Academy overview
Our academy provides unparalleled opportunities for aspiring professionals to study university degrees in the football and sports industry alongside their football training programme, giving them the best chance at a successful career in the beautiful game, whether on or off the pitch.
Individual and team coaching sessions will include analysis, goalkeeper training, position-related sessions and strength and conditioning development. This multi-disciplined approached can truly enable the players to further their football journey alongside their academic requirements.
At the UCFB Academy, Wembley, elite level players are able to train full-time with the schedule and attention to detail of a professional footballer, led by highly experienced coaches from the English Premier League and Academy system.
Students in the Academy have access to world-leading performance analysis tools from Hudl, the industry-standard software used by athletes, coaches and clubs across the globe.
Players on the programme will play in the British University and Colleges (BUCS) League on a Wednesday. In addition, games are arranged against professional and semi-professional teams in order to challenge and develop players further. UCFB has the benefit of using its strong relationships and links to a range of leagues and clubs to allow the players pathways into the game.
The UCFB Academy Wembley, is based at The Hive, London, home of Barnet FC and London Bees, allowing the players to benefit from this outstanding base to develop their overall game. The academy team will also use the excellent Middlesex FA Rectory Park as the match day venue.
Eligible degrees
Players can study any of our available Undergraduate programmes. Please be advised some courses are not specifically tailored around your training schedule so sessions may clash with academic commitments.
Entry requirements
Alongside footballing talents, applicants must meet the minimum academic and/or professional requirements to be accepted to study at UCFB.
Students on the UCFB Academy, Wembley have the option of choosing an undergraduate degree, many of which also offer a foundation year for those who do not meet the requirements for the 3-year programme. For a full list of undergraduate degrees, please click here.
Alternatively, academy players can complete a one-year Certificate of Higher Education in Football Coaching & Management at UCFB, which consists of the first year modules from the BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Management degree. The Certificate of Higher Education requires 78 UCAS points.
Applicants for whom English is a second language will need a valid IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.0 and no individual score lower than 5.5.
Applicants to UCFB must hold a British/EU passport or have the right to work and study in the UK.
The academy is also open to students who wish to study a postgraduate degree at UCFB. For a full list of postgraduate degrees, please click here.
For more information, please complete our enquiry form.
Career prospects
Career prospects for UCFB graduates from the UCFB Academy are wide and varied depending on the individuals chosen degree programme and playing progression within the academy. Should they not go onto achieve professional footballer status, graduates may wish to also consider more traditional business, sport management or leadership roles using transferable skills gained throughout the programme. The opportunities in football coaching and scouting roles within professional football academies are also a possibility.
If you are interested or would like to learn more about the UCFB Women's Academy then please complete our enquiry form.
