ONE CITY.
ONE PROGRAM.
ONE  COMMUNITY.

Combining World-Class Education With Elite Level Development

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YOUR DREAM, OUR GOAL.

WELCOME TO IDA SHEFFIELD

IDA Sheffield delivers bespoke industry leading programs for international and domestic student-athletes aged 16-25 offering flexible pathways tailored to individual goals—whether pursuing gap years, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate studies, or high-level playing opportunities.

Why do Student-Athletes choose IDA Sheffield?

Inspire Development Academy Sheffield provides international and domestic student-athletes aged 16-23 with an integrated pathway combining world-class education with elite football development. Operating from September through May, the program delivers a full-time professional-standard schedule under UEFA-licensed coaching staff at the University of Sheffield´s state of the art facilities. Players compete in 20-30 matches throughout the season through a mix of showcase fixtures and league games whilst progressing through full-time post-secondary, undergraduate or postgraduate studies through our education partners.

Our student-athletes benefit from receiving comprehensive hollistic support through quarterly performance reviews, individual development planning, video analysis through Veo platform, pre-arrival transition guidance, and ongoing academic support through our academic partners. The program serves four distinct pathways: a 16-18 residential program for formative-age development, undergraduate tracks for 18-21 year olds pursuing three-year UK degrees, postgraduate options for 21-23 year old NCAA/NAIA graduates seeking one-year master's degrees  and an elite gap year program which looks to provide each athlete who is looking to pursuing further education, or transitioning to future playing opportunities with an unforgettable one year experience.

What makes us different?

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Competitive rates

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The University of Sheffield

Meet our Official Academic Partners

Since 2023, the University of Sheffield has proudly served as an Official Academic Partner of IDA, bringing together two organisations committed to excellence, performance, and opportunity. A member of the prestigious Russell Group, Sheffield is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally (QS and Times Higher Education Rankings 2025) and recognised nationally as one of the UK’s leading institutions for teaching quality, innovation, and student experience. The University has also been honoured with multiple Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for its impact on society and research excellence.

Together, IDA and the University of Sheffield share a vision of empowering the next generation of student-athletes — offering pathways that blend high-performance football with world-leading education. This partnership reflects a shared belief that true excellence is achieved both on the pitch and in the classroom.


Academic Partners

SUCCESS STORIES


Our success stories don't happen by accident—they're the direct result of daily commitment, professional standards, and an environment that demands excellence both on and off the pitch. We're incredibly proud to see our players move forward—whether that's signing for professional clubs across Europe, earning places at top NCAA programs, or completing prestigious degrees whilst competing at semi-professional level. When players leave IDA positioned for the next chapter of their journey, that's when we know we've done our job properly.


Experience.Expertise.Excellence.

OUR STAFF

Our coaching staff brings professional playing and coaching experience from the highest levels of the game here in the UK. From UEFA-licensed qualifications to premier league experience on staff, every member of the team has walked the pathway our players aspire to follow, providing guidance grounded in real experience rather than theory.

STAFF LIST

OUR FACILITIES

Players train at the University of Sheffield's Goodwin Sports Center, accessing professional-standard artificial pitches, newly renovated strength and conditioning facilities, video analysis suites, and dedicated meeting spaces—providing all the tools needed for elite development throughout the nine-month season.

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If you're interested in learning more about our program, submit your application to find out whether you are a good fit for IDA Sheffield and start the conversation today.

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