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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.