YOU NEED TWO THINGS TO BE A FOOTBALLER
TO BE GOOD ENOUGH AND TO BE SEEN
Thinking about players like Messi and Ronaldo, who both moved abroad before they were teenagers, highlights the common practice of seeking the best environments for aspiring footballers. Who’s to say Messi would have made it to the top if he had stayed playing in the villages of Argentina?
Becoming a footballer is not only about having ability, it’s about getting noticed by professional clubs, scouts, and people in the industry. From my years of travelling and observing the global youth football scene, it’s clear that many countries, especially outside Europe, face challenges in nurturing top-tier talent due to differences in coaching, facilities, social dynamics, exposure to name a few! This creates hurdles for talented players around the world, limiting their chances to fully develop in the sport.
Looking back on my own journey, getting released at twelve years old from a professional football academy for being small in stature crushed my dreams. I spent the next six years navigating grassroots football on muddy pitches, with limited training and poor coaching from a teammate’s Dad. Even though I caught up in size by eighteen, I lacked the experience of a proper, professional football environment and elite coaching during my teenage years. Despite then trialling at several clubs, I just missed out on a full professional contract. This personal experience drives home the importance of those crucial developmental years (11-18 years) and the cost of missing out on them.
Having assisted players globally for years, it’s genuinely heartening to see them overcome challenges through the programmes we seek out for them. Many lacked opportunities for proper training and exposure, hindering their potential. The success stories of players we’ve supported, securing pro contracts, scholarships, academic achievements, or careers in the game, show the impact of addressing these challenges and investing in a player’s future. Ultimately, we want the same as you, to help you become a footballer because after all, it would be great for us to shout about your success!
Because of our past experiences, we’re committed to helping footballers find the best football boarding schools, boarding school football academy, football boarding school program, residential academies, and universities for their football journey. We have extensive experience, from answering enquiries to visiting football boarding school across the UK. My journey underscores the transformative impact of coaching, guidance, and a professional environment during those crucial teenage years. Please note, that we also take education seriously, understanding the importance of a well-rounded education for success. Our passion lies in giving players, like my teenage self, the chance to reach their goals in the football world.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US
Had a great time working with Chris and exploring options. He has a wide range of connections for individuals looking for pathways into Europe and the UK not just for school age but those who have just completed school and looking for an entrance into the world of pro football.
Chris was magnanimous. He guided us through the process with detail, care and professionalism. Our family had an easy time making the big decision to send our son. God bless Chris
Our son wanted to return to Europe (specifically the UK) after spending a half year at a football academy in Germany. We received the appropriate guidance from Chris and he connected us with the schools that would best meet our son’s football and academic goals. “We valued Chris’s ‘hands on’ service and honesty about the choices he presented us with.We look forward to continuing our relationship with Prestige Football Schools and would recommend them to any young footballer looking for an international football experience and player growth opportunities.”