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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 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.