We understand the demands of balancing academic study with high-level soccer development. That's why our timetable is carefully structured to maximise your time both in the classroom and on the pitch. Most of our courses follow a model with academic classes in the mornings and soccer activities in the afternoons. Our Engineering courses operate a different schedule, with two full academic days per week, optimised to support success in your degree and player development.
As a student-athlete on the International Soccer Academy you can expect to train up to five days per week, across a nine-month season. You'll be eligible to represent i2i in U19 or U23 regional and national competitions, as well as representing both i2i and Northumbria University in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league and cup competitions (BUCS is the UK equivalent of the NCAA). In addition to league and cup play, student-athletes may also be selected for showcase fixtures against professional and semi-professional teams.
Our programme offers the highest quality coaching, led by UEFA Pro- and A-licenced coaches, including former English Premier League professionals with international experience. Student-athletes also benefit from a robust strength and conditioning programme, with physiotherapy and rehabilitation services on hand.
FACILITIES:
As an i2i student-athlete at Northumbria University you’ll benefit from full access to cutting-edge sports facilities across two campuses
Sport Central at City Campus is a £30 million facility opened in 2010 and features: state-of-the-art fitness studio, swimming pool, sauna and steam room, four full-sized multi use courts, indoor sprint track, performance analysis pods and exclusive strength and conditioning suites for i2i and Scholar student-athletes.
Coach Lane Sports Grounds at our Coach Lane campus is three miles from our City Campus and home to our outdoor sports provision. It is our training base for i2i student-athletes and includes: two full-sized all weather artificial pitches, four full-sized grass soccer pitches, one artificial hockey pitch, indoor sports hall, player lounge, performance analysis suite and a strength and conditioning suite.
A complementary gym membership which includes access to the swimming pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a wide range of fitness and exercise classes. Free access to our Just PLAY programme, which offers 15 different sports each week on a flexible turn and up play basis - regardless of ability – a great way to expand your network.
I2i student-athletes receive a comprehensive athlete support package designed to enhance performance and overall wellbeing:
Strength and Conditioning - led by qualified coaches in collaboration with physiotherapists and sport science experts. Focus areas include:
- Endurance, durability and work capacity
- Mobility and movement efficiency
- Stability and injury prevention
- Strength and explosive power
Our programme features: one-on-one and group coaching sessions, exclusive access to our strength and conditioning suite – with 6 Olympic lifting platforms, biomechanical screening, tailored gym and pitch-based training plans, and ongoing testing and monitoring.
Physiotherapy – delivered by expert sports physiotherapists based as Coach Lane, with services that include injury treatment and rehabilitation, physiotherapy screenings, in-house sports massage, and regularly scheduled support sessions throughout the week.
This comprehensive environment ensures that our i2i student-athletes are fully supported both on and off the pitch, promoting peak performance and long-term development.
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