The IDA UK Gap Year Football Program is designed for driven players (ages 18–22) who want to go beyond training — and step into the competitive world of English football. Based in Reading, England, the program gives you the platform to train and compete within the English football pyramid, opening doors to semi-professional and first-team opportunities. Live and train like a professional athlete, follow a personalized development plan, and play in competitive fixtures watched by scouts and coaches from clubs across the country. This is more than a gap year — it’s your launchpad to football at the next level.
Intensive training and a competitive schedule, with a minimum of 12 hours per week on the field.
Full-board accommodation at 'Hillside Court,' a secure student village offering 24/7 CCTV in the heart of Reading Town Center.
Highly qualified coaching staff with years of experience in dealing with international students.
Bi-monthly training and trial opportunities with professional and semi-professional clubs.
A wide range of courses and pathways are available at the UK campus.
The mission of the international development academy is to become the global leader in the development and placement of players aspiring to reach their full potential at the professional or college level.
IDA staff and players will act with intelligence, respect, and compassion.
IDA staff and players will perform with their best effort and attitude, no matter how difficult the challenge.
IDA staff and players will aim high in order to reach their goals.
Kaden Foreman joined IDA for a GAP year with the goal to play college soccer. From helping with the recruiting process to fine tuning his skills - Kaden was able to utilize IDA to take the next step in his playing career.
Gain the international edge college coaches look for.
Choosing the IDA UK Gap Year is more than just elite football training — it’s a strategic move for players with college ambitions. U.S. college programs increasingly recruit international athletes who’ve proven themselves in high-level, overseas environments. By living, training, and competing in England — one of the toughest and most respected football systems in the world — you’ll develop the skills, mentality, and résumé that stand out in the U.S. recruitment process.
NCAA DI PLAYERS ARE INTERNATIONAL
Those with European experience often adjust faster to the college game. In fact, during the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer National Final between Vermont and Marshall, 73% of the starters were foreign-born, with Marshall’s 28-man roster including just three American players. This trend highlights how valuable international experience has become for college coaches seeking players ready to perform at the highest level.
PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Through the IDA UK Gap Year, you’ll gain exposure to semi-professional and first-team competition, sharpen your tactical understanding, and elevate your performance in a professional daily setting. When you return to the U.S., you’ll arrive stronger, smarter, and “foreign-ready” — equipped with the discipline, adaptability, and global football IQ that college coaches recognize and reward with scholarships, roster spots, and leadership opportunities.
Train. Compete. Elevate Your Game.
At IDA UK, gap year players experience a complete football development program built to push them toward the standards of first-team and semi-professional football. Every session is led by UEFA-licensed coaches and tailored to your position, playing style, and long-term goals. You’ll master technical precision, tactical awareness, and physical performance through daily training, competitive fixtures, and professional mentoring.
The curriculum mirrors the rhythm of the professional game — helping you grow as a player, refine your football IQ, and prepare for opportunities within the English football pyramid, college programs, or the next step in your career.
TRAINING HRS./WK
Tactical & Technical Sessions
Physical Development Plans
Focused Individual Development Plans
Games
The Academy will play 100+ games across 3 Teams competing in 5 leagues & 5 Cup Tournaments; through our U19s, U21s & U23s Teams, with playing pathway into Men’s 1st Teams in the English pyramid. Every student athlete has the opportunity & flexibility to play across any of the Teams as the Academy is in full control of the player development.
Athletics
Attend the Royal Cup in August & professional showcase fixtures during the season.
"Their commitment to pushing us, to getting us to play at our highest level is because they know what it takes to get a scholarship and reach that goal. They were really involved in the whole process, both on and off the field. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
THE MISSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY IS TO BECOME THE GLOBAL LEADER IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND PLACEMENT OF PLAYERS ASPIRING TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AT THE PROFESSIONAL OR COLLEGE LEVEL.
“Designed by athletes and educators, we understand your schedule, your priorities, your unique goals, and your struggles facing academics. We offer solutions, not more road-blocks. We have created a community, a flexible school schedule, and a support system unlike any other.”
- Rick Angelicola, Director of Education
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Our student-athletes and their parents have access to their individual 360 Player profiles. This integrated platform provides the student-athletes the access to calendars, video analytics, player assessments, wellness assessments and more!
You can't have an elite academy without an elite coaching staff. These hand-picked staff go through a rigorous interview process to ensure they are bringing exactly what we need to our players in order to create a productive environment.
As a gap year student, Mac's goal was to play Division I college soccer, and wanted to take the extra year to ensure he was putting his best foot forward and getting into a college where he could fulfill that dream.
"The experience has really been exceptional. It's a full development and holistically looked at - not just on the soccer field."
Still have questions? Want to learn more? Fill out the form below to connect with an IDA representative. We look forward to hearing from you!
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