From 2 to 18 years
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Where confidence grows
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Elite Player Development. Outstanding Education. Global Futures.
Claremont International Football Academy is at the heart of Claremont School, an award-winning co-educational day and boarding school in East Sussex. As one of the most established football academies in the UK, it develops talented young footballers aged 7-18 while ensuring they receive an outstanding academic education and personalised guidance for their future.
Every student athlete benefits from a structured high performance environment that supports both football development and long term academic success.
50+
Players signed by professional clubs
$3M+
Earned in US college scholarships
400+
Student athletes developed
30+
Nationalities represented
95%
Accepted into first choice UK universities
“The coaches helped me build my confidence and gave me the opportunity – this is the best environment for any ambitious student footballers.”
Kalen Brunson
QPR & Bermuda
“The coaches recognised my talent and put me forward to play professionally.”
Emily Coleman-Smith
Man City & England
“The individual development and attention to detail helped develop my game to the highest level.”
Daniel Gleiber
FSV Mainz 05 & Germany
“The coaching staff gave me the confidence I needed and facilitated dramatic improvements both in the classroom and on the pitch.”
Mothibi Penn-Kakana
Dartmouth College & Nigeria
“The high-level coaching enabled me to advance into professional football and represent my national team."
Folarin Balogun
Monaco & USA
“The staff recruited me and helped me along the my journey to success both on and off the pitch."
Teddie Levenfiche
Founder Perfect Ted & England
Reanna Blades
Chelsea & Jamaica
Soham Varshneya
Bengaluru FC | India National Team U23s
Tyrique George
Chelsea & England
12 October 2026
Sessions, a match, recovery and review: here's how a typical academy week fits together, and how it changes as your child grows.
9 June 2026
Football at Claremont is woven into the wider learning journey, not treated as a separate route.
13 April 2026
As part of our Claremont Alumni series, we spoke to recent Football Academy scholar and now Medicine undergrad, Andy.
Football Academy
Claremont School
Claremont School is located in the historic and safe county of East Sussex, just over an hour from London by direct train.
The campus sits within beautiful countryside while remaining close to local amenities and transport links.
International students benefit from easy access to Heathrow and Gatwick airports, making travel convenient for families worldwide.
Players compete in showcase fixtures against leading professional academies across the UK, including:
These fixtures provide players with exposure to high level competition and opportunities to be identified by professional clubs.
The programme also creates pathways into high level semi-professional clubs within the English football pyramid.
Our full-time coaching staff and wider team bring experience from the Premier League, the Women’s Super League and the wider global game.
Having played and coached at the highest levels of the youth and senior game, they know what it takes to reach the top and are fully invested in every player’s journey.
UEFA ‘A’ licensed (Outfield and Goalkeeping)
International scouting network
MSc Strength & Conditioning
MSc Sport & Exercise Psychology
Chartered Physiotherapy
Dedicated careers advice
Greg Thurstans
Director of Football
Matthew Rose
Director of Coaching
Trevor Bumstead
Academy Manager - Starting Sept 2026
Jake Locker
Head of Sport Science
Joe Sutton
Head of Futures & Mentoring
Neale Manning
Head of Goalkeeping
Tiggy Teare
Mental Performance Lead
Will Burke
Physiotherapist
UEFA A Licence Outfield and Goalkeeping | Former Crystal Palace Academy coach
Greg has over 20 years’ experience in coaching, teaching and education with 8 years as Director of Sport at a leading HMC independent school. One of the youngest coaches to achieve both UEFA ‘A’ outfield and Goalkeeping Licenses. Coached at Crystal Palace Academy, England Independent Schools national U16/18 teams and scouted for Brighton FC, with a vast network of contacts globally.
UEFA A Licence Outfield | Former Arsenal First Team | England U21 International
Matt is a former professional footballer, progressed through Arsenal’s academy under Arsène Wenger before playing with the first team in the Premier League and enjoying a decade-long career at QPR with over 300 appearances as Captain. He has worked in football development internationally, launching Arsenal’s European academy in Greece, and helped Barnsley FC retain Championship status as first-team coach. Matt holds UEFA ‘A’ License with high-level football experience and extensive Global contacts.
Trevor is a highly experienced football professional and UEFA A licensed coach, with nearly 20 years in the professional game. He has worked with leading clubs including Arsenal and West Ham United, building extensive expertise across coaching, player development, and performance leadership. During this time, he has supported the development of top talent, including England internationals Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. He also spent six years as Head of Football in the private Education sector, where he led programmes focused on elite development and long-term player progression.
MSc Strength & Conditioning Loughborough University | Former Leicester City coach
Jake holds an MSc in Strength and Conditioning from Loughborough University. A former strength and conditioning coach at Leicester City FC, he is working towards UKSCA and BASES accreditation. Jake specialises in applying sport science principles to optimise player performance and development.
UEFA A Licence Outfield and Advanced Youth Award | Former Arsenal, Manchester United and Brighton coach
Joe is a high-performance leader with experience at Arsenal, Manchester United, Brighton, Brentford, and Fulham. He’s worked with elite talent, including Bukayo Saka, and specialises in creating pathways to professional football, US Colleges, and UK Universities. Joe holds the UEFA A Licence, Advanced Youth Award and FA talent ID Level 4 in Leadership & Management.
