INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

www.pro-footballacademy.com     INTRODUCTION

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 PFAI, in partnership with UClan, offers the highest quality of (Uclan) are amongst the best in the World. 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 PFA is the UK’s leading coaching academy with over coaching / talent ID qualifications, we aim to help each 50 centres across the country. They coach over 3,000 student athlete pursue a wide range of careers within sport, players each week, aged 4 to 16 years of age. All their such as becoming a player, coach, analyst, videographer or 100 coaches are FA / UEFA qualified, and have extensive scout to name just a few of the different opportunities. coaching experience at the highest level of the game. PFA senior coaches will direct and deliver the football coaching Student athletes at Pro Football Academy International are sessions on a daily basis, following an age-specific, available for selection to compete in the British Universities individually tailored coaching syllabus, designed to maximise and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues and will also have the individual talent and opportunities. opportunity to play for our partner club, Stockport Town FC U18’s, U21’s and 1st team. Alongside league fixtures, players PFAI is the benchmark when it comes to designing and will also play in specially arranged showcase games against delivering professional football coaching sessions for professional and semi-professional teams at U18 to U23 international players wishing to maximise their game on level across a 9-month season. 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 ( Rovers, Leicester City, Derby County, Wales International Player) EDUCATION

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.

We work in partnership with the highly regarded University of services from Uclan such as visa advice, bursaries, scholarships, Central Lancashire, winner of a record three categories at the accommodation and degree information (see: https://www. 2018 Times Higher Education (THE) Awards. Widely regarded uclan.ac.uk/international/index.php). as the Oscars of the higher education sector, UCLan collected All student athletes with PFAI enrol as full-time students, gongs for best International Collaboration of the Year, Excellence where they can opt to study for either a BA Hons degree in Sport and Innovation in the Arts and Most Innovative Contribution to Business Management or a BSc Hons degree in Football Studies. Business-University Collaboration. UClan is recognised as one To stay connected link into Uclan International or watch this of the most International Universities in the UK, winning The video: https://youtu.be/dDKA-EeSbCY Guardian University Awards internationalisation category in 2018. We liaise closely with the university, the relevant staff and The university has a stunning campus, which is just minutes departments to meticulously plan our programme schedule in from the historic city centre, and vibrant city of Preston. order to maximise a student’s contact time in the classroom and International student athletes can access a variety of support 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.

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 FOOTBALL PROGRAMME FOOTBALL OFFER § 14 hours a week player contact time with our former English and UEFA Licenced coaches. Studying abroad is a fantastic challenge Optimised sessions designed to improve individual and team success. and opportunity, and here at the Pro § Position specific specialisation sessions and individual Football Academy International we’ve player development practices taken care of everything to ensure your § Showcase games against professional and semi- stay in the beautiful city of Preston is truly professional football teams throughout the UK memorable. § Opportunities to play for our partner, PFAI offers student athletes the exciting opportunity of semi-professional club, Stockport Town (for studying for a Sports or Business degree, whilst focusing those holding an EU passport) – players to play in approximately 30-40 games per season on their development as a footballer during a 9-month season. § Access to qualified Physiotherapists, Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Sport Therapists All courses have been specifically designed to ensure § Filmed games and video analysis - full access to a transferability worldwide and run alongside a pro-level professionally trained video analytics team football development programme, which enables student § athletes to train five days a week in a world-class Various work experience opportunities with Pro Football Academy - opportunities to Help Fund Program environment. The timetabling of lectures and football development is meticulously planned to optimise the § Mentors, pastoral advice and support from members of the PFAI coaching team - Private mentorship and contact time in the classroom and on the field. personal support from PFAI Coaches and Staff Our experienced and professional coaches, who have § Uclan training kit package coached at English Premier League clubs, work closely § Access to transport to and from football games 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

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 ACCOMMODATION on the Uclan campus, based in Preston § High grade, single occupancy en-suite accommodation, (home to students from over centrally located on UClan campus (Private Bedrooms/ 125 different countries). Bathrooms for each student) § Individual bedroom including desk, toilet and shower within a shared apartment including a kitchen and lounge The student accommodation is centrally located on campus, ideally situated for students to easily get around, purchase § Furnished apartments including fridge, freezer, stove, cutlery, pans, sofas supplies and get to classes and training sessions. The communal apartments are modern, clean and ensure that § Bedding pack including duvet, pillows and bed sheets every student athlete is comfortable in their own space. § 360 view of accomodation: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/vtour/index.html CLICK THE LINK FOR A TOUR OF THE UCLAN CAMPUS: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/vtour/?/campus-map/all/ teaching-facilities

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 MANAGEMENT TEAM BIOGRAPHY

CARLOS ROCA – DIRECTOR Carlos 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 ROB SMETHURST – DIRECTOR Northwich Victoria on a permanent contract, and Rob is an experienced entrepreneur with specialties helped them win the 2005–06 Conference North title in website and mobile application technologies. and reach the semi-final of the 2006–07 FA Trophy. He Having started his career as a Motor Trader and moved on to Altrincham before the end of the season, running his own car sales garage for 10 years, he then and then joined FC United of Manchester. Carlos spent created a revolutionary logistics website, winning five years at FC United, making over 200 appearances Gold & Bronze in the 2016 NEBC Awards ‘Innovation for the club in all competitions. After his playing & Design’ and ‘Business of the Year’ categories. He career finished Carlos founded Pro Football Academy, was also a finalist in the Digital Business of the Year which is now the UK’s largest independent football (Small) category at the 2015 Digital Entrepreneur coaching academy coaching thousands of players Award awards. He then successfully sold his online across the country each week. Over the past five logistics company to AutoTrader in 2017 and stayed years many young players have come through the Pro as a Consultant for a further 12 months, advising the Football Academy ranks to sign for professional clubs, business on future growth. A father of three football such as Manchester City, Manchester United and mad boys, his passion is now to transform football and Liverpool. Carlos has an in-depth understanding of both coaching - seamlessly integrating offline training and grassroots and academy football, through his time development on the pitch with reviews, player profiles coaching in both these differing sectors and working and monitoring online. with some of the UK’s leading young talent.

ROBBIE SAVAGE – BRAND AMBASSADOR Robbie 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, City, Leicester City, 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. LEE WADDINGTON – MARC MADDOCKS – DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL HEAD OF COACHING Lee has worked in academy football for over 20 Marc worked for over 20 years as an academy coach years, where he worked for such clubs as Nottingham for Manchester City, where he coached players across Forest, Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers and each age group from U8 through to U18’s. As well as Burnley. During his time in the game he has achieved a being the head of coaching at Pro Football Academy he multitude of qualifications from the UEFA A License, FA also works for Burnley FC taking their U15/16’s. His Advanced Youth Award to the FA Talent Identification extensive experience is underpinned by the highest Certificate and most recently, a Master’s Degree in Sport level of coaching qualifications as he holds both the Psychology with Staffordshire University. He utilises UEFA A License and FA Advanced Youth Award. 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.

COST 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) TO APPLY § MILITARY FUNDING ACCEPTED (GI Bill) To book a place on the course or to gain § PRIVATE LOANS (Sallie Mae) further information please contact us via: (Full support from PFAI Scouting team to complete Email: [email protected] funding and visa applications) Telephone: +44 (0)7876 832 473 www.pro-footballacademy.com    