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The International Center of European Football is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Webster University Geneva, further expanding the College & University educational options for ICEF student-athletes. From undergraduate to graduate Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Webster University Geneva’s extensive program offerings ensure a qualitative and recognized education (American accredited), enabling student-athletes to hold the best internationally recognized degrees, while developing their full potential as football players. ICEF and Webster University Geneva have collaborated to make available courses that will fit the specific needs of ICEF student-athletes, in order to set student-athletes up for success both academically and on the football field.

ICEF International Center of European Football - Boarding soccer academy in Europe

About Webster University

For over 100 years, Webster University has served students from around the world in search of a first-class higher education. Webster University Geneva was the university’s first international location, and remains the most culturally diverse campus within the Webster worldwide network. The proximity of the ICEF program to the Swiss border gives access to Webster’s campus in Geneva, Switzerland.  A local train commutes directly between Evian and the station adjacent to the Webster University Geneva campus.

Accreditation and Recognition

Webster University Geneva holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) who is one of the main regional accreditors and recognized by both CHEA and the United States Department of Education. This institutional accreditation has allowed Webster students to be accepted after their graduation into top graduate programs in Switzerland and further afield to places like Kings College London, LSE and NYU and many more across Europe, the U.S. and worldwide. Thanks to these accreditations, the degrees delivered by Webster University Geneva are recognized Internationally, including in the U.S.

ICEF International Center of European Football - Boarding soccer academy in Europe
ICEF International Center of European Football - Boarding soccer academy in Europe

Career advice, Alumni support, and Internship placement

Webster University in Geneva provides the tools and guidance to get the best possible start in life as an undergraduate or boost student’s networks and strengthen skills further through graduate programs. The University’s highly skilled internship and alumni department’s efforts have resulted in obtaining more internship offers than students available to fill the vast number of positions.

Programs

In Geneva since 1978, Webster University’s American-style campus is located in a park-like, secure and tranquil setting, a brief walk from Lake Leman, offering spectacular views of Mont Blanc. On campus, students will discover well-equipped classrooms, a library, computer labs, a cafeteria, and various staff offices (student affairs, academic advising, career services).

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs are available in various fields, including: Business Administration, Computer Science, Finance, Psychology,  International Relations, Management, Media Studies, and Photography.

Learn more about the programs

ICEF International Center of European Football - Boarding soccer academy in Europe

Webster University’s American style of teaching with a personalized and interactive approach thanks to small class sizes, combined with a broad range of programs and a worldwide network of campuses (including campuses in 18 U.S. states), all contribute to pursuing the University and students’ ambitions of excellence and academic achievement. Thanks to this partnership, ICEF student-athletes are able to pursue their passion for football and develop their skills as football players, while pursuing an International degree (recognized in Europe and in the US).

 

Webster University Geneva (est. 1978) can also help families of admitted students to activate the traditional federal student aid programs and/or the use of family 529 (tuition investment) plans, since it is a fully-recognized American institution (with a main campus in St. Louis, USA, est. in 1915).

 

Visit Webster University Geneva’s website

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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. 

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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.

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.