WELCOME TO INSPIRE
DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY

Inspire Development Academy allows students to combine world-class education with elite football training.

Students study at a renowned university, optimising their potential and allowing them to explore a professional sports career alongside an esteemed qualification. Students can choose from the University of Sheffield’s full course portfolio, allowing them to discover a subject that inspires as much passion as football does.

Inspire Development Academy was created to allow potential athletes to develop their skills without impacting their opportunities for further education. By providing an industry-leading football development programme alongside opportunities for exceptional education, IDA opens the doors for players to venture into the professional world equipped with all the skills they need to succeed.

The University of Sheffield boasts exceptional sporting facilities, including floodlit grass, astroturf, and 3G pitches for training and matches. IDA students can take full advantage of the English Institute of Sport, an elite performance centre based in Sheffield and home to a number of national sporting teams. Through this, students will have access to strength and conditioning support, sports science information, and performance analysis services, as well as gym access, swimming pool access and free fitness classes throughout their time at the university.

MEET OUR TEAM:

All our coaches hold UEFA A and UEFA Pro Licence qualifications.

Matt Burton - Head Coach

Matt is a former Sheffield Wednesday Academy player who transitioned to coaching to help build the next generation of football stars. With over 15 years of experience in professional football, Matt has worked with Manchester City, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, and Rotherham United, as well as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Watford, and Stoke City FC as part of their coaching and recruitment partnerships.

Matt was one of the youngest coaches in the UK to be presented with the ‘UEFA A Licence Coaching’ award for his work. His qualifications also include a first-class BSc (Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science and the FA Advanced Youth Award. He is an A1 Assessor with extensive coaching and performance management experience within professional clubs, taking players from academy to first-team level throughout their career. His education spans the globe, with work in the USA, Europe, and Canada.

Enoch Showunmi – Recruitment Advisor, USA

Enoch is a former professional football player with a career spanning over 12 years. Throughout his career, Enoch has played in the prestigious ranks of renowned clubs including Leeds United FC, Bristol City FC, and Notts County FC, amassing over 400 appearances. Enoch also had the honour of representing the Nigerian national team and demonstrating his talents on an international scale.

After completing his bachelor's degree in business administration, Enoch continued to excel in his education, whilst continuing his professional career and earned a master’s degree in finance. 

Enoch is now based in Naples, Florida and devotes his time and expertise to forging pathways for players to progress their football careers. He has guided players through professional contracts both nationally and internationally, helping them to earn scholarships to esteemed colleges and universities.

WHY SHEFFIELD?

Referred to by FIFA as Football’s First City, Sheffield is truly the home of football as we know it.

Sheffield’s unique sporting heritage includes many world firsts, including the oldest football club, the oldest football pitch, and the oldest professional football stadium.

As the modern rules of the game were also invented in Sheffield, what better way to launch players’ development in the football industry?

Sheffield was also named TimeOut’s 2nd best city break destination in the whole of Europe.

Historically, Sheffield has been renowned around the world for its roots in inventing and producing stainless steel, but the city has recently developed a reputation for its arts, culture, and gastronomic scenes. Home of the Arctic Monkeys, Henderson’s Relish, and more trees per person than anywhere else in Europe, Sheffield is the perfect place for students to start their journeys.