Skip to content

TRAINING

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN ACADEMY Pro player development

The professional philosophy implemented at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency is based on the fundamentals of the world-class Paris Saint-Germain program and methodology, applied at the club in Paris, and has a proven track record of developing world-class players.

Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency players train and compete at the highest level. Throughout the season, residents experience the training regimen designed by the Technical Team of Paris Saint-Germain. By following the same training philosophy and methodology delivered in Paris, we confidently build sharp, physically prepared, and mentally strong players.

The programs are designed to meet age-specific objectives, leading to a superior understanding of the game. Student-athletes are therefore prepared for success at the highest level of football, anywhere in the world.

The objective of Paris Saint-Germain methodology is to create intelligent players, players who can adapt to different situations and reach their full potential.

Benjamin Houri, Paris Saint-Germain Academy Technical Director Worldwide

Working hand in hand with the PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN Academy staff from Paris

The Paris Saint-Germain Academy’s staff from Paris visits the Pro Residency Academy in Evian frequently. Players’ evaluations and progress reports are shared with the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Technical Directors.

By consistently applying the Paris Saint-Germain methodology, players are fully immersed in the environment of an elite European club. Under the supervision of Paris Saint-Germain Academy staff, each student-athlete at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency is driven to improve their performances on the field, sharpen their intelligence and vision of the game, and develop healthy routines and genuine skills.

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN TRAINING REGIMEN

All training sessions reproduce real-game scenarios. They are designed to prepare student-athletes how to analyze, find solutions, and make the best decision as a part of an active learning process. The programs meet age-specific objectives, and lead to an excellent understanding of the game. Student-athletes will develop high levels of confidence and will be prepared for competition, with the knowledge and skills to make the best decisions in every game situation.

Through a development program carefully designed by the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Technical staff, the football curriculum encapsulates seasonal training periods, daily training sessions, rest periods, and high level games.
Student-athletes are encouraged to push and exceed their limits to reach the professional and collegiate level, while improving their tactical, physical, technical, and cognitive skills.

  • Develop higher intelligence, understanding and vision of the game
  • Tactical and cognitive development: concepts, formations, models of play
  • Mastery of coordination and technical skills
  • Physical preparation (strength and conditioning) 
  • Injury prevention plans: team and individual
  • Individualized and specific programs by specific position and by line
  • Mental preparation: practices and games  
  • Team building and communication
  • Performance monitoring: practice and game analysis with video
  • Invisible training: nutrition, rest, hygiene, recovery

I work relentlessly to keep developing players who will form the next football generation.

Sebastien Kaercher - Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency - Technical Coordinator

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN ACADEMY PRO RESIDENCY prides itself in recruiting specialists in various fields of preparation and performance, allowing for students to reach their full potential and to build remarkable profiles in the eyes of professional and collegiate recruiters.

Student-Residents will be in direct contact with the following professionals:

  • Paris Saint-Germain Academy certified and UEFA/FFF licensed coaches
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Mental Performance Expert and Psychologist
  • Physiotherapists
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Guest Speakers in the world of football and sports

Live football 24/7

The Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency is totally immersive and drives ambitious and talented student-athletes to the top of their game. The academy encompasses all facets of a professional athlete lifestyle.

Discipline: Student-athletes follow a strict and balanced schedule customized to their individual needs. All athletes are expected to adhere to the academy’s routine, developed to build healthy habits that are proven to lead the best athletes to success.

Nutrition: Pro-athlete meals are prepared on-site by French chefs using local, seasonal, and organic ingredients whenever possible. These healthy and balanced menus are curated by a PSG expert nutritionist from Paris. Our approach enhances physical performance, promotes healthy habits, and adds enjoyable moments to players’ busy routines. 

Health: The designated medical staff ensures student-athletes can reach their full potential, paying close attention to overall health, injury prevention, as well as supervising rest, hygiene, nutrition, and recovery.

Facilities: State of the art facilities designed to ensure student-athlete’s comfort and to foster optimal performance. Read more about the center.

Multi-cultural environment:  Players experience a fully immersive multicultural environment, leading them to mature in all aspects of life. Read more about Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency boarding life.

Masterclasses: Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency ensures a holistic approach to professional football preparation, including Career Orientation Courses, workshops, and masterclasses. These courses teach student-athletes the important aspects of life as an aspiring professional player.

mouse
Competition

Online Application

Join the #1 Pro Residency Academy in Europe

Apply now

Humanities Teacher, History, Geography, American Government

Claire Watts

Claire joined the Academy in 2021 and currently serves as Head of the Humanities Department. Originally from North Carolina, she completed her studies at the University of Oregon, earning degrees in Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and French, along with a SLAAT teaching certification.

Her academic journey was also the start of a great personal adventure: on her very first day at university, Claire met a French student who would later become her husband. They married just two days after graduation (where she graduated with honours) and moved abroad together two days later.

At the Academy, Claire is known for her compassion, her passion for the humanities, and her dedication to ensuring her boys have a wonderful experience. Outside the classroom, she enjoys dancing, organizing dinner parties, and traveling the world to visit historical and archaeological sites.

  • Teaching Experience
  • Charlemagne Immersion School
  • Mondo Linguae
  • Kids and Us Language School
  • Sainte Croix de Neige
  • Private Tutoring
  • Languages Spoken
flag-04

English and Literature Teacher / Academic Advisor

Amy Bench

Amy joined the academy in 2021 and currently leads the English Department. Originally from the UK, she holds a degree in English Literature and a PGCE in Secondary Education from Lancaster University. With over a decade of international teaching experience, Amy has worked in the UK, Italy, and France, including at two of the UK’s top high schools and an international school in Turin. 

