Football Tours UK: Junior Elite Soccer Website

Originally an elite academy in Australia, we now separate a commercial team which utilises our contacts picked up as an elite academy to provide everybody with a chance to spend some time living the dream, and a continuing academy which gives every player who comes with us the opportunity to achieve 'gold' status and go on to represent us, and have the opportunity via us to trial at top English clubs.

Junior Elite Soccer (previously trading as Premier Soccer Academy) was set up 6 years ago by academy directors still with us today. It evolved from a frequent gathering of coaches sharing a common opinion that too many young Australian players of quality were being lost to other lucrative Australian sports or simply dropping out. The drop out rate of players in U/15 to U/17 ages was astonishing.

PSA was set up to provide an alternative pathway for young players.

The academy was originally based in Brisbane, Australia. In its short existence, it has already expanded into the UK & now has connections in the USA, China & Korea. All staff employed are accredited & are of the highest Quality. They are encouraged to constantly update their knowledge, regularly attend coaching seminar & updates throughout Europe, keeping in line with current European coaching trends. Steve Murray & Eric Thompson both have recently attained a UEFA 'B' accreditation in the UK.

UK based coach Jeff Haydon has a creditably 30 year playing background in the UK & overseas, attained his first National coaching Accreditation 20 years ago & has dedicated the last 20 years to youth development. Coached at the German Fussballschule, Kantenwein, Stuttgart, for 2 consecutive years & is currently setting up the PSA International football school for overseas students visiting the UK.

John Georgeff is a professional USA coach, based in Northern California. He provides development programs for the individual player as well as seasonal programs for whole soccer teams. John visits various overseas clubs, continually improving & updating his knowledge & soccer programs. He works with players of all ages & currently has 7 US teams under his guidance, all involved with his full time development program.

Academy Objectives

To provide a well structured, balanced & safe environment for players of all ages. Develop & improve a players overall skill level & knowledge of football. Assist young players to achieve their goals in football & support them academically. Provide an honest insight into professional football & a possible career path.

How do we Achieve our Objectives?

Seasonal programs, Technical development & Tactical awareness. Education on the importance of injury prevention, balanced diets, fitness, goal setting & leadership skills. Overseas & local Competitions. Continually updating our coaching knowledge.

How are we different to the rest?

The academy feels it is vital to keep in close contact with top professional clubs and coaches in the UK, not only from a coaching perspective but for the players all round development. Over the past 2 years the PSA has funded visits from top quality coaches from the UK, 2001 John Morling, Peterborough United FC and 2002 Geoff Pike, PFA. Both coaches took part in the PSA annual overseas coaching update seminars in Brisbane, which have proved a great success. The PSA also tour the UK every September combining matches and coaching sessions with Professional clubs.

To date 4 players have gained overseas scholarships at Peterborough United, Ipswich Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Glasgow Rangers due to the Academies Development program and UK contacts. The PSA is constantly searching for new clubs to form links and exchange ideas.

How do we select players for our elite programme?

Players are invited to attend our 2-hour intro academy, 1 night a week, for duration of 10 weeks. We will assess their progression on a weekly basis. From this we will base our decision as to which group you will be placed. We have three levels of placement, Bronze, Silver or Gold group.

Bronze placement is ideal for players of all ages new to the game.
Silver placed players have had some playing experience & wish to progress.
Gold placement is for the advanced players.
Gold players are invited to join our European football tour.

Funding

The Academy receives no funding from any overseas, UK or Australian clubs or Associations. The academy is a non-profitable organization; any money generated is put back into improving equipment & facilities. Players are required to find their own funding for the Tours. PSA receive no payments for players who gain scholarships. We relies solely on private sponsorship for all kit & coaching aids.

It is hoped that one day an overseas club or organisation will assist financially, but until that day comes the we will continue as long as possible to provide young talented players with the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience through its overseas tours and seasonal program.