UEFA A Licence Goalkeeping | Former Chelsea and West Ham Goalkeeper Coach
Neale has over 12 years of experience coaching goalkeepers at Chelsea, West Ham, and Charlton Athletic. He is currently a Goalkeeper Scout for Manchester City. Neale holds both the UEFA B Outfield and Goalkeeping Licences, underlining his expertise in goalkeeper development.
Sports Psychology Specialist
Tiggy is a sports psychology coach and counsellor specialising in resilience, confidence, and focus. She has worked across multiple sports, including elite experience with Saracens Rugby Club, and holds SEPAR accreditation with BASES. Combining one-to-one support, workshops, and counselling, Tiggy helps athletes enhance wellbeing, motivation, and performance.
Chartered Physiotherapist
Will is an MSc-qualified Chartered Physiotherapist and CEO of Wells Physiotherapy Clinic. He specialises in sports injury, rehabilitation, and return-to-play support. Will brings clinical expertise and a strong focus on athlete wellbeing.
Lucy Bronze MBE
Global Ambassador
William Troost-Ekong
One of the most decorated players of all time - European Cup winner, Champions League winner, FIFA Women’s player winner, England, Barcelona & Chelsea
“An exciting opportunity to develop as a player whilst having the support network of education.”
A career spanning the best leagues across Europe – Nigerian international captain, AFCON Player of the Tournament, Member of the Order of Niger.
“I’ve always appreciated the importance of combining both academic excellence whilst pursuing your dream.”
One of the most exciting young forwards in world football, United States international, FIFA World Cup player, UEFA Champions League player, AS Monaco forward and CONCACAF Nations League winner.
“Having the right environment to develop both on and off the pitch is crucial for young players to maximise their potential.”
Our facilities, which rival those of a professional academy, support both daily training and competitive match preparation.
Full size floodlit 3G Astro pitch
Completion January 2027, as part of the Claremont Sports Park project.
Six full size grass pitches
3G technical pitch
Strength and conditioning suites
Indoor Futsal hall
Recovery swimming pool
Performance analysis studio
While some players progress into professional football, our programme prepares every student athlete for a range of future opportunities.
Our Futures and Mentoring team supports every player in identifying and achieving the pathway that best fits their ambitions.
Claremont is an outstanding independent co-educational day and boarding school, educating pupils from early years through to sixth form.
Academic Excellence
Consistently rated “Outstanding” across all areas by inspectors, an achievement awarded to fewer than 15% of schools in the UK.
Boarding & Pastoral Care
A safe, supportive and inclusive boarding environment where students thrive both on and off the pitch.
Location Near London
A stunning and safe campus within easy reach of London and major international airports.
Global ISP Opportunities
Part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), one of the world’s leading global school groups, connecting students to international opportunities worldwide.
Start by contacting Claremont’s admissions team. Families can discuss their child’s development with the football leadership team, then visit the campus or submit a showreel for coaching staff to review as part of the assessment process.
Contact the admissions team to ask about current football assessment arrangements. Claremont’s published application process includes a campus visit or showreel review. The team can confirm whether an in-person trial is required and explain the next steps for your child.
Claremont International Football Academy develops players aged 7–18. Parents should contact admissions to discuss the appropriate school entry point and football provision for their child’s age.
The total cost depends on your child’s year group, student category and day or boarding arrangements. Claremont publishes football academy charges separately from school tuition and boarding fees. See the current fees and request a full breakdown from admissions before applying.
Yes. Claremont welcomes international student athletes and offers football development alongside school education and boarding. Families applying from overseas should contact admissions to discuss school entry, accommodation and application requirements.
Yes. Football academy students can attend as boarders or day pupils. Boarding provides accommodation and pastoral support alongside school life and football training. Admissions can explain the available boarding options for your child.
Yes. Claremont combines football training with school education, including GCSEs and A levels. Students continue their academic studies while developing as players, keeping university and other future options open.
The programme includes daily coaching, individual development plans, strength and conditioning, video analysis and competitive fixtures. Players also benefit from mental performance support, physiotherapy and injury prevention as part of their development.
Claremont offers sports scholarships for students entering Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form. Families interested in football should ask admissions about the relevant assessment criteria and current availability. Awards depend on assessment and are not automatic with academy admission.
Yes. US college football scholarships are one of Claremont’s stated progression pathways. Its Futures and Mentoring team supports players in exploring opportunities that fit their sporting and academic ambitions. Support does not guarantee a scholarship or college place.
As part of International Schools Partnership - ISP, we share a purpose to grow the world’s most curious, confident minds.
121
Schools in our global learning community
116000
Students leading their learning with confidence
17000
Staff nurturing students to reach their goals
25
Countries connected through learning experiences
Claremont International Football Academy provides a unique opportunity to pursue elite football while receiving a world leading academic education. Register your interest to learn more about trials and player assessment opportunities, admissions and boarding options, and scholarship and pathway guidance.
