INTERNATIONAL PARENT AND STUDENT SUPPORT

A team around you in Liverpool.

Information for international players and families, from preparing for arrival to finding support during your programme.

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International Parent and Student Support at Steven Gerrard Academy

Everything you need to know before the journey begins. From accommodation and education to football and player care, here is what life at Steven Gerrard Academy in Liverpool looks like.

Academy overview

Living in Liverpool

When players join Steven Gerrard Academy, they step into a professional routine in one of the world’s great football cities. Based in South Liverpool, players live close to training, education and local amenities in an environment designed to help them settle quickly, grow in confidence and feel part of the team from day one.

What is Steven Gerrard Academy?

Steven Gerrard Academy is a full-time football and education programme. School leavers study towards a recognised sports qualification while training and playing several times each week in a structured academy environment.

Who is the programme for?

The school-leaver route is designed for students aged 16 and over who want to continue their education while developing as footballers. Other routes, including the HNC and Football Industry Degree, have separate age and entry requirements.

Where are the academy locations?

Domestic school-leaver programmes operate at sites including Liverpool South, Kirkby, Chester, Lancashire and Nottingham. Course availability varies by site, so the admissions team will confirm the closest suitable option.

What can students study?

The main school-leaver route is a two-year Level 3 BTEC in Sports, Coaching and Development, worth up to 168 UCAS points. A Level 2 route may be available where appropriate. Selected sites also offer Football Media, with progression into the Level 4 HNC or Football Industry Degree.

What are the entry requirements?

For Level 3, the usual target is five GCSEs at grades 4–9. Students who do not meet that threshold may be considered for a Level 2 route. Higher-level courses have their own UCAS and GCSE requirements, which the team will confirm during the guidance interview.

Will my child be supported day to day?

Yes. Player care is a big part of life at Steven Gerrard Academy. Staff support players on and off the pitch, helping them settle into the environment, manage daily routines and make the most of their experience in Liverpool.

Play the Steven Gerrard Academy way.

Football sits at the centre of the experience. Players step into a professional environment built around coaching, gym work, analysis, matches and the daily standards needed to improve. Every session is designed to help players grow in confidence, quality and understanding of the game.

What does a typical week look like?

Depending on the programme and time of year, a typical week can include team training, position-specific work, gym and recovery sessions, technical sessions, analysis, one-to-one meetings and matchday preparation. The structure is designed to help players improve consistently and adapt to the demands of English football.

How many games will players play?

Our aim is for players to play regularly across the season, with at least one fixture each week wherever possible. Match volume can vary by squad and player level, but the programme is built around meaningful game exposure and development opportunities.

What facilities and performance support do players use?

Players benefit from access to high-level training facilities, gym and recovery spaces, academy physiotherapy and performance support, along with video analysis and player monitoring technology to help track their development.

What should parents know about under-18 players?

Players under 18 will play on a friendlies schedule rather than a competitive league schedule. This is an important part of the planning conversation for families before joining the programme.

Are there experiences beyond weekly football?

Throughout the season there may be opportunities for showcase events, academy visits, live football experiences and selected trips, depending on programme and calendar.

Study in Liverpool.

Overview

We know football matters, but so does the future beyond it. Depending on age, qualifications and English level, players can combine football with study routes that prepare them for university and life beyond the game. The aim is simple: help players grow on the pitch and away from it.

What study options are available?

Depending on the route, players can combine football with pre-university or university study in Liverpool. The right option will depend on age, academic background, English level and personal goals, and our team will help families understand which route fits best before arrival.

How much time is spent in class?

On relevant study routes, players can expect around 15 to 18 hours of study each week, depending on programme and English level.

Do international players need visa support?

Visa requirements depend on nationality and programme route. On current study pathways, the academy states that international students must have the correct visa in place, or obtain the required documentation through the education process, before studying in the UK.

Can players still train full time while studying?

Yes. The programme is built so players can continue developing in the classroom and on the pitch, with football and education running side by side in a structured weekly routine.

See other study options

Supported every step.

Moving country is a big step. Our job is to make sure players feel supported, prepared and ready to settle into life in Liverpool. From onboarding and player care to welfare and communication, we work hard to create the right environment from the very start.

What happens if a player gets injured or becomes unwell?

Football-related injuries are supported by academy physiotherapists. Non-football emergencies are handled through the local medical system, and players can also be guided through local medical registration where required.

Do families need medical or travel insurance?

Yes. Families should arrange suitable insurance for international travel, healthcare and football activity before arrival. Players who are studying while playing can join their local NHS GP for healthcare cover, but we always recommend families arrange the appropriate arrangements before arrival.

Can parents visit?

Yes. Parents can visit during the season, on arrival and at the end of the programme. We always advise families to plan early, especially during busy periods in Liverpool.

Will my child be joining an international environment?

Yes. Steven Gerrard Academy is a global environment with players from multiple countries and backgrounds. English is the main language, but equality, respect and player care are central to daily life at the academy.

Who supports players off the pitch?

Our player care and international staff support players before arrival and throughout their time in Liverpool, helping with onboarding, welfare and the overall experience of living, training and studying in the UK.

Before you travel.

We will guide players through the journey before arrival, but every player should come prepared to live, train and study from day one. Bring what you need, travel smart and arrive ready to get started. We've put together a checklist ahead of your arrival:

Football kit