The High Performance Squad (HPS) reflects UDA's commitment to developing ambitious footballers who aspire to perform at an elite level while pursuing a university education abroad.
The program integrates professional-level training, competitive match play, and international exposure within a structured academic pathway, preparing players for success both on the pitch and beyond the game.
The program integrates professional-level training, competitive match play, and international exposure within a structured academic pathway, preparing players for success both on the pitch and beyond the game.
Purpose of the High Performance Squad
The purpose of the High Performance Squad is to support the development of high-potential players who demonstrate the ability, mindset, and commitment required for elite soccer environments.
The HPS is designed to:
By combining rigorous soccer development with academic opportunity, the HPS ensures players are equipped with both sporting and educational qualifications that support life beyond soccer
The HPS is designed to:
- Develop players capable of competing at professional and semi-professional levels
- Provide a clear pathway that aligns high-performance soccer with university study
- Prepare players for long-term success in soccer, education, and future careers
By combining rigorous soccer development with academic opportunity, the HPS ensures players are equipped with both sporting and educational qualifications that support life beyond soccer
Player Development Opportunities
Competitive Matches
Players in the High Performance Squad regularly compete in high-level fixtures designed to replicate professional demands. Past opponents have included Derby County, Newport Town, and Gulf United.
These competitive matches:
These competitive matches:
- Expose players to high-intensity, game-realistic environments
- Challenge technical, tactical, physical, and mental performance
- Provide opportunities for talent identification and professional visibility
International Tours
The High Performance Squad participates in international tours that immerse players in different soccer cultures and professional environments.
Recent tours have included destinations such as Iceland, Portugal, and Dubai, where players trained and competed alongside professional clubs.
These experiences:
Recent tours have included destinations such as Iceland, Portugal, and Dubai, where players trained and competed alongside professional clubs.
These experiences:
- Enhance adaptability and soccer intelligence
- Provide insight into global professional soccer standards
- Support comprehensive player development and talent identification
Training Environment
The HPS training environment is designed to reflect professional standards and expectations.
On-Pitch Training
Classroom & Educational Sessions
Strength & Conditioning
On-Pitch Training
- Technical refinement and positional development
- Tactical game scenarios and decision-making under pressure
- Individual and team-based performance focus
Classroom & Educational Sessions
- Sports science and performance analysis
- Nutrition, psychology, and athlete well-being
- Career planning and professional development
Strength & Conditioning
- Individualized physical development programs
- Focus on strength, speed, agility, and injury prevention
- Preparation for the physical demands of high-level competition
Integration Within the UDA Player Development Framework
The High Performance Squad is a core component of UDA’s holistic player development framework.
Key areas of focus include:
Player progress is monitored over time to ensure development both on and off the pitch. |
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Academic Alignment & University Pathways
The High Performance Squad operates alongside UDA’s university partner programs, allowing players to pursue degree pathways while training in a high-performance soccer environment.
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Players benefit from:
The HPS is closely aligned with programs at University of Gloucestershire and University of Chester, providing a clear connection between high-performance sport and higher education. |
Who the High Performance Squad Is For
The High Performance Squad is designed for players who:
- Aspire to professional or elite semi-professional soccer
- Thrive in demanding, high-standards training environments
- Are committed to balancing soccer with university study
- Demonstrate maturity, discipline, and strong coachability
Future Development: Women’s High Performance SquadAs part of UDA’s commitment to growth and inclusivity, a Women’s High Performance Squad is planned to launch in the 2026–27 season.
This initiative will provide female athletes with:
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A Commitment to Performance and Education
The High Performance Squad represents UDA’s commitment to developing well-rounded, high-performing student-athletes. Through elite training, competitive play, international exposure, and university education, the HPS prepares players to succeed in soccer and in life beyond the game.
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Connect with our Recruitment Team
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Global Director of Recruitment
JAY SPARROW 
CONTACT
BIO
Jay will be attending several showcase events around the country. Jay, originally from England moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2003. He has a passion for helping student athletes reach their academic and soccer goals. He is experienced in talent identification and player development. He has identified, selected and provided opportunities for many students seeking an international studying and playing experience. Jay ran and developed a successful soccer organization in the USA and now has taken his skills to player identification for UDA across the USA |
Director of Women's Talent Identification
BRENTON DAWSON 
CONTACT
BIO
Prospects wanting to learn more about the UDA Women's Program should contact Coach Dawson directly. Brenton Dawson heads national recruitment on the women’s side bringing a wealth of knowledge from past experiences having worked with all NCAA levels, the NPSL, multiple youth clubs across the country and having studied and played in Europe. Coach Dawson most recently assisted at Daytona State College Women’s program reaching the Region 8 finals. Prior to coaching at DSC, Dawson assisted at Lynn University for two seasons where he helped the Fighting Knights to the Final Four in the fall of 2019 after being crowned both SSC regular season and tournament champions. The staff also received the Regional Coaching staff of the year award that year. Dawson has also worked at NCAA Division III programs, Wittenberg and Heidlelberg in Ohio where he helped lead the Witt Tigers to a National ranking of 5th and the Berg Student Princes to their first OAC championship. Dawson has also been active in the Club soccer coaching at some of the nation's top premier clubs in multiple states across the country. |
Director of Talent Identification – Bath
ABBEY GOLDEN 
CONTACT
BIO
Abbey is a former NCAA Division I student-athlete with extensive collegiate coaching experience, having served as both an assistant and head coach. She holds a USSF B License and is a five-time Head Coach of the Year recipient, bringing over 15 years of experience across collegiate and elite club environments. Abbey joins UDA with a proven track record in identifying and recruiting high-level talent and will play a key role in guiding prospective student-athletes through the recruitment process, with a primary focus on supporting women’s pathway opportunities within UDA academy programs. |
Academic Recruitment Advisor
DR. BRIAN HALEY 
BIO
Dr. Haley will work with each student discussing their degree options, reading personal statements as well as discussing all the academic requirements of degree programs making sure that we find the right fit for the student. With over thirty years experience as a tenured professor in teacher education he will use his experience to help students prepare their applications to give them the great chance of success in enrolment to the university. |