A football academy has teamed up with a Staffordshire school to launch a full-time programme combining top-level training and academic study.
IOF Academy is working with Abbotsholme School, near Rocester, to offer an elite football and education pathway for 13- to 19-year-olds from the UK and around the world, launching in September 2025.
An open day is being held on Saturday, 17 May, from 9.30am, where the IOF Academy team will be on hand to showcase the facilities and talk to prospective students and families.
Trials will be held in the coming months and successful youngsters will become students at Abbotsholme as day pupils or boarders, while a new elite youth team called IOF Mavericks FC will be based at the school.
Each student will follow a tailored athlete development curriculum, as well as the opportunity to earn England FA coaching and scouting qualifications, further enhancing their future career prospects.
IOF Academy has helped more than 100 players sign with professional clubs since it was founded in 2007 by Russ Hullett and Jamie Bennett. Russ has held coaching and scouting roles with Manchester United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, and now works with The FA, while Jamie oversees talent development and progression, with many of the academy’s players going on to secure university scholarships in the United States.
Russ said: “We’re delivering both high-performance and development-level training to ensure all players receive a professional academy-style experience.
“This initiative is all about creating real, tangible pathways for young players, whether that’s progressing as athletes or pursuing careers in the wider sports industry.”
Abbotsholme’s facilities include a full-size 3G pitch, FIFA-grade natural grass pitches and a high-performance strength and conditioning centre.
