Purpose
The Football Academy connects top young players with opportunities to take their football to the next level, with the aim of setting up a pathway to professional soccer.

Programmes at the academy are run according to the same criteria as well-known European professional football academies, with a focus on refining and developing players' skills.

Opportunities
Squads for international competitions, overseas tours and trials are selected from academy players.

Eligibility
Entrance to the academy is by invitation only.

Players, both from the general programme and outside the Shane Rufer School of Football, will be scouted and may be invited to enter the academy if they display strong natural abilities along with the maturity and mental preparedness required to play at an elite level.