Choose Your Academy
​Opportunities for Every Student-Athlete
Whether you're pursuing your dream in the UK or the USA, UDA gives you the flexibility to choose a program that aligns with your academic background, career goals, level of soccer development, financial situation, and preferred location.
Recruitment Pathways
​- We're Recruiting Year-Round!
Our USA-based team offers multiple ways to get identified and join UDA.
Experience UDA in the UK
- Train. Tour. Learn. Play.
Our Summer and Thanksgiving Tours offer a taste of life in the academy — including matches, training, university tours, and stadium visits.
July 25 - Aug 3, 2025
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August 3-10, 2025
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Nov 22-29, 2025
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Nov 23-30, 2025
Why UDA Soccer?
We're not your typical soccer program.
UDA was created by educators and coaches who understand what student-athletes need to succeed — on and off the field.
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✅ 10-month soccer season
✅ Multiple degree options at top UK universities
✅ Professional academy environment
✅ Small-cohort, high-impact coaching
✅ Real academic support — from real educators
Our Goal
To be the world’s leading integration of higher education and elite soccer development — helping you achieve success in the classroom and on the field.
Our Mission
Changing students' lives through academic achievement, soccer development, cultural experiences, and enhanced career opportunities.​
Achieve Your Dreams
In the Classroom & On the Field
We're more than former players and coaches!

UDA was founded by educators with professional experience both in the classroom and on the field.  We are people whose own careers were immersed and shaped through education and see the value of how education changes lives as you pursue your dreams. We know first hand what it takes in a professional environment that demands academic work alongside playing. Through our own experiences, we have been able to shape what this program should look like for student-athletes
What Parents are Saying
"Josh is so happy with his decision to go to Chester. He loves the university, he loves his UDA football team, and he gets to go watch his favorite Premier League team. UDA is everything it’s promised and more."
"UDA support staff, in conjunction with the University of Chester International Office, have provided a support system that has allowed Cameron to thrive, and has enabled us, as his parents, to continue to be involved in his life as a player. Having a support system has meant the world to us, and to him, this past year. The university provides the same academic support services that are found at American universities. Whether Cameron has needed support with his study skills, course advice from his PAT (personal academic tutor), or general support in setting up banking, cell phones, medical, or travel support, the International Office at the University of Chester, and especially the entire UDA UK staff, have provided Cameron with the guidance he has needed, allowing him to have the confidence to transition to life in the UK and all that it has to offer."
"UDA has provided the opportunity of a lifetime for my son. The soccer training is extensive with superior, professional coaches. They empower him to be the best on the “pitch” through encouragement, training, constant feedback for improvement and self-evaluation.  He gets to play the game that he loves year round with intense competition on a weekly basis for continued athletic growth."  ​
Academically, the University provides the resources for him to excel in his program of interest.  The professors and tutors are available and approachable for continued guidance along the journey. The academic program integrate work-based opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills to intern in their field of interest. The most impressive part for us was the flexible pathways that the academic programs are designed to individualize studies in order to promote success. UDA instills the importance of academics in their players through continued expectations and support. ​
UDA, in all aspects, supports the student and their family while studying and playing abroad in the UK. They understand the sacrifices and hardships that can occur with being an international student. There is a sense of caring that is felt with the students, family, coaches and staff that resembles a “family” away from home.  It is understood that in order to be successful, the student needs to be healthy in a mental and physical capacity which is exemplified through their teachings and examples. UDA has implemented many protective measures in order to enstill this strategy throughout the process. ​
"My son is thriving in the UDA experience. As a parent, I feel that UDA has provided me with the trust that my son will be given the necessary tools to be successful in his academic as well as his athletic fulfillment."
"With our son in Chester, it’s been pretty stressful worrying about him 5,000+ miles away. Going directly from high school to college in a foreign country has been challenging in so many ways. I can’t begin to thank Gaynor and Joel and the whole UDA staff enough for helping to watch over our son and helping him succeed. They’ve become an extended arm of our family and I’m not sure our family would have handled this transition without them. The UDA staff truly cares and honestly wants them to succeed. ... What an amazing opportunity this has been for our son, and the UDA staff makes it comforting for us to know our son is in good hands."
"UDA Soccer Academy program is truly one of a kind program where academic success is at the forefront of everything they do, along with the best-in-class football academy. What we experienced went above and far beyond all of our expectations. 
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As a parent, I am extremely excited and look forward to the opportunity for my son, to be a part of the UDA Soccer academy program at University of Chester. If any student or parent is looking for a best-in-class degree abroad program in the UK that is coupled with a best-in-class football academy, you need to look no further."
What Players are Saying
"UDA provides the opportunity to be in a professional environment with top coaches to give athletes the opportunity to reach their potential through their own hard work and dedication.

This program has helped change my life for the better and it's about what a student makes the most out of their experience. This program is full of opportunities from high education and in football development."
"UDA is a one-of-a-kind program and I can't thank them enough for the opportunities and experience they have given me in the time I have been here. I don't know where I would be if I didn't come here. I always recommend others who are looking to play abroad and get their degree to join UDA Academy because it was the best decision I have ever chosen."
"As one of the first intake of UDA players to come to Chester it was a scary and risky decision. But after going through the 4 years I can honestly say that the risk was worth it. 

​I graduated with my BS(c) Honors in Psychology combined with sport and exercise science and then continued my education studying a Masters in communications and behavioral analysis.​

As well as the educational factor being successful, I also saw a huge improvement in my footballing ability.  This is due to the exceptional coaching staff that coach at the highest level. We are also exposed to different levels of football to enhance our development."
"…. Once I wrapped my head around the fact that I was going to be playing the sport I love so much in a country where they take it to heart, I was ecstatic! Once I met the coaches I knew I was going to be in good hands... Then I arrived in England, met the team, and felt right at home. I met so many new people of so many different cultures and could not have asked for a better experience. I can not wait to see what's next for me and the team!"
"I believe that with the quality of training, and connections/reputation that the staff has, opportunities to make it professionally will arise. As for my music, I believe that the ability to graduate in 3 years will set me at an advantage to my peers."
"Choosing UDA was one of if not the best decisions I've ever made and I will cherish every moment that I have here and I know I'll make plenty of memories during my 3-4 years."
"In my years of playing competitive soccer, UDA has given me a new and unique academy experience. 

It can be challenging balancing studies and  training but the coaching staff have aided in solving that issue with multiple training sessions per day. Another challenge posed by the squad was the push to become better, to be on the same or greater level than your peers and seniors which i thought was critical to making our two squads competitive and overall better each day. 

Pursuing a degree while able to be competitive with UDA has been one of my best made decisions."
"UDA gives me the opportunity to play at a different level of football and the practice and year-round games are the best way to progress.
The ability to choose your degree while playing is something that sets UDA apart."
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"I think the coaching staff are brilliant and are the best in the business."
"The opportunity it provided for me was everything."
Want to be part of the
World's Leading Soccer Academy Program?
We offer a number of recruitment opportunities around the USA for all programs.
Experience UDA Soccer
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