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52 U.S. Players Have Enrolled in the PSG Academy Pro Residency  since 2022

Just this season, thirteen elite players from the U.S. have embarked on an exciting journey at PSG Academy Pro in France, a country famous for its production of world-class football talent. These athletes have chosen to develop their skills in an immersive, multicultural environment, blending top-tier soccer training with high academic standards.

Why do so many U.S. players come to the Pro Residency in France ?

A Football Hub in the Heart of Europe

Located in a secure and thriving region known for its football culture, PSG Academy Pro sits at the heart of a soccer hotbed, with 10 professional clubs located within a 200-mile radius. This proximity to elite clubs creates a unique atmosphere for aspiring players who want to take their game to the next level while learning from the best. It’s the ideal environment for any athlete aiming to break into professional soccer in Europe or return to the U.S. for NCAA opportunities. The Greater Geneva Pro Residency offers consistent exposure to elite European competition, with over 30+ matches scheduled against some of the best professional youth teams in France, as well as participation in global tournaments.

 

A Proven Path to Academic and Athletic Success

In addition to elite soccer training, these athletes are enrolled in a U.S. accredited academic program that boasts a 100% college acceptance rate over the last three years. This hybrid educational model allows student-athletes to continue their academic journey while working toward their athletic goals, ensuring they are fully prepared for life beyond football—whether that’s at the NCAA level or in Europe’s professional leagues. The structured environment at PSG Academy Pro ensures that players can focus on their development. With a perfect balance between soccer and academics, they’re able to maintain a daily routine that includes training, study, and personal growth.

After 4 years I’ve progressed so much, way more than if I’d stayed in the U.S. The coaches helped me so much, I’m thankful that I’ve been here.

A Safe and Supportive Setting for Growth

Safety and security are paramount at PSG Academy Pro. Located on a privately-owned domain, nestled between the scenic Lake Geneva and French Alps, the academy offers a super-secure, supportive environment, allowing athletes to focus entirely on improving their skills and excelling academically. Set in a region rich with football history, it’s the perfect place for young talents to thrive, surrounded by professionals and like-minded peers who share their ambitions.

One of my favorite things about the PSG Academy Pro is how the players become a family each season. Each player has something to learn from each other, and we always have a lot of fun together.

Positioned for Success on the Global Stage

By choosing PSG Academy Pro, these U.S. players are not only refining their talents but also setting themselves up for success, no matter where their journey leads. Whether their path takes them back to the U.S. for NCAA competition or deeper into the professional football world in Europe, they are positioned to achieve greatness in both their academic and athletic careers.

U.S. Alumni Committed to Elite NCAA/NAIA Programs

The Academy is one of the best environments to grow as a football player, and has accelerated my development a lot. The amount of training and high-level games gives each player many opportunities to challenge and showcase themselves.

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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