What is a Football Academy?
Football academies are training programs often established by football clubs to develop the skills of young players. These academies support player development and nurture their talent with the end goal of having these players become well rounded individuals and one day play for their first team.
Club Academy V Private Academy
There are different kinds of academy that take young talent under their wings. There are key differences between the two, with each having their own unique pros and cons.
Club Academies
A club academy is a training program run by an existing football club, they train players with the aim of having them play for their club teams.
Pros:
Cons:
Private Academies
On the other hand, private academies are not tied to clubs. This means that the aim of a private academy is solely to develop the skills of their players.
Pros:
Cons:
UK Football Academies are world renowned for their success stories. With multiple current premier league players coming from academies, it's hard to deny their success rate.
Phil Foden, who now plays in Premier League games and in the England national team, is a product of an English Football Academy. He got his big break at only 4 years old when a scout visited his school and started a professional relationship with his parents. From there he rose up through the ranks from the Manchester City Youth Academy all the way to the first team. The dedication of his coaches and their focus on developing player's skills is part of the reason he is such a success today. Learn more about his journey using the link below.
Each region in England have their own amazing academies, take a look at the best of the best.
Top 3 Football Academies in the North West
- Manchester United Academy
- Liverpool FC Academy
- Manchester City Academy
Top 3 Football Academies in the North East
- Premier Play Football Academy
- Martin Gray Football Academy
- Newcastle Elite Academy
Top 3 Football Academies in the South West
- Exeter City Academy
- Saints Southwest
- Kingsley Football Academy
Top 3 Football Academies in the South East
- Chelsea FC Academy
- Arsenal Academy
- Southampton FC Academy
Top 3 Football Academies in the Midlands
- A1 Football Academy
- AF Global Academy (Beechwood & Trinity)
- Boldmere St. Michaels FC Academy
Conclusion
This list of the 'Best Football Academies in England' is based off of their reputations. The dedication to player development is key to being a successful academy and these academies excel in this. Both club and private academies have made it into the best of the best, proving that both have their benefits. It's down to what you think fits best for your own development.
There may be some hidden gems of local football academies that didn't make this list. Let us know about them by commenting below and telling us why you think they deserve the limelight. Celebrate the coaches that have helped you on your football journey so far.
