HIGH PERFORMANCE TRYOUT
Goal: Official Academy Assessment.
Focus: The WHUF High Performance Tryout Programme is an elite football assessment delivered through the International Academy of Football under our official partnership with West Ham United, providing players with access to elite coaching aligned with led qualified WHUF coaches in line with the club’s methodology. Throughout the programme, participants are evaluated as part of an official academy selection pathway, providing a direct opportunity to progress into full-time academy football.
The Opportunity: Successful candidates may secure a place in the International Academy of Football, with the chance to train full-time in London and compete against top-tier opposition.
Outcome: Whether you are aiming for a professional career, a UK university, or a US college scholarship, this programme builds the bridge between your current level and your professional goals.
PROGRAMME DETAILS
What are the programme dates?
The High Performance Tryout runs for two weeks in July, allowing players to join for 1 or 2 weeks.
Available start dates:
- 19th July
- 26th July
We highly recommend our two-week High Performance Tryout programmes, running from 19th–31st July, designed to deliver the maximum elite football development and talent identification opportunities.
A two-week stay allows players to fully immerse themselves in professional training, benefit from progressive coaching across consecutive weeks, and enjoy weekend excursions alongside new weekly activities that enhance both development and enjoyment.
What programme options are available?
We offer two flexible options to suit different ages, locations, and family preferences:
Day Camp:
- Ages 15–17
- Non-residential
- Ideal for local or visiting players staying with family
Residential Camp:
- Ages 15–17
- Accommodation at UCL University
- Full immersion football and cultural experience in London
- Includes Full board and Daily Transfers to and from Training
Both options include elite football training delivered by the West Ham United Foundation coaches.
Who is the programme for?
The High-Performance Tryout is designed for boys and girls aged 15–17 who are already competing at a high level in club or academy football.
This is a highly competitive selection process, and players must complete several stages to be considered for the Academy:
- Tryout: Showcase your skills on the pitch
- Pre-Registration Phase: Submit your details and experience
- Interview: Demonstrate your commitment and ambition
- Invitation to Apply: Only selected players will be invited to join the Academy
This structured process ensures that each participant is fully evaluated and guided toward their potential as a professional-level footballer.
What’s Included?
-
Accommodation
Single ensuite accommodation at high-quality residential facilities -
Full-board Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily -
Daily Coach Transportation
Transport to and from all scheduled activities and training sessions -
WHUF Tryout for the International Academy of Football
Showcase your skills to academy coaches - Tactical & Technical Training
Sessions led by licensed UEFA coaching staff - Match Play
Small-sided games and full 11v11 matches - GPS Tracking & On Pitch Testing
Speed and agility testing - Interview with Academy Manager
Discuss your football experience and future goals -
Two WHUF Training Kits
Includes two shirts, shorts, and socks -
West Ham United Stadium Tour
Guided tour of the iconic London Stadium, plus time to visit the WHU FC Store for souvenirs -
Weekly Half-day Excursion
For participants staying longer than one week: shopping and karting during the second week -
Full-day Weekend Excursions
For participants staying longer than one week: full-day excursions on both Saturday and Sunday -
Evening Activities
Organised and led by experienced group leaders -
Personal Development Plan
Individualised development focus for each participant -
WHUF Certificate
Certificate of participation upon programme completion -
English Lessons + Football (Additional Optional Programme)
19 hours of football training plus 8 hours of English lessons per week. Additional £150 per week -
Medical Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance included
What is the minimum skill or playing level required?
All participants are assessed by qualified UEFA coaches using the Four Corners Model, which evaluates players across four key areas:
- Technical – ball skills, passing, control, and tactical understanding
- Physical – speed, agility, stamina, and overall athleticism
- Psychological – focus, resilience, and decision-making under pressure
- Social – teamwork, communication, and attitude
At West Ham United, we value togetherness and team spirit, so players are expected to demonstrate a positive attitude and respect on and off the pitch. Excellence isn’t just about football ability. We are looking for well-rounded players who show commitment, leadership, and professionalism in all areas of their development.
I’m a Goalkeeper, can I still join?
Yes, goalkeepers can definitely join the programme. We actively welcome talented goalkeepers, and there are specialised coaching options available as part of the Summer Camp and High‑Performance sessions for players aged 15–17 who want to develop in that position.
