FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PRE- ARRIVAL
What type of student-athlete is THE ACADEMY looking for?
THE ACADEMY is looking for talented student-athletes who are committed to enhancing their game. THE ACADEMY is designed for players who are capable of succeeding in an international soccer environment.
THE ACADEMY is looking for serious and talented student-athletes who are committed to their game and their future. THE ACADEMY is designed for players who are capable of exceeding at the next level, in an international environment.
What is the age requirement to participate?
The Elite Pro programme is available for players aged 16- 22 years.
We also welcome teams, or groups, with players of all ages.
Is the Academy open to all levels?
THE ACADEMY is designed for elite and high-potential players. Student-athletes must be able to keep up with all training and competition programs. All players who wish to enter the program must undergo our Selection process and be accepted onto the programme.
Application Process
To begin the application process, every participant must complete an -pre-registration application form and provide a football CV plus a link with a video footage. Your CV and personal statement should include your skills, relevant interests, and hobbies, along with any experience you think is appropriate. Your personal statement is an opportunity to tell us about youself, describe your interests and let us know why you want to apply to The Academy of Football. A member of Admissions Team will reach out via phone or email to discuss the next steps:
Telephone/online interview
After the interview complete our Application Form and Terms & Conditions and proceed with the registration payment.
On successful completion and being accepted into The Academy of Football, you will be sent a conditional offer of placement.
Once the Terms & Conditions are met, you’ll then receive a personalised official invitation letter which will include course specifics.
The application will be reviewed by our Admissions Team with input from the Technical and Academic teams. Where an offer is made, this will be forwarded to you. You may be asked to attend a trial at a suitable venue, time and date.
You are also required to pay a £1,500 registration fee. An initial fee of £ 250 deductible from the registration fee must be paid for the interview and online test. This fee is not refundable. You will need to send us all the documents required.
If you are accepted in the programme you will have to pay the remaining fees plus a deposit of 25% of fees upon confirmation of registration.
If I need a visa, does THE ACADEMY help in the process?
The Academy will assist you with any visa applications required. Your type of visa will depend on your location, the length of your chosen programme and your academic study option.
We can also submit your visa application on your behalf using our specialist UK Immigration lawyers for a set fee. Please consult with Choices International Academy team for information regarding this service.
Does the price include the visa process?
No. Price does not include the visa process.
Do prices include flights?
No. Prices do not include flights.
What if I don’t receive a visa?
You can always reaply as a second chance but if finally you don´t get the visa, you will be entitled to a full refund less an admin fee of GBP 500.
What are programme start dates
Programme start dates are available in January, April and September.
Starting dates:
14th September 2025 ,6th January 2026, 31st March, 2026
How do I get to the accommodation when I arrive in the UK?
The Academy provide a ‘Meet & Greet’ service providing airport arrival/departure transfers to & from your chosen Accommodation option ( Residence or Homestay accommodation).
Will students receive travel and medical insurance?
Choices International provides medical insurance.
Does THE ACADEMY offer scholarships?
At this time, THE ACADEMY does not offer scholarships ; with the exception of Scholarships for talented players graduating from Choices International Soccer Summer programmes.
What happens if I book my place for a certain date then have to change?
If you book a particular date but then are unable to arrive, we will simply move your booking to another date at your convenience. Providing you have notified us in reasonable time there will be no extra cost.
ELITE PRO PROGRAMME TRAINING
What is included in the Elite-Pro Programme price?
- Professional football training delivered by West Ham United Foundation Elite Player Coaching Team
- Elite competition programme
- Professional performance monitoring and reports
- On-site professional physical conditioning and preparation
- Membership access to UEL high performance athlete gym facilities
- Academic Excellence: College/University Preparation programme
- Football Career Qualifications ( Introduction to Football Coaching & 2, Scouting FA Level 1)
- Medical emergency insurance
- Options to local food prepared by sport nutritionists.
- 1st class Student residence facilities and homestay options
Who are the coaches?
THE ACADEMY coaches are experienced West Ham United coaches with Elite Player Development experience. All coaches are vastly experienced in high-performance football, experts in youth development and UEFA/FA licensed with a solid background in the professional world as players or coaches.
Will I be a professional football player after attending THE ACADEMY?
- By enrolling at THE ACADEMY, you are receiving the best environment to be able to become a professional football player. However, you are not guaranteed to become a professional football player and we do not make any promises to be signed, placed, or receive a pro contract.
