Pre Academy Coaching Programme
Pre Academy Football Programme - “The starting point of an elite football journey” (Ages 5–11)
Our Pre-Academy Programme provides young players with the perfect foundation to develop technical ability, confidence, and a lifelong love for football.
To support players we mainly focus on small group football coaching and offer both development and elite advanced level football coaching, with coaching conducted by UEFA qualified pro academy level coaches. Our aim is to offer pathways to Professional football, education, and sports careers. The programme is conducted at Abbotsholme School, Rocester, ST14 5BS and forms part of our long term player development model.
Give Your Child the Best Start in Football !
3000+
Students signed to USA Scholarships
108
Players Signed to Professional Clubs
300+
What's The Player Journey ?
Our program mirrors the level of professional coaching and education provided by the UK’s top Category 1-3 academies under the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), a youth development initiative by the English Premier League.
Coaching by UK UEFA Qualified Pro Academy Coaches
World Class Education
Video Analysis and Games Recorded
Long Term Development Plan
Pro Partner Clubs Showcase Games
Twice Weekly Coaching and Games Programme
This makes us the best alternative to professional football, ensuring our students receive elite-level football coaching to maximise their potential.
What is Pre-Academy Football Coaching?
This stage is widely recognised as the most important period in a young player’s development. During these years, professional clubs are highly active in identifying emerging talent. Our players benefit from regular opportunities to attend showcase games and training events with our professional club partners, providing early exposure to academy environments.
At this stage, the focus is on:
- -Ball mastery - Skills and Technique
- -Coordination and movement
- -Confidence and creativity
- -Enjoyment of the game
- -Train once or twice a week
- -Small Group Coaching
What's the IOF Philosophy ?
We follow a player-centred approach inspired by elite football academy models such as those used in the English Premier League, following the EPPP guidelines (Elite Player Performance Plan).
Our sessions focus on:
- -Maximum Ball Contact
- -Creative Football Players
- -Small Group Coaching
- -Player Centred Approach
- -Age Appropriate Coaching
- -Providing Playing, Education and Career Pathways in Football
Pathway Opportunities
At IOF Academy, we provide a complete player pathway from early development through to elite performance, ensuring every player has the opportunity to progress within the game. Our structured pathway is designed to align with key development stages, while also maximising exposure to professional clubs, competitive environments, and international opportunities.
Foundation and Youth Phase Ages 12 -19:
As players progress, the focus shifts towards performance, tactical understanding, and competitive football.
We place teams in elite-level competitions such as:
- -Independent Schools FA leagues
- -Midland Junior Premier League
These leagues are heavily scouted by professional clubs, giving players regular opportunities to be identified. In addition, players participate in showcase fixtures designed to maximise exposure.
Post 16+ Performance and USA Soccer Scholarship Pathways:
For players ready to take the next step, we provide access to a partnered semi-professional club environment. Selected players compete at U18 level, including participation in the prestigious FA Youth Cup, offering a direct route into senior football. Through IOF USA, players have the opportunity to combine football with higher education in the United States. This provides a genuine alternative pathway for players looking to continue their football and education at an elite level.
This pathway includes:
- -Access to US college recruitment networks
- -Scholarship opportunities across NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA levels
- -Participation in high-profile showcase events such as the Las Vegas -Mayor’s Cup.
Player Success
Former IOF Player Will Daniels lifting the U16 Premier League Cup following a 2-1 victory against Manchester City FC.
Player Successes
108+ signed to professional clubs.
IOF Football Academy provides a genuine alternative pathway for players looking to continue their football and education at an elite level. Since 2007 we have been fortunate to have coached, developed and worked with some very talented players who have represented their countries on the biggest stage, could you be next ? come and join our programme at Abbotsholme School and give your child the best start in their football journey.
FAQ's
Help every player reach their full potential through professional coaching and structured development.
Our UEFA-qualified coaching staff bring experience from professional academies and scouting networks, offering a structured player development pathway.
Experienced UEFA Qualified Football Coaches
30+ Years Wealth of Industry Knowledge
108+ Players Signed to Pro Clubs. Experts in Player Development
Links to Professional Football and Semi Pro Partners
University-Level Football in UK & USA 3000+ Sent to USA
The program includes long term education and career pathways including USA Soccer Scholarship preparation, led by expert education staff from IOF USA, along with the opportunity to participate in our annual US College Showcase trip to the USA.
Meet The Coaching Team
Russell Hullett
Russ Hullett is a former professional footballer who began his career at Derby County FC, before finishing his playing career as a player-manager in Southeast Asia. Following his transition into coaching, Russ has held senior coaching and scouting roles across both the Premier Leagueand English Football League. He also gained international experience as First Team Manager of Lillehammer FK.
Widely recognised as a youth development specialist, Russ has worked with both international-level players and Premier League talent, bringing a wealth of elite experience to player development at all levels.
Coaching Qualification:
- -UEFA A License
- -KNVB (Holland FA) International Coaching License
- -FA Youth Award 3
- -FA Regional Coach Developer
- -FA Talent ID Scout
Coaching & Scouting Experience:
- Nottingham Forest FC - Lead Youth Academy Coach
- Aston Villa FC- Head National Scout
- West Bromwich Albion FC- Head National Scout
- Notts County FC - Academy Manager and U23 Coach
- Manchester United FC - Professional Scouting Team
- Lillehammer FK (Norway - Head Coach
- Oxford University - Head Women's Coach
- Various Semi Pro Head Coach/Coaching Roles
Jamie Bennett
Jamie Benett is a highly experienced football professional with a career spanning all areas of the game, including playing, coaching, management, and football business development. After his playing career, Jamie moved into football management, where he successfully developed clubs, improved performance standards, and supported players in progressing into the professional game.
He is also recognised as an early pioneer in the USA soccer scholarship sector, having built and operated a successful scholarship company that has helped numerous student-athletes secure opportunities in the United States.
Jamie brings a unique combination of on-field experience and strategic leadership, helping to create clear pathways for players to achieve their football and education goals.
Coaching Qualification:
- UEFA B
- FA Talent ID
Coaching and Scouting Experience:
- Mansfield Town FC - Lead Academy Coach
- Chesterfield FC - Academy Coach
- Eastwood FC - Manager and Owner
- Manager for various semi pro clubs
Book Now
Location: Abbotsholme School, Rocester, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, England, UK, ST14 5BS
- -Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays
- -Time: 5 - 6pm
Our specialist coaching sessions are open to both school and external players, for boys and girls of all abilities with development and advanced groups available. Players can choose to attend one or two sessions per week. To ensure consistency, progression, and to secure a place on the programme, all bookings are made in blocks of four weeks.
Book Now or Got a question?
Ask us anything, we would love to hear from you.
This is your chance to be seen and scouted !