Goalkeepers receive dedicated training alongside the main football programme, helping them improve technical skills such as handling, footwork, distribution and match‑situational awareness, while still enjoying the full tryout experience and evaluation for the International Academy of Football
Start Dates: 19th July & 26th July
Goalkeeper Training Includes:
- Position-specific goalkeeper sessions
- Focus on handling, footwork, shot-stopping, distribution, positioning & decision-making
- Psychological and tactical development for the goalkeeper role
- Small-group training for maximum development
- Opportunities to join selected outfield sessions to enhance overall game understanding
Advanced Goalkeeping (High-Level Players):
- Designed for experienced and high-performance goalkeepers
- Physically and technically demanding sessions
- In-depth work on technical detail, tactical awareness, psychology, and physical conditioning
- Ideal for goalkeepers looking to progress to the next level
- Goalkeeper training follows the West Ham United academy model and takes place at the West Ham United Foundation training complex in London.
How do I get to the programme?
London is easily accessible via major international airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted and St Pancras train station.
Arrivals take place on the Sunday prior to the course start date, and departures are on the Friday at the end of the programme.
Airport Transfers
Choices International offers a private airport transfer service from any London airport, available at any time. This includes a personal meet-and-greet service, ensuring your son or daughter is welcomed on arrival and transferred safely and comfortably to the residence.
Click To Book Airport Transfer
Unaccompanied Minors
If your child is under 16 and travelling alone, we provide full Unaccompanied Minor support when required by the airline.
This includes:
-
Escorting your child to the airline check-in counter
-
Assisting through security procedures
-
Handing your child directly to the airline’s Unaccompanied Minor representative, if pre-arranged with the airline
Unless we are notified otherwise, this service will be automatically provided and invoiced where required.
Day Camp Participants
For Day Camp players, it is mandatory to:
-
Check in at the camp residence on the Sunday before the programme starts
-
Travel with a parent or legal guardian to and from daily training sessions
-
Arrange independent accommodation for the duration of the programme
This ensures consistent safeguarding and supervision standards for all participants.
How Do I Know I’ve Been Chosen?
All participants will receive official feedback on their performance. Notifications regarding selection for the Academy will be sent no later than two weeks after the tryout programme concludes.
This feedback will include insights from the UEFA coaches, highlighting strengths, areas for improvement, and next steps on your pathway to the Academy of Football.
Programme Pricing
Our programme pricing is transparent and clearly outlined before registration. All families must confirm they have reviewed and understood the pricing structure before proceeding to registration.
Registration Fee: £150 (non refundable)
| Programme | 1 Week | 2 Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| High Performance Tryout | £2,200 | £4,100 |
| Optional English Classes: 2 Weeks £300 / 1 Week £150 | ||
| Registration Fee £150 | ||
Optional add-ons:
- English Language Lessons: £150 per week
- Airport Transfers
- Unaccompanied Minor Service £85 one way
| HEATHROW | GATWICK | LUTON | STANSTED | LONDON CITY | ST. PANCRAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £186 | £204 | £210 | £210 | £156 | £156 |
*Supplement for flight arrivals and departures before 9:00 am and after 9:00 pm each way: £50.
**The first half an hour of waiting time is free of charge. Extra waiting time charge per 30 minutes £35.
***Flight information must be provided 20 days prior to arrival.
****Transfer fees won’t be refunded. Last minute changes will incur an extra cost £75.
UNACCOMPANIED MINOR SERVICE (£85 One Way)
(mandatory always when requested by the airline company)
If your son/daughter is under 16 years of age and travelling alone (without an adult) we will ensure that a member of our team takes your child to the check-in counter and checks him/her in for the flight and accompany him/her to security. If you have pre-arranged Unaccompanied Minor services with the airline, our team member will hand your son/daughter over to the airline representative. Unless we are notified otherwise, this service will automatically be supplied and invoiced.
PROGRAMME DATES
Choose the programme that suits your level and train at West Ham United Foundation grounds, experiencing professional coaching methods. UEFA-qualified coaches will assess all players for potential acceptance into the International Academy of Football.
Boys and girls aged 15-17 of all nationalities are welcome.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF FOOTBALL
Join student-athletes from around the world in elite football training, personalised development plans, and high-performance match-play. Benefit from advanced sports science, video analysis, and flexible academic pathways, preparing you for professional football, university scholarships, or your next sporting goal. Experience football at its highest level.
ANY QUESTIONS?
Frequently Asked Questions
Choices International
60a Albatross Close, Off Woolwich Manor Way, Beckton,
London, E6 5NX
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 7503635955
Tel: +44 7425894776 (emergency number)
11 Portland Street
Manchester, M1 3HU
United Kingdom
info@internationalacademyfootball.com
We are proud to be corporate members of British Education Travel Association and UKinbound.
English