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Portsmouth FC – Football Academy
British Soccer School in England: Portsmouth FC Academy Football Development Program
Portsmouth FC is a professional football club from Portsmouth, England, currently competing in England’s League 1. In partnership with the Portsmouth FC Foundation and the Isle of Wight College, Portsmouth FC has established an affiliated youth football academy to develop youth footballers from the region under their own club philosophy and management. IFX is an official partner of both the Portsmouth FC Foundation Academy and the Isle of Wight College, providing opportunities for international players from outside England to train within the Portsmouth FC development model and continue their education at a highly regarded College on the Isle of Wight. This elite soccer academy in England welcomes players from all over the world to apply.
Players who choose the IFX England – Portsmouth FC program will compete on one of the Portsmouth FC Foundation youth football academy teams, live with a carefully selected host family on the Isle of Wight, and study at the Isle of Wight College. Eligible students include both those in upper secondary (11th and 12th grade) as well as those who have already graduated from high school.
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a small and beautiful island situated at the very south of the UK, separated by a small stretch of water called The Solent. London is only an hour and a half by train from the Isle of Wight. All players start their journey with a fun and exciting trip on one of the various ferry routes.
The island receives the highest sunshine hours in the UK and has over 70 miles of stunning coastline – over half the Island is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Steeped in rich historic importance the Island is know as the prison of the King and home of the Queen, alongside various other links to royalty all around the Island. Famous also for music and sailing festivals, the Isle of Wight is one of the to holiday destinations in the UK.
Isle of Wight College
Portsmouth FC IOW Football Academy
Players between 16 and 19 years old form the Portsmouth FC IOW Foundation Academy team. Coached by highly qualified and FA licensed trainers from the Foundation of the professional club Portsmouth FC, the Academy competes in a southern division of the National Football Youth League, a federated U19 league comprised mostly of professional English football clubs Foundation Academy teams. Clubs like Chelsea, West Ham, Queens Park Rangers, Swindon Town, Fulham, Watford, Wycombe Wanderers, AFC Bournemouth are a few of the many professional clubs who also field Foundation Academy teams in this highly competitive National Football Youth League.
Portsmouth FC IOW Academy players train 3-4 times per week and have 1 or 2 fixtures weekly, according to the league schedules. Training takes place either at the College grounds or at a nearby Amateur club’s training facility. The team is comprised of mainly English players who are pursuing a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport, but also has some international players from IFX.
Each year, a handful of standout players in the National Football Youth League, have signed professional contracts with pro English clubs. While becoming a professional is the dream of many young players, it is an extremely challenging feat. Players who have been fortunate to sign pro contracts have proven themselves in this tough U19 league, and demonstrated their potential to pro scouts via the direct exposure players get to the various pro clubs in the league.
The Majestic Isle of Wight!