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How can passion for football lead to a prosperous career?

In the past decades, the global sports market has been one of the fastest growing industries around the globe, reaching an estimated value of $1.3 trillion. Football (soccer) represents approximately half the sports industry’s value, with over $600 billion of net worth, naturally finding its spot in first place, surpassing all sports worldwide like tennis, golf, car racing and basketball, to mention only a few. Growth is expected to continue, and to blossom into more opportunities for the Gen Z-ers and their future professions, both in the sports industry and in the football market, specifically 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

This tendency may explain why this generation, different to others before them, dreams about becoming professional football players instead of dreaming about becoming doctors and lawyers. Although Gen Z-ers are still flocking to these illustrious jobs, a growing number are interested in forging career paths in industries like sports, which have also become notable careers. They share Millennials’ desire to work in jobs that they are passionate about, mixing personal fulfillment and financial security in organizations that align with their values and goals and have high revenue potential.

 

Many students, however, are still not even aware about the growing number and array of different opportunities and careers available in the sports and football industries. Elite players who join ICEF’s 10-month Pro Residency program will be able to fully acknowledge how their academic performance could lead to a prosperous career in a sports organization, in front office, coaching and technical positions.

The International Center of European Football is developing individualized paths to support all student-athletes in their football and academic endeavors, leading them to grow into top athletes and outstanding scholars, ready for careers related to their passion for football. ICEF’s 10-month Pro Residency program, developed by UEFA / FFF certified technical directors, makes connections between student-athlete’s studies and “passion industries,” empowering students to find a fulfilling career, like:

  • Professional football players
  • Administrators, Directors & Managers for different sports organizations
  • Certified football coaches
  • Certified football referees
  • Licensed physical therapists
ICEF International Center of European Football - Boarding soccer academy in Europe
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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
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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.

  • 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
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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. 

  • 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
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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.

  • 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
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