Most of you guys here probably wondering and considering in joining a private football academy to develop and improve as a player. Before I explain more about it, I want to let you guys now that this is an unbiased opinion, it is all based on my experience. I’m not trying to advertise an academy whatsoever.
Types of Football Academy
With that being said, you guys probably not aware yet that there are two types of football academy. First is an academy that is owned by a professional football club itself. Which means the academy is part of the system that most will provide a pathway into the first team. For instance, the likes of Manchester United, FC Barcelona – La Masia, Real Madrid. They all have their own football academy that acts as a feeder for the first team.
Most of the players got scouted and recruited by the scouting team or coaches to be part of the team. Also, might even be getting paid (sponsorship) to play for the academy. However, even players who are already part of those professional academy teams were not guaranteed in becoming a pro or even have the chance to play for the first team due to many things – long-term injuries, too much competition, etc.
The second type of football academy is the private football academy. What I mean by private is the academy is owned by an organisation or a company, not an established football club like I mentioned before. Plus, they are not a part of any club system.
There are many academies out there that actually have collaboration with a professional club that could actually provide opportunities for players to get into the professional setting. Due to the fact that it is owned by an organisation, most of the time they treated it like a business and often require a big amount of money in order for players to join the group. But some of them sometimes offer scholarships or discount for a number of potential players.
Is it actually worth the money?
Now, back to the main question, is it worth it to go to a private football academy? Well, it depends on many factors and what your goal is. I am assuming you guys want to be a pro hence that is why you guys here. If you have the financial support, go for it. You will be able to live a professional lifestyle. Training and monitored daily, showcase what you have got and build connections within the industry through coaches and players.
However, for those who haven’t got the financial support, it does not mean you cannot do them. Simply it might be not part of your journey. Treat a private football academy as one of the platforms, not the only platform to reach your dream. You can literally just apply that professional lifestyle to yourself and do with what you’ve got without any excuses.
Everybody has a different journey
Because at the end of the day, even players who are already in the “system” playing for those major academy teams are not guaranteed will sign their first pro contract. Let alone players outside the “system”, nobody can guarantee that except you. I am not saying that you won’t make it by not being a part of the professional academy.
But on paper, you MIGHT have a less chance, slimmer chance compared to those players. Don’t get me wrong, there are tons of players out there who actually made it to the pro game even without any experience playing for a professional academy.
Players like Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), N’Golo Kante (Chelsea), Matt Sheldon (FC Tulsa), etc. They all have come through an “unusual” route yet still made it to the professional stage. So, it does not matter where you at right now. As long as you put that work in on and off the field by training and developing all the aspects required of the game as well as building your network within the industry, everything is achievable.
The takeaway is all of these things are only a platform for you to develop your game. You don’t have to be a part of a professional or even less a private football academy to be a professional footballer. Nobody can ensure that because each and every player has their own different journey. Finally, let me know what is your opinion about this in the comment section down below. Stay healthy and stay safe!