In 2016, she moved to the French Alps, inspired by her passion for the mountains. Outside the classroom, Amy is an avid hiker, climber, snowboarder, and traveler. She is also a certified yoga instructor and regularly organizes yoga, meditation, and art workshops at the academy offering a holistic approach to learning.

  • Education & Certifications
  • Bachelor of the Arts degree majoring in English Literature
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Education with qualified teacher status
  • Languages Spoken

French Teacher

Héloïse Evans

Héloïse is a native French speaker, who studied French language and literature at University in France before moving to the UK. While living in the UK, Héloïse pursued a teaching qualification at Brighton University and went on to teach languages in a variety of schools in the south of England. Héloïse has 15 years of experience teaching students from a young age through to the end of high school as well as taking on pastoral roles. 

After living in the UK for nearly 10 years, she decided to return to the beautiful region where she was born, to raise her family amongst the foothills of the Alps. She loves spending time outdoors, hiking or skiing in the mountains with her family. Teaching has always been Héloïse’s passion and she delights in passing on her love of the French language. She is always looking for new and innovative ways to challenge and inspire her students to help set them on the path to a fulfilling and successful future.

  • Education & Certifications
  • Bachelor in French Language and Literature
  • Master 1 in French Language and Literature, University Stendhal Grenoble
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Modern Foreign Languages, Brighton University

Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Junior Science Teacher

Emma Newman

Emma is a British teacher with 20 years of teaching experience across all phases of education. Her background includes 10 years teaching high school and junior school in London, where she held Pastoral and Departmental Leadership roles. She then spent 9 years at a London university, training graduate and postgraduate students to become teachers themselves. 

Emma relocated to France in 2021 to follow her passion for outdoor activities and broaden the life experiences of her young daughter. Outside of teaching Emma enjoys the vast range of sports and activities that the nearby mountains and lakes offer. Having joined the PSG Academy Pro teaching team in 2023, Emma has been keen to create a positive learning environment, linking scientific topics to football as well as the previous knowledge and experiences of her students.

  • Education & Certifications
  • Master’s Degree in Leading Innovation and Change in Education
  • Level 5 Diploma in Sports and Remedial Massage
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree (with Qualified Teacher Status), majoring in Physical Education and Sport Science
  • Languages Spoken
flag-04

Math, Physics & Chemistry Teacher

Hans Kolster

Hans is a Dutch mathematics educator with extensive experience in private international schools. Passionate about inspiring students, he believes in building strong relationships, setting high standards, and helping each individual realise their full potential.

Three years ago, Hans moved to the French Alps to embrace an active lifestyle in a stunning setting.

Now in his fourth year at PSG Academy Pro, he feels privileged to be part of a dedicated team, and is excited to support motivated athletes who are working hard to turn their dreams into reality. 

  • Education & Certifications
  • Master’s in Education with Qualified Teacher Status in Mathematics
  • Teaching Experience
  • Private tutor (over 40 years)
  • Dutch School (Rijnlands Lyceum), in affiliation with Reed’s School, England
  • British School Muscat, Oman
  • Languages Spoken
en-du

ESL Teacher, Communications Coordinator

Barbara Hill

Barbara is a native British English speaker with 20 years of international teaching
experience. After earning her Bachelor of Education from Manchester Metropolitan
University in 2005, she taught in the UK, Australia, and France across public, private, and international schools.

Drawn by her love of mountains, she relocated with her young family to Thonon-les-Bains, where she enjoys the Alpine region of the mountains and lakes. She spends her free time skiing, cycling, swimming and having adventures with her family and friends.

At PSG, Barbara aims to inspire student-athletes to embrace new challenges and thrive, creating a supportive environment where they are motivated to achieve both their academic goals and personal passions.

  • Education & Certifications
  • Bachelor of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Leading for Results Management Training, Manchester University
  • Teaching Experience
  • PSG Academy Pro Soccer Academy, Publier, France
  • Sainte Croix des Neiges, Abondance, France
  • Brightside Academy, Perrignier, France
  • Thonon International School, Thonon-les-Bains, France
  • The Scots College, Sydney, Australia
  • Woodheys, Cheshire, UK
  • Languages Spoken

Program Director

Leandro Cruz

Leandro, a native of Brazil, had a professional career as a football player before transitioning into education. With 15 years of experience in the French school system, he has dedicated his career to guiding student-athletes toward both academic and athletic excellence.

Beyond the classroom, he plays a crucial role in securing college placements for high school graduates, ensuring they successfully transition to higher education while balancing their sports commitments.

  • Education & Certifications
  • Liberal Arts Degree
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities
  • Master’s Degree in Specific and Adapted Physical Education
  • Teaching Experience
  • Institut Monterosa – Montreux, Switzerland
  • Collège-Lycée Saint Joseph – Thonon-les-Bains, France
  • Collège-Lycée Le Sacré-Cœur – Thonon-les-Bains, France
  • Collège-Lycée St François – Ville-La-Grand, France
  • Collège Saint Bruno – Évian, France
  • Collège Jean-Marie Molliet – Boëge, France
  • Collège-Lycée Juvenat – Ville-La-Grand, France
  • Lycée Jeanne d’Arc – Thonon-les-Bains, France
  • Lycée de la Versoie – Thonon-les-Bains, France
  • Languages Spoken