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:
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.
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!
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.
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.