Our Programme
The programme has been created with a clear pathway of player development based on successful models throughout Europe and within the English Premiership. IDA is designed for players who have demonstrated a true passion for the game, a powerful desire to learn, and dedication to advancing their skills. Players will improve their game through flair, ability, attitude, and knowledge, allowing them to progress into the professional sphere.
Alongside weekly fixtures, students have the opportunity to play ‘showcase games’ against professional and semi-professional teams. The programme provides outstanding coaching delivered by some of the best professional coaches in the UK. All students train like full-time professionals, with access to fitness, nutrition, and health & wellbeing experts available to provide any support required. Their professional development pathway provides them with a wider understanding of the game through:
- Guest coaching masterclasses
- Individual, tailored development programmes
- Quarterly development assessments
- Guest lectures from chief executives, sporting directors, international recruiters, and academy managers
Students can also take advantage of the English Institute of Sport, where they can access strength and conditioning support, sports science information, and performance analysis services. IDA also provides students with free-of-charge access to the university gym, swimming pool facilities, and a range of fitness classes throughout their time in Sheffield.
Students are expected to complete all academic assignments and maintain good grades to remain part of the programme.
Academy Information
Inspire Development Academy is designed to facilitate both a students’ education and their professional development. The programme allows them to optimise their academic ability, while highlighting their athletic potential, without having to sacrifice either.
Long-term development is at the heart of the IDA philosophy. We aim to develop players as individuals, whilst creating an ethos that they are proud to be associated with. We place a strong emphasis on unity, which is reflected in the scheduling of training and matches. Within the programme, players operate as a group, working alongside one another to advance the team as a whole rather than as individuals with separate agendas.
We aim to promote qualities in young adults that are recognised and commended both on and off the field.
Our Accommodation
We’ve partnered with Student Roost Sheffield as your central booking portal — giving you fast and straightforward access to quality student housing across the city.
Our main accommodation providers are:
Hollis Croft – A modern student living community right in the heart of Sheffield. Just a short walk from both the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam campuses, it offers a mix of en-suite rooms, studios and apartments with all bills included. Hollis Croft isn’t just a place to sleep — you’ve got communal lounges, social spaces, a gym, laundry facilities and outdoor areas on your doorstep, making it easy to balance study, social life and city living.
Page Apartments – If independent living’s more your style, Page Apartments deliver contemporary one and two-bed student flats also with bills covered. Situated within walking distance of campus, these fully furnished apartments give you space and autonomy while still keeping you plugged into the student community.
Whether you want the buzz of a purpose-built student hub or the independence of your own flat, our booking portal through Student Roost makes it easy to secure the right spot for your stay in Sheffield
