INTRODUCTION TO SOCCER INTERNATIONAL

Soccer International is an independent organisation that offers academy level coaching to players aged 5 to 16. Soccer International was awarded FA Charter Standard status in its first season while affiliated with the Gloucestershire FA in 2006. We teach our players using a progressive training syllabus that has taken years to complete, utilising coaches and facilities that often exceed those of local professional clubs. We operate outside of the constraints that arise when children sign for a pro club ; therefore all of our boys receive professional academy level training during the week but can also continue playing with their mates for their local team at the weekend while keeping their Professional Club options open.

What We Do…

Our training consists of two weekly sessions following the school calendar, using our coaching syllabus which is loosely based on the one used by the FFF (French Football Federation). Throughout the year we organise friendly games for our U'8 to U'16 groups against Premiership and Football League teams. We also take these age groups to domestic and elite tournaments across Europe. Our games and tournament programme means our boys are exposed to top English and European standards of football. Whilst this is a great experience on the pitch, the sense of team spirit and responsibility are great life lessons and this is often commented on by parents of the players.

How We Do It…

When our players start playing U'12 football we enter them into the Midland Junior Premier League, which boasts the highest level non-academy development league in the country. They play against development teams from across the midlands and the southern central part of the country. This means that our players are seen by the people who make decisions at many clubs, rather than just one man at one club. As a result, it gives our players greater opportunities to progress and a choice of pro clubs to sign for if they are talented enough.

Our Aim…

Quite simply, we want to bridge the huge gap that currently exists between grass-roots football and academy football. For those players seeking a future playing professionally we want to make sure that when they do join a pro club, it is the right club. It is never our choice where a player should sign; this decision is one for the whole family.Soccer International has already teamed up with Universities & colleges to provide its players with an exit route at age 16 - offering the best facilities and best coaching for the maximum amount of time while studying a foundation or recreational college course. All of our coaches hold either a UEFA ‘A’ or UEFA ‘B’ Licence coaching licence & deliver training topics during the week. Qualified volunteers (match day managers) shadow Academy coaches on training nights to relay the French syllabus implemented by director Jamie Shore on match days. All match day managers have attained at least the Level 2 FA coaching certificate in football and are mentored to progress. This includes child protection and the promotion of best practice as set out by the Football Association.