- Our guarantee is that each player will become the best they can be. At the Academy, we emphasise helping you to develop your career plan in the international football industry; and exploring career options such as coaching, scouting, operations and other areas to provide you with a foundation to chart your own personal football journey.
Will I get trial with Professional Clubs?
- On successful completion of your application process & on commencing on the Academy programme, you are immediately & continuously on trial with WHUF Academy throughout your time with us.
- Individual development will be monitored on a weekly basis by the Academy & first team coaches as well as club scouts, which may result in trials or training sessions being offered with any of our professional teams to players continuously demonstrating what we believe to be the required levels of ability to perform at the level of mentioned teams.
- In addition , there are a minimum of 2 Formal Talent sessions throughout the course of the Academic Year programme. At the beginning of Term 2 and Term 3.
- You will also have the option and possibility to participate in clinics and tournaments in Europe with football clubs.
Are we guaranteed to be scouted by a Professional club?
In addition to formal and informal scouting sessions. Academy games programme will be against clubs whose scouts will be in attendance. Your success is our success so it is our aim to give you as much exposure as possible!
What will happen if I do get scouted by a Professional club?
If you are approached by any club including West Ham United, we have a designated, experienced member of staff in place to handle the process smoothly. If you are offered a contract at a club, we employ an agent who can look after your needs or alternatively you can arrange your own.
Do players need to bring football kit?
Players on 12-week, 24-week or longer programmes will be provided with a full kit package including training & presentation wear. All players will be expected to bring their own training clothes and boots/cleats.
What are the annual breaks?
THE ACADEMY’s Winter Break for the 2025-2026 Academic Year is from 14th December through 5th January
Term dates will be communicated at the beginning of the academic year.
We accommodate all families, all religions and all emergency and personal leaves as long as it does not interfere with academics or competition schedules.
What happens if I get injured during training hours?
Players will have access to club physiotherapists as part of the programme at no extra cost.
What languages are used?
English is the main language spoken.
Does THE ACADEMY have a code of conduct?
Yes. We require everyone (student-athletes, coaches and staff) to sign our Code Of Conduct on arrival . We reserve the right to suspend or expel anyone who does not behave or act in accordance to the code of conduct.
If parents/guardians want to visit their son/daughter at the Academy, can they?
Parents/guardians are not allowed to visit their children at any time as it can not interfere with academic, training or competition schedules. In case they need to take their son/daughter, they must notify our office prior to their arrival on campus and sign a waiver to get their children out of the Academy for personal reasons. However, parents are not allowed in areas specifically designed for student-athletes, such as dorms or locker rooms, Academy or training facilities.
EDUCATION
What study options are available?
Student-athletes can choose to study the following options:
- International Foundation Diploma. Available for those seeking to enter a UK university and/ or US university.
*Note: For students seeking to enter a US university, this programme is combined with SATS and TOEFL preparation (as required).
- For students who need to improve their English skills, we offer English classes at all levels.
- For students seeking a degree-level programme, we offer degrees validated by University of East London.
- A / AS Level Study Programmeshave been designed to support your specific career goals and are tailored towards preparing you for progression after college. Your study programme is more than just your qualifications, your Study Programme will include development of critical skills to support your progression, including your English, Mathematics and Employability Skills.
- Higher National Diploma ( HND) The HND is an OFQUAL recognised qualification; equivalent to the first 2 years of a degree. These programmes provide opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and practical skills to real work situations.
- The IBCM HND provides specialisations in Sports Management and Business Management.
- BTEC: The BTEC in Sport provides a recognised route for progression to degree programmes in sports-related disciplines. IBC offers a range of Pearson BTEC level 3 in International Sport including pathways for Sport, Coaching & Development and Business & Management. These qualifications are OFQUAL-recognised and provide a recognised route to Higher education studies. BTEC International Level 3 in Sport qualifications allow learners to progress to the workplace – either directly or via study at a higher level and it is accepted by UK and international universities for entry to relevant degree programmes.
What academic progression options are available?
The International Foundation Diploma provides progression to over 70+ UK universities and a range of US other international universities. For those seeking progression to US universities, we also require that you take our SATS and. TOEFL if you are not native English-speakers.
Are US Sports Scholarships available?
Yes. The Academy assists with arranging US sports Scholarships for interested participants. If you are determined to live the American dream thanks to football you will want to know the necessary requirements to access a football scholarship in the United States.
What are the Entry requirements for the International Foundation Diploma?
