Age Groups:

The Academy has Under 12/13, Under 14, Under 15, Under 16, Under 18 and Under 19 teams.

Facilities:

Facilities available include; full size grass pitch, Astro turf pitch, Indoor sports hall, Stadium pitch for matches, comprehensive changing areas, a fully equipped gym, class-room for workshops, an Analysis room and a relaxation area for players.

Pre-Season Training:

We run a week long pre-season camp the week before school starts to ensure our players are ready to start the season in the best possible way. The camp includes fitness testing, strength and conditioning, team training and individual technique work. We also run several workshops which include nutrition advice and a laws of the game workshop.

Training:

Each player will train for 8 hours a week. This will consist of team training, position specific sessions, strength and conditioning and individual technique work. The players will be challenged in every training session and must be ready to work hard and be open to learn. Players will also have access to a physiotherapist during training sessions.

Goalkeepers will receive regular specialist training with our goalkeeping coach.

Individual Development Plans:

Each player will receive an individual development plan that is personal to him/her. They will undergo an evaluation in their best position and will then be given three targets to improve on throughout the year, which will be reviewed by the coaching staff on a half-termly basis. Parents will be emailed all details of the Individual Development plan and reviews so they can see their sons/daughters progress.

Video Analysis:

We use a video analysis platform called HUDL which will enable all players to view the games that they play in. As well as viewing games, players are able to edit clips and make a show reel of themselves for perspective new teams/scouts. Parents will also get a registration code to view their son/daughter’s games.

Matches:

We play a wide variety of matches and compete at the highest level of English school Football, competing both at county, national and international level entering competitions, including ISFA, ESFA & County Cups. Our teams are also eligible to play against professional and semi-professional academy sides such as Gillingham FC, Hastings United, Maidstone United and Lewes FC.

Trips:

As well as going to Premier League football matches we run an international trip each year.  Last year the academy went to the Atalanta Football Academy in Italy where we played Atalanta’s academy teams and met some of their first team players.

Trials:

In the academy we aim to help players reach their goal of securing playing contracts at semi-professional and professional football clubs. Through our staffs contacts we are able to get players trials at some of these clubs.

Please Note: This is obviously something that is only for the elite players who are good enough to make that step.

The Academy will also encourage players to represent their district, county and national teams where practical and has been fortunate to oversee a number of players obtaining international honours.

Success Stories:

Being one of the leading school-based Football Academies in the UK, we are proud that many of our past players are making their way in the professional world of Football, both here and abroad.

Please see below an example of one of these success stories:

Archie Davies, Premier League – Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club

Archie was a member of the Buckswood Football Academy and trialled for Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion. Archie was signed by Brighton and Hove Albion and has since made his first team debut for Brighton vs Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup game in October 2019.