Residential Football Academy in Reading (5 or 10 months)

Overview of the football academy

For boys: 14-19 years old.

Located in Reading, England, just 40 miles west of London, the International Development Academy UK embodies the passion and way of life, surrounded by 9 Premier League clubs, and 21 Football League club, the IDA UK is in the heart of the 'Home of Football'.

Players at the IDA UK will be fully immersed in a once in a lifetime academic and football experience where shared goals of success are realized through hard work and dedication.

If your dream is the play professional football or collegiate soccer in the US, IDA UK can set you up for success

Campus/Facilities

Student-athletes reside at the Hillside Court, a secure village within the Reading student community. We provide single rooms, a student workspace, high-speed wi-fi, thus providing a functional, innovative, and comfortable living, with unique and modern features. Our houses also boast pristine gardens and ample social gathering spaces. Reading Town Center is located just one mile from Hillside Court where our student-athletes will enjoy local entertainment and activities all within a quick walk, bike ride, or bus journey. With 24/7 video monitoring, our students and their families should feel safe at our residence.

Training / Coaching

Players at IDA UK will experience world-class football training with UEFA licensed coaches, a suitable competitive schedule and games, a personalized strength and conditioning program, International tournament experience, video analysis, and individual reviews.

​Our locations boast world-class sports facilities including a new 4G pitch, the state of the art gym, and a full-size swimming pool.

IDA soccer academy is also partners with regional non-league (semi-pro) clubs, providing access to these club’s football grounds and facilities.

IDA UK players will be immersed in an Elite Football Performance Program, soccer training alongside domestic English players who also aspire to be professional footballers while continuing their academic education.

You will:

* Play in National Football League and Cup competitions (The highest possible level outside professional football clubs);


* Compete against teams affiliated to professional clubs;


* Play in showcase games against professional academies;


* Go on trial at professional football clubs;


* Play in the FA Youth Cup;


* Play non-league (semi-pro) football with a partner club in the English Football League system;

Academic Education

Designed as a stepping stone to either professional football or college soccer in the States, The IDA UK Academy ensures a high-level education to student-athletes.

Some highlights include: 

* ​USPA is designed for student-athletes looking for an accredited school that supports its unique schedule, creates a pathway towards their personal, professional and athletic goals, and leverages the latest technology for an on-the-go environment. For more information, visit https://gouspa.org


* For UK and European Students: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport (Performance & Excellence) – equivalent of up to 3 A Levels, and will facilitate entrance into University.


* English language courses and qualification


* FA and UEFA Coaching Qualification pathway

College Placement

The International Development Academy has a mission to help international student-athletes find the most appropriate academic and athletic fit for their college search in the United States.

We help you to navigate the process in order to make the most informed decision possible.

Our team of former collegiate players, coaches and youth soccer leaders will talk and walk you through the process. We’ll help you navigate everything from fit to the scholarship process and then develop a timeline for your family, acting as a conduit to the U.S. Collegiate Soccer. Use the IDA College Placement Team to prepare you for a successful academic and athletic journey overseas.

College Placement services are delivered by the football academy staff if such a request has been made by the athlete. The services are carried out for an additional payment. 

Dates & Prices:

10,000.00 Deposit, rest split into 3 installments (July 1, November 1, February 1)

Please, choose the appropriate Date in the section below. Take notice that the prices presented below have a discount offered by Sportlane.

Merit-based Scholarship

There is a possibility for the applicant/player to receive a merit-based scholarship which equals a 10% discount off the tuition fees. The Academy will review all incoming applications from the athletes regardless of whether they have asked for it or not. Two key factors the football academy will take into account are soccer resume and semi-professional experience in football.