Claremont International Football Academy

At the Claremont International Football Academy (CIFA) we believe that living, studying and training in the UK is an invaluable experience that a young player will never forget. The knowledge, skills and sense of team spirit will endure, and the happy memories made along the way will stay with academy students for the rest of their lives, whether they pursue a career inside or outside the game of football.

Our approach to personalised learning and curriculum development ensures that all of our students are presented with unrivalled opportunities and make consistent progress both on and off the pitch. The skills, confidence and experience they gain at the Academy ensures they have every chance to succeed in the professional game, both in the UK and internationally.

Discover our co-educational day and boarding school
A philosophy that is rooted in a strong academic focus alongside footballing pursuits
A training and development model designed by a Premier League scout with 30+ years experience
Opening doors to wider careers in the global football industry – from coaching and analysis to management, media, and beyond
Personalised plans for every scholar, curated to their specific areas of need and playing position
Proven track record in scholars securing trials and pro contracts as well as scholarships to universities and colleges in Europe, the US and beyond

Elite level coaching

Football Academy Director Jim Colston has over 30 years of experience in the game and has helped develop players in the United Kingdom for such clubs as Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion. A number of his former players are currently plying their trade in European leagues and beyond.

Fast progression

With clear progression routes, talented and aspiring players are given the platform to realise their potential at the level suited to their ability, starting with local and school matches through to county-level.

The CIFA Community

A truly international academy, there are more than 20+ different nationalities represented in CIFA.

Key features

A dual focus on academic excellence and elite football - providing a strong foundation for future career and life opportunities.

The Four Corners

Our curriculum focuses on four corners of player development:
Technical | Physical | Social | Psychological

A packed schedule for juniors and seniors

Guaranteed 7-12 hours of training and matches every week.

Athletic Performance Programme

A dedicated Athletic Performance coach who works 1:1 and in small groups to aid development.

Expanding your options

Scholars have access to opportunities to explore pathways in other areas of the game (Marketing, Coaching, Physiotherapy).

Earning your stripes

A process that has been refined over the last decade, scholars earn their next steps through the pathway, from school matches through to county level and beyond.

The Four Corners

A packed schedule for juniors and seniors

Athletic Performance Programme

Expanding your options

Earning your stripes

Academy success

Daniel Gleiber

FSV Mainz 05

Will de Wilde

Gillingham

Yassin El Haddoudi

DfB Futsal

Jaydon Fuller

Brighton & Hove Albion Scholar

Toby Landsdowne

Mid-America Christian University

Soham Varshneya

Bengaluru FC | India National Team U23s

Jack Gjone

Saint Peter's University

Our boarding school

Both of our boarding houses are located off-campus and a short distance to the school, creating a genuine and caring 'home-from-home' environment for our boarders.

Pyke House

Pyke House is our girls and junior boarding house and is located in the heart of the historic village of Battle in East Sussex. It has great shops and cafes, a warm and welcoming community feel and is just a five minute walk from the mainline station into London.

Clyde House

Clyde House accommodates boys from Year 9 to Year 13. It is a spacious and airy building with a range of private rooms, en-suite facilities and a large dining hall. The house is within walking distance of local shops, has public transport links into Hastings and is just three miles from the seaside.

Weekend Activities

Our weekend activity programme gives students plenty of opportunities to socialise, immerse themselves in the local area and experience a wide range of cultural trips and activities. Boarders have full access to the extensive sporting facilities that our school provides.

Pyke House

Clyde House

Weekend Activities

Outstanding facilities

Playing fields

Enjoy more than 50 hectares of beautiful grounds and playing fields.

Specialist pitches

Have fun, train and compete in our floodlit all-weather sports pitches.

Sports hall

Discover our multi-purpose indoor sports halls and fully-equipped gym.

Pool

Swim and train in our multi-lane indoor swimming pool.

Our global learning community

As part of International Schools Partnership - ISP, we share a purpose to grow the world’s most curious, confident minds.

112

Schools in our global learning community

110000

Students leading their learning with confidence

14000

Staff nurturing students to reach their goals

Countries connected through learning experiences

Welcome to Claremont International Football Academy

Contact us to find out more

A genuine professional pathway