IDA High Performance
16 -18
Football & Education Programme
Programme Overview
The Inspire Development Academy (IDA) 16–18 Programme provides a unique dual‑pathway experience for young players who aspire to combine high‑performance football development with outstanding academic progression. Delivered in partnership with The Sheffield College and UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the programme offers a structured, supportive, and ambitious environment designed to prepare students for university study, professional opportunities, and life beyond education.
Launched as part of IDA’s vision for One City, One Programme, One Community, this pathway strengthens Sheffield’s position as a leading destination for football and education excellence.
Sheffield College
The Sheffield College is a further and higher education college that provides academic, vocational and professional qualifications to approximately 14,500 young people and adults a year. Our mission is transforming lives through learning.
The college provides high quality academic, technical and vocational training to enhance qualifications, skills and employability across the region, and operates from a number of campuses and sites across the city.
A leading further‑education provider offering a wide range of Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, including sport, business, health, and vocational pathways.
UTC Olympic Legacy Park
A specialist institution focused on sport science, health, computing, and engineering, located within Sheffield’s world‑class sports innovation district.
Both partners provide:
- High‑quality teaching and academic support
- Modern facilities and specialist learning environments
- Clear progression routes into university, apprenticeships, or employment
IDA works closely with both institutions to ensure students receive a balanced timetable that supports their academic and athletic commitments
Football Development Pathway

Alongside their studies, students are fully integrated into the IDA high‑performance football programme, receiving:
- Daily training sessions led by UEFA‑qualified coaches
- Strength & conditioning and performance analysis
- Technical, tactical, and positional development
- Competitive fixtures and showcase opportunities
- Access to IDA’s international Talent ID network
This daily engagement ensures players develop holistically, physically, mentally, and socially, while maintaining the discipline and structure required for long‑term success.
Progression Opportunities
The 16–18 Programme acts as a potential direct feeder into:
University pathways, including the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University
IDA’s senior programme
International scholarship routes
Higher‑level football environments
Why Choose the IDA 16–18 Programme?
A unified pathway combining education and elite football
Daily contact time with experienced, high‑level coaching staff
Strong academic partnerships ensuring quality and progression
A supportive environment built around wellbeing, discipline, and ambition
A clear route into higher education and senior football pathways
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN
LEARNING MORE?
If you're interested in learning more about IDA Sheffield, please complete this expression of interest form in full to find out whether you are a good fit for IDA Sheffield and start the conversation today.
