching and playing experiences whilst studying for a degree – Robbie Savage (Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Derby County, Wales International Player)

PFAI, in partnership with UClan, offers the highest quality of coaching and education with a view to significantly improving every student athlete, both on and off the field. Through a range of ‘real life’ work placements with PFA and additional coaching / talent ID qualifications, we aim to help each student athlete pursue a wide range of careers within sport, such as becoming a player, coach, analyst, videographer or scout to name just a few of the different opportunities.

Student athletes at Pro Football Academy International are available for selection to compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues and will also have the opportunity to play for our partner club, Stockport Town FC U18’s, U21’s and 1st team. Alongside league fixtures, players will also play in specially arranged showcase games against professional and semi-professional teams at U18 to U23 level across a 9-month season.

There is no better place in the World to train and play the beautiful game than in England, the birthplace of football (soccer). The Pro Football Academy International (PFAI) coaches and facilities at the University of Central Lancashire (Uclan) are amongst the best in the World.

The graduate market is an increasingly competitive place, and here at PFAI we recognise that a student athlete’s education is equally as important as their football development. We work hard to develop a player’s ability, whilst also ensuring every individual gains the qualifications needed to prepare them for a range of careers, both inside and outside the world of football.

EDUCATION

ACADEMIC OFFER § Our 3-year degree courses are delivered by the prestigious

University of Central Lancashire, where students can study for:

Under Graduate Degree offering: BSc (Hons) Sport Business Management: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/bsc_hons_sports_business_management.php

BSc (Hons) Football Studies: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/bsc-hons-football-studies.php Post Graduate Degree offering: MSc Sports Coaching: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/msc_sports_coaching.php

§ Specifically timetabled academic programme to avoid any clash with the football programme

§ Academic support provided via mentors and regular 1 to 1 meetings with professors

§ Access to all of the University’s state-of-the-art facilities including library, science laboratories, sports facilities and Students Union

§ Graduation ceremony at the Uclan Sports Arena

§ Membership of National Union of Students

We work in partnership with the highly regarded University of Central Lancashire, winner of a record three categories at the 2018 Times Higher Education (THE) Awards. Widely regarded as the Oscars of the higher education sector, UCLan collected gongs for best International Collaboration of the Year, Excellence and Innovation in the Arts and Most Innovative Contribution to Business-University Collaboration. UClan is recognised as one of the most International Universities in the UK, winning The Guardian University Awards internationalisation category in 2018.

The university has a stunning campus, which is just minutes from the historic city centre, and vibrant city of Preston. International student athletes can access a variety of support

services from Uclan such as visa advice, bursaries, scholarships, accommodation and degree information (see: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/international/index.php).

All student athletes with PFAI enrol as full-time students, where they can opt to study for either a BA Hons degree in Sport Business Management or a BSc Hons degree in Football Studies. To stay connected link into Uclan International or watch this video: https://youtu.be/dDKA-EeSbCY

We liaise closely with the university, the relevant staff and departments to meticulously plan our programme schedule in order to maximise a student’s contact time in the classroom and on the football field. We are proud to work with the prestigious University of Central Lancashire in enabling our students to maximise their talent, both on and off the field.

FOOTBALL PROGRAMME FOOTBALL OFFER

§ 14 hours a week player contact time with our former English Premier League and UEFA Licenced coaches. Optimised sessions designed to improve individual and team success.

§ Position specific specialisation sessions and individual player development practices

§ Showcase games against professional and semi-professional football teams throughout the UK

§ Opportunities to play for our partner, semi-professional club, Stockport Town (for those holding an EU passport) – players to play in approximately 30-40 games per season

§ Access to qualified Physiotherapists, Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Sport Therapists

§ Filmed games and video analysis - full access to a professionally trained video analytics team

§ Various work experience opportunities with Pro Football Academy - opportunities to Help Fund Program

§ Mentors, pastoral advice and support from members of the PFAI coaching team - Private mentorship and personal support from PFAI Coaches and Staff

§ Uclan training kit package

§ Access to transport to and from football games

Studying abroad is a fantastic challenge and opportunity, and here at the Pro Football Academy International we’ve taken care of everything to ensure your stay in the beautiful city of Preston is truly memorable.PFAI offers student athletes the exciting opportunity of studying for a Sports or Business degree, whilst focusing on their development as a footballer during a 9-month season.

All courses have been specifically designed to ensure transferability worldwide and run alongside a pro-level football development programme, which enables student athletes to train five days a week in a world-class environment. The timetabling of lectures and football development is meticulously planned to optimise the contact time in the classroom and on the field.

Our experienced and professional coaches, who have coached at English Premier League clubs, work closely with each individual player with a view to helping them pursue a range of careers, both inside and outside the sports industry.

The Pro Football Academy International is the ultimate programme for any young footballer who dreams of studying abroad whilst exploring the exciting opportunities within the wonderful world of football and sport.

