ACADEMY PROGRAMME

The Saints Southwest Academy Programme represents the top level of our player pathway. It is designed for selected players in the Foundation Phase (U7–U11) and Youth Development Phase (U12–U18) who demonstrate ability, commitment, and a strong attitude toward growth both on and off the pitch.

Our goal is to develop well-rounded young players, technically skilled, tactically intelligent, physically confident, and emotionally resilient, all within a fun, safe, and professional environment.

ACADEMY OVERVIEW

Foundation Phase (U7–U11):
Focuses on building technical excellence, movement quality, creativity, and game understanding. Sessions are fun, fast-paced, and centred around ball mastery, teamwork, and decision-making.

Youth Development Phase (U12–U18):
Progresses into higher-intensity training, tactical awareness, position-specific skills, and physical development. Players also receive support in goal-setting, leadership, and sports education.

Each player trains twice per week in high-quality, age-specific sessions with opportunities for:

• Competitive fixtures and leagues

• Futsal training

• Strength and conditioning

• Goalkeeper-specific coaching

• Performance tracking and analysis

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SAFEGUARDING

Every aspect of the Academy is delivered under Saints Southwest’s Quality Assurance Framework. This ensures consistency, safety, and the highest coaching standards across all venues.

We guarantee:

• FA and UEFA-qualified coaches with DBS, safeguarding, and first aid certification.

• Strict coach to player ratios to maximise attention and player support.

• Regular session audits, player feedback, and staff mentoring.

• Full alignment with FA and JPL safeguarding standards, ensuring a secure, inclusive environment.

PLAYER MONITORING

The Academy uses 360Player, our digital football developmennt management platform, to ensure every player receives structured support and ongoing feedback.

Through 360Player, players and parents can:

• Access training schedules, match fixtures, and performance reports.

• Review session feedback and development goals.

• Watch individual training videos and highlight reels.

• Communicate directly with coaches and Academy staff

This platform helps players take ownership of their learning and empowers parents to stay informed about progress.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

Our Academy sessions are built on the same principles that define Saints Southwest:

Fun and enjoyment: Football is meant to be loved, even at the highest levels.

Challenge and support: Every player is encouraged to take risks, try new things, and learn from mistakes.

Respect and teamwork: We expect all players and parents to uphold Saints values, Standards, Aspiration, Integrity, New Thinking, Together, and Skills.

Player wellbeing: The Academy supports academic balance, mental health, and long-term development, not short-term results.

PROGRESSION PATHWAY

The Academy Programme sits at the top of the Saints Southwest Player Pathway, providing a launchpad for players aspiring to progress to:

• Higher-level academies and professional clubs

• Representative teams

• Coaching, refereeing, or leadership opportunities within the game

Players are supported holistically, technically, tactically, physically, and mentally, to reach their full potential.

HOW TO JOIN

Entry into the Academy is by invitation or progression from a Saints Southwest Development Centre, or via application/scout/recommendation. 

Players who consistently demonstrate the right technical level, mindset, and commitment may be invited for an Academy assessment.

To express interest, complete the Football Development Contact Form on our website. Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange a trial or assessment session.

Developing Potential for ALL

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