IDA UK Introduces University Football Pathway with Hertfordshire

International Development Academy (IDA) is excited to introduce a new era for IDA UK.

Through a new partnership with AF Global and the University of Hertfordshire, student-athletes now have the opportunity to pursue a UK university degree while training in an elite football performance environment in England.

This new pathway expands IDA UK into a true dual-career program, combining world-class football development with internationally recognised higher education.

Train in England. Earn a Degree. Build Your Future.

The United Kingdom offers one of the most competitive and culturally rich football environments in the world.

Now, through the AF Global Football Programme at the University of Hertfordshire, student-athletes can combine their passion for football with a globally respected academic degree.

Participants will:

• Earn a UK undergraduate or postgraduate degree
• Train 4–5 days per week in a performance football program
• Compete in structured competitions
• Develop within the professional football culture of England
• Gain access to strength & conditioning, analysis, and performance support

Students can choose from a range of programs including:

• BA (Hons) Business Management
• BSc (Hons) Economics and Finance
• BSc (Hons) Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

• BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management
• BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching
• BSc (Hons) Sports Studies
• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Applications can be submitted through the University of Hertfordshire international application portal.

Get Ahead. Go Abroad.

The average NCAA Division I men’s soccer player is 20–21 years old, and many have international or European playing experience.

With the IDA UK University pathway, players can begin their journey earlier.

Instead of competing as an 18-year-old freshman in the U.S., student-athletes can:

Then return to the United States at 21 years old with:

This pathway gives players a unique competitive advantage.

Why the UK Pathway is Growing

• International experience
• Professional academy training
• Tactical intelligence developed abroad

The game is global.

Spending three years in the UK allows players to develop:

• Faster decision-making
• Tactical awareness
• Professional discipline
• Independence and resilience

You return not just older — but better prepared for the next level.

Two Pathways at IDA UK

1. University Degree + Football Pathway 

• Undergraduate degrees (3 years)
• Postgraduate degrees
• Performance football training
• European match experience

This is the primary IDA UK offering moving forward.

The program launches for male players in the 2026/27 academic year, with a female program expected to launch in 2027/28.

2. IDA UK Gap Year (Reading Campus)

IDA will continue to offer its High-Performance Gap Year program in Reading for players seeking a shorter football-only experience.

• Elite football training
• Competitive matches
• Exposure to U.S. college coaches
• Professional development environments

The Gap Year is ideal for players focused exclusively on football development without an academic program.

A Smarter Pathway for Modern Players

The modern student-athlete needs more than just training.

They need education, experience, and opportunity.

The IDA UK partnership with AF Global and the University of Hertfordshire creates a pathway where players can:

This is football with a future.

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