THE STUDENT ENVIRONMENT @ UCLAN

STUDENT ATHLETE SAFETY § First pick-up of the year from Manchester

International Airport direct to accommodation

§ Extensive induction programme

§ Free contents insurance and public liability insurance

§ Advice and support from University of Central Lancashire staff on applying for a student Visa and Federal Aid

The student accommodation is centrally located on campus, ideally situated for students to easily get around, purchase supplies and get to classes and training sessions. The communal apartments are modern, clean and ensure that every student athlete is comfortable in their own space.

CLICK THE LINK FOR A TOUR OF THE UCLAN CAMPUS: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/vtour/?/campus-map/all/teaching-facilities

ACCOMMODATION § High grade, single occupancy en-suite accommodation,

centrally located on UClan campus (Private Bedrooms/Bathrooms for each student)

§ Individual bedroom including desk, toilet and shower within a shared apartment including a kitchen and lounge

§ Furnished apartments including fridge, freezer, stove, cutlery, pans, sofas

§ Bedding pack including duvet, pillows and bed sheets

§ 360 view of accomodation: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/vtour/index.html

The most important factor for a young student when travelling overseas is their safety, and at the Pro Football Academy International this is our primary focus. Student athletes will live, study and train on the Uclan campus, based in Preston (home to students from over 125 different countries).

MANAGEMENT TEAM BIOGRAPHY

ROB SMETHURST – DIRECTORRob is an experienced entrepreneur with specialties

in website and mobile application technologies. Having started his career as a Motor Trader and

running his own car sales garage for 10 years, he then created a revolutionary logistics website, winning

Gold & Bronze in the 2016 NEBC Awards ‘Innovation & Design’ and ‘Business of the Year’ categories. He

was also a finalist in the Digital Business of the Year (Small) category at the 2015 Digital Entrepreneur Award awards. He then successfully sold his online logistics company to AutoTrader in 2017 and stayed as a Consultant for a further 12 months, advising the business on future growth. A father of three football

mad boys, his passion is now to transform football and coaching - seamlessly integrating offline training and development on the pitch with reviews, player profiles

and monitoring online.

ROBBIE SAVAGE – BRAND AMBASSADORRobbie is a well-known media personality and former Premier League footballer. He notched up two

decades playing for the Wales national team, as well as a host of other Premier League giants and remains in the top 50 most capped Premier League players of all-time. He has since gone

on to gain a considerable following for his football punditry. He began his career playing for Manchester United’s youth team in 1991 and went on to make over 600 appearances for Derby

County, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, Leicester City, Crewe Alexandra and Brighton and Hove Albion. Off the pitch Robbie is also carving a name for himself as one of Britain’s favourite

pundits and recently won The Sony DAB Rising Star Award for his work on BBC Radio 5 Live’s 606 programme. His honest and forthright opinions can also be read weekly in his newspaper column,

as well as being heard in his regular appearances on both TV and radio for the BBC.

CARLOS ROCA – DIRECTORCarlos started his playing career at Oldham Athletic,

and made his senior debut under Ian Dowie on August 2003 in the League 1 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. Carlos moved on to Carlisle United in 2004 working under Paul Simpson. He then joined Northwich Victoria on a permanent contract, and

helped them win the 2005–06 Conference North title and reach the semi-final of the 2006–07 FA Trophy. He moved on to Altrincham before the end of the season, and then joined FC United of Manchester. Carlos spent five years at FC United, making over 200 appearances

for the club in all competitions. After his playing career finished Carlos founded Pro Football Academy, which is now the UK’s largest independent football coaching academy coaching thousands of players across the country each week. Over the past five

years many young players have come through the Pro Football Academy ranks to sign for professional clubs,

such as Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool. Carlos has an in-depth understanding of both

grassroots and academy football, through his time coaching in both these differing sectors and working

with some of the UK’s leading young talent.

COST

TO APPLYTo book a place on the course or to gain further information please contact us via: Email: marcus@pro-footballacademy.comTelephone: +44 (0)7876 832 473

LEE WADDINGTON – DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL

Lee has worked in academy football for over 20 years, where he worked for such clubs as Nottingham

Forest, Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley. During his time in the game he has achieved a multitude of qualifications from the UEFA A License, FA Advanced Youth Award to the FA Talent Identification

Certificate and most recently, a Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology with Staffordshire University. He utilises scientific research to direct his work with regards to

person/player development, and has undertaken projects for the likes of the University of California, Los Angeles

(UCLA) over the last couple of years.

MARC MADDOCKS – HEAD OF COACHING

Marc worked for over 20 years as an academy coach for Manchester City, where he coached players across each age group from U8 through to U18’s. As well as

being the head of coaching at Pro Football Academy he also works for Burnley FC taking their U15/16’s. His extensive experience is underpinned by the highest level of coaching qualifications as he holds both the

UEFA A License and FA Advanced Youth Award.

The cost per academic year, per student athlete is £29,950. This is payable in full via bank transfer to secure your place.

FUNDING OPTIONS (USA) § FAFSA FUNDING (through Direct Plus Loan Program)

§ MILITARY FUNDING ACCEPTED (GI Bill)

§ PRIVATE LOANS (Sallie Mae)

(Full support from PFAI Scouting team to complete funding and visa applications)

www.pro-footballacademy.com