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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 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.