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We know these uncertain times are complicated to navigate, especially with the current health crisis in the U.S. and its implications on the 2020-2021 school year and training for football players. Considering so much uncertainty due to the resurging cases in the U.S., the International Center of European Football’s 10-month Pro Residency program is the right opportunity to support player’s development and pursue their soccer path in Europe. 

As you may know, France has entered phase-3 of reopening. In the Greater Geneva area, where ICEF is located, life is getting back to a new normal. Schools and sports organizations fully reopened and we, at ICEF, are preparing to host high-performance clinics in July and prepping our campus and staff to receive our 2020-2021 student-athletes in August, implementing additional safety measures.

Here are the top reasons why a year at the International Center of European Football may be the best investment for your future right now:

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

Soccer

You will drastically improve your soccer skills through the excellence of the European methodology.

The Pro Residency program is developed by UEFA licensed coaches to improve every player’s level of play and help them reach their highest potential. This is achieved through a high-intensity training program paired with a carefully built competition program with highly regarded partner clubs, providing players with at least 25 competitive games and participation in 3 European soccer tournaments.

Read more about ICEF’s Elite Competition Program

Education

You will benefit from excellent academic preparation, whether you are in middle or high school, through the American High School program at our partner school Sainte Croix des Neiges, or pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree at one of our partner universities, Webster University or Geneva Business School.

Most importantly, you will experience studying abroad, and you will make connections with teammates and fellow classmates coming from all over the world in a multicultural environment. Not to mention that you may come back to your home country fluent in French!

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

Safety

Live, play, and study in a safe environment. The Greater Geneva area benefits from being one of Europe’s low-risk areas, with a low population density. Switzerland and the Evian-les-Bains region, where our center is located, are amongst the safest and healthiest in Europe. Our team has elevated and reinforced our standards to provide an even safer campus to all student-athletes for the peace of mind of their families.

Read more about ICEF Safety measures

With the current uncertainty, spending a year in France becomes not only a smart choice but a safer one as well. Players will be able to dedicate a season to their passion for football, while benefiting from an excellent education and building soft skills that will put them years ahead in life.

It is time to get back to the field and to the classroom!

Humanities Teacher (History, Geography, American Government)

Claire Watts

Claire holds degrees in Archaeology, French, and Biological Anthropology from the University of Oregon, along with a linguistics minor and an SLAAT certification. She has been teaching in international schools and privately in France for the last decade.

Since September 2021, she has served as Head of the Humanities Department at PSG Academy Pro.

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ESL Teacher

Simone Thompson

Simone is a native English speaker from Australia, residing in France since 2023. With over 10 years of experience in education, she has a diverse teaching background, working in schools, zoos, community outreach programs, and private tutoring.

At PSG Academy Pro, she utilizes her broad skill set to support students through tutoring and English lessons, helping them succeed in their core subjects.

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French Teacher

Héloïse Evans

Heloise 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, Heloise pursued a teaching qualification at Brighton University and went on to teach languages in a variety of schools in the south of England.  Heloise 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.

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 and joined the PSG Academy Pro teaching team in 2023.

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Math, Physics & Chemistry Teacher

Hans Kolster

Hans Kolster, from the Netherlands, has had a long and distinguished career in teaching. His passion for education started during his student years when he tutored mathematics, leading to a lifelong commitment to helping young people achieve their goals.

He served as Head of the Dutch School in Cobham, England, an institution created for Dutch expatriates in London. Later, he became Head of Mathematics at the British School Muscat in Oman, a prestigious British international school with over 50 nationalities.

Since September 2022, Hans has been supporting student-athletes at PSG Academy Pro in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

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English Teacher

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, UK, in 2005, she taught in the United Kingdom, Australia, and now France. She has worked in diverse school environments, including public, private, and international schools, as well as both single-sex and co-educational institutions.

Academic Director / Spanish Teacher

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.

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