Candidates should have successfully completed Secondary education in their home country and have an English level of IELTS 5.0 or equivalent (minimum of 4.0 in each skill area).
Which UK universities can I progress to after the IFD ?
The International Foundation Diploma provides progression to 0ver 70+ universities in the UK and overseas. Please check with the Academy for the latest Progression Booklet.
Do you provide English language programmes?
Yes. English language programmes are provided.
Do you provide SAT & TOEFL preparation?
Yes. SAT and TOEFL preparation are provided.
What are the term dates?
First intake: 14th September 2025
Second intake: 6th January 2026
Third intake: 31st March, 2026
How do Football Scholarships work?
Through obtaining a football scholarship, you will receive a financial package that goes towards tuition fees, accommodation and other maintenance costs. In return for this financial support, you will be expected to maintain the high standards set by the University throughout your University career in order to retain your football scholarship.
Along with top-level academics, American Universities can offer world-class match day stadia, state of the art training facilities and the best collegiate coaches .
What are the requriments for a sport scholarship?
To earn an athletic scholarship, there are several things that college coaches are looking for. They want to recruit student-athletes who are dedicated, team-oriented, strong, and successful. But of course, college coaches will also want to recruit high school athletes with great physical attributes and mastered athletic skills.
The athletic scholarship requirements vary with each institution and with each sport. College coaches all have their own guidelines and stats to sift through the hundreds of recruits who contact them with interest in their programme.
What determines how much scholarship I get in the USA?
Your overall scholarship will depend on many factors including your playing ability and academic standing, as well as your coaches assigned budget for the season. However, don’t worry it is our job to ensure that we find you an American college which best suits your preferences and capabilities. If, for example, a university costs $50,000 a year all in and the coach is giving you a scholarship worth $42,000, then this is a partial scholarship as there is a $8,000 shortfall that the coach wants you to contribute towards the costs of attending the university. Most partial scholarships come with the incentive that if you perform well, both on the field and in the classroom, then the soccer coach can reward you with a scholarship increase and cover any costs that you had been contributing towards.
RESIDENCE LIFE
What is the Residence campus like?
The Student Residence is based at UEL and provides a wide range of 1st- facilities and amenities. The campus has a wider a range social amenities, restaurants and coffee shops and library resource facilities.
UEL is a designated Olympic training centre -of-excellence within the UK and is a training base for world -class sports people and athletes. As such, it has world-leading support facilities for athletes including world-class physiotherapy and gym facilities.
What are the Accommodation facilities like?
All Residence accommodation is high-quality, single, ensuite accommodation.
Homestay accommodation will be a single room with in a family residence. Breakfast and dinner are provided daily and breakfast, lunch and dinner at weekends.
What do student-athletes do on the weekends?
Based in London ,the UK’s capital city, there is a huge range of activities and excursions available at weekends. You will also have the opportunity to attend professional West Ham games and other professional club fixtures. At the same time , it is important to spend quality time and relax in order to allow recuperation time for your intensive training schedule.
Where do students live?
Yes. A Welfare Officer will be present to monitor and support student-athletes health, security and well- being.
Are the student-athletes monitored ?
Yes. A Welfare Officer will be present to monitor and support student-athletes health, security and well- being.
How far is the hospital?
Only 2 miles away. Emergency care is very efficient in UK and everyone receives excellent care.
What happens in case of emergency or medical assistance need?
- EMERGENCY: We call emergency professionals and they conduct the adequate procedures on the injured person. We will contact the family as soon as the player is on their way to the hospital and communicate effectively with families. We will also provide all the help needed in terms of transportation from the airport to the hospital/Academy to get the families to the injured player as quickly as possible.
- NON-EMERGENCY: We call medical professionals and they conduct the adequate procedures on the injured person. For further examination, we will drive every participant to the closest hospital for medical tests.
- SICKNESS: THE ACADEMY provides medical care with an MD Doctor consulting on-site or in a city office but also through the medical insurance.
Student-athletes will be covered for all medical care and emergencies, including repatriation , with the Choices International Insurance provided by Guardme.
Is there a laundry service?
Yes. Players will have access to a washing machine to do their own washing at their residence or homestay.
Who do I speak to if I have any questions?
The Academy has a designated welfare officer to discuss any queries you may have. There will be a 24 hour Emergency phone mobile phone available.
Do meals cater for religious beliefs?
The Academy respects the beliefs of all religions. Please make us aware prior to arrival of any food requirements you may have.
