The i2i International Soccer Academy (i2i ISA) provides an exceptional opportunity for student athletes interested in balancing their academic pursuits and soccer development in England. Collaborating with Northumbria University in Newcastle and Leeds Beckett University in Leeds, the academy offers students the chance to pursue a range of internationally recognized undergraduate degrees.
Each player benefits from personalized guidance by seasoned coaches who have experience with Premier League clubs. This comprehensive training program focuses on helping athletes refine their skills with the aim of forging careers both within and outside the sports industry. Student athletes here also participate in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues, with opportunities to join the i2i ISA U21 & U23 teams.
The season includes more than 35 games over nine months, featuring showcase matches against professional and semi-professional teams. Matches are documented and evaluated by a performance analysis team to enhance every player's performance using an extensive Athlete Monitoring System. Training encompasses five days a week under UEFA PRO and A licensed coaches, with experience at clubs such as Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Academically, i2i ISA’s programs, held at Northumbria and Leeds Beckett Universities, are structured to integrate with athletes' training schedules. These three-year degree courses ensure academic support, access to top-notch campus facilities, and the opportunity to graduate with prestigious qualifications. Options include a variety of degrees relating to sports and beyond.
Student athletes receive up to 15 hours of weekly coaching under UEFA-certified coaches. Specialized sessions and showcase games further hone skills. Athlete support includes access to sports physiotherapists and strength coaches, video analysis, and a subscription to online performance tracking tools. Ample training gear and superior facilities are guaranteed, with up to 35 games per season.
Students reside in comfortable en-suite accommodations within well-equipped shared apartments. Leeds and Newcastle offer safe, student-friendly environments, complete with robust university communities. Additional conveniences include airport pickups, comprehensive insurance, and guidance from university staff regarding visas and federal aid.
Programs available at Northumbria University include Business & Management, and several sports-focused degrees, while Leeds Beckett University offers courses ranging from Sports Coaching to Cyber Security and Fashion Marketing, among others.
A Balanced Academic & Athletic Experience
The i2i ISA emphasizes the importance of both education and soccer development. Partnering with top institutions like Northumbria and Leeds Beckett, the academy ensures that student athletes graduate with valuable skills for diverse career opportunities. These universities are recognized for their quality teaching, research excellence, and commitment to student success and employability.
All student athletes train like full-time professionals five days a week with our UEFA PRO and A licensed coaches who have previously played or coached at a range of professional clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers, Watford, Birmingham, Charlton Athletic, Sunderland and Hull City.
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Northumbria University offers a focused set of degree programs, including BA (Hons) Business & Management, BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science, BSc (Hons) Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching, and BSc (Hons) Sport Management.
Leeds Beckett University provides a broader variety of courses such as BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science, BSc Sport & Exercise Therapy, BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching, BA (Hons) Business & Management, BA (Hons) Sport Business Management, BA (Hons) Sport Marketing, among many others, from computer science to graphic design.
These degree programs align with the i2i International Soccer Academy's Soccer Development Programme, which allows students to train five days a week in a professional setting. This allows students to benefit from both academic and athletic training, with a timetable structured to ensure ample time is spent in both lectures and on the field.
Recognizing a competitive graduate market, the i2i International Soccer Academy underscores the importance of balancing education with soccer development. The academy partners with reputable institutions: Northumbria University, praised internationally for its student experience, and Leeds Beckett University, awarded maximum stars for employability by QS Stars in 2022. Students enroll as full-time students at their selected universities, choosing from a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Northumbria University stands out as a modern, research-driven institution, placed 23rd for research power in the REF 2021. The university boasts over £250 million in new facilities, providing a dynamic environment for learning and student life, with high student satisfaction ratings.
Leeds Beckett University excels in innovative teaching and research, with a strong employability rate for graduates. Notable for its sports science labs and exemplary teaching quality, Leeds Beckett also ranks high in student experience and has a solid reputation for its social and environmental commitments, highlighted in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, with 94% of its graduates in employment or further study within six months. It has invested significantly in modern facilities, including state-of-the-art sports science labs and training spaces.
All applicants must meet the requirements of both - the university and the football department. The prices are for a 1-year, but the overall program lasts for 3 years (it is 3 years at the university + football training). You can only apply for a 3 year program, and upon completion you will graduate from one of the best UK universities + will progress (hopefully to the higher PRO level) in football.