UDA SOCCER PROGRAM
I HAVE BEEN OFFERED A SPOT IN THE ACADEMY, HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO ACCEPT?
Typically we look to recruit 15 new players/students each year into each program, however this number can sometimes be more or less depending on our roster needs. You are encouraged to accept your spot as early as possible to ensure your spot on the team is secured.
Once you have returned your signed soccer offer letter you will be sent your UDA Soccer invoice where you can pay your $1500 deposit. Note: Your $1500 deposit is 100% refundable should you complete an application into one of the universities and not be accepted. Your deposit secures your spot and signals to UDA your commitment and that we don't need to recruit another player to offer your spot to.
Once you have returned your signed soccer offer letter you will be sent your UDA Soccer invoice where you can pay your $1500 deposit. Note: Your $1500 deposit is 100% refundable should you complete an application into one of the universities and not be accepted. Your deposit secures your spot and signals to UDA your commitment and that we don't need to recruit another player to offer your spot to.
What happens if I get injured during club or school season my senior year? Can I lose my offer?
No, you will not lose your offer, assuming your recovery is on track and you are expected to be fit before the end of the first semester. Injuries are an unfortunate but common part of the game, and we understand that. The most important thing is that you communicate openly with us, follow your rehab plan, and stay engaged throughout your recovery. We’re committed to supporting you as long as you’re committed to your recovery and returning to full fitness.
WhO will I be signing under?
Students attending the academy in the UK will sign under UDA’s UK affiliate academy Degree Abroad Limited, England. Students attending the NMSU academy will sign with UDA Soccer.
WHEN DO STUDENTS ARRIVE FOR PRESEASON?
Pre-season training will typically start the first week in September. However, first year players will not be required to report to UDA until mid September when student accommodation opens. Year two and year three players can arrive as early as needed as they will have secured their own off campus accommodation.
HOW MANY PLAYERS ARE IN THE UDA PROGRAM?
Men's Programs:
Women's Program:
- We typically run three squads of (2 GKS and 16 outfield as a preference), with no more than 55 players within each program.
- If selected to the program, all players will be involved in a guaranteed 20 games per year as a minimum. However, we often play many more and players can expect 25 - 30+ games.
- In order to ensure that we meet and provide a positive experience for all students selected for the program, we recruit by position and we do not over recruit.
Women's Program:
- The women's program carries a roster size of 25-28 players. Games are played on a Sunday and Wednesday. Minimum number of games 20 per season, expect closer to 30.
HOW LONG IS MY SEASON?
We play a nine-month season from September to May, with a two-week break for Christmas and another two-week break in the spring. However, please note that our competitive leagues have some games in early January, and you may need to be available for those. Reporting back after Christmas is typically around January 3rd.
It is also important to note that the UDA soccer season does not align with the academic calendar, so there may be games scheduled when classes are not in session. For example, during the Easter break, players are expected to be available for all games unless otherwise agreed upon with the Program Directors at least two weeks in advance.
It is also important to note that the UDA soccer season does not align with the academic calendar, so there may be games scheduled when classes are not in session. For example, during the Easter break, players are expected to be available for all games unless otherwise agreed upon with the Program Directors at least two weeks in advance.
HOW MANY GAMES DO I PLAY?
On average, we have played over 35 games per year for the men's team and 25 for the women's team. Each player enrolled in the program is guaranteed participation in a minimum of 20 competitive games per year for development.
We track every player’s minutes played, and some players may participate in over 40 games per season, depending on the squad they are playing with.
We track every player’s minutes played, and some players may participate in over 40 games per season, depending on the squad they are playing with.
WHAT LEAGUE DO I PLAY IN?
We follow the best practices of the top European academies to enhance our players' personal and professional development through our training and game-play schedule.
UDA Chester - Men:
UDA Chester - Women:
UDA Gloucester - Men:
UDA Gloucester - Women:
UDA High Performance Squad:
The UDA High Performance Squad (HPS) will be made up of top-performing student-athletes from both the University of Chester (UoC) and the University of Gloucestershire (UoG). Selection is based on a combination of on- and off-field attributes, with players expected to meet UDA standards across four key areas:
Selected players will participate in four training camps per year and compete in showcase fixtures against professional academies.
Additionally, players may have the opportunity to travel abroad for further training and matches against professional clubs. While UDA will subsidize part of the cost, individuals selected will be expected to contribute toward the expenses for this international experience.
UDA Chester - Men:
- Both UDA Chester men’s teams compete in the NW U21 Development League:
- UDA Cestrians – Premier Division
UDA Royals – Championship B Division
- UDA Cestrians – Premier Division
- High-performing players may also represent Vulcan FC on Saturdays in the Cheshire Premier League (Tier 7).
Additionally, top players may have opportunities to play with local semi-professional clubs across the Northwest.
UDA Chester - Women:
- UDA Chester Women will represent UDA Vulcan FC in the FA Liverpool Women’s Youth League and train regularly with the Chester FC Women’s Squad.
- High-performing players may be selected to compete in the FA North West Women’s Regional League.
- All players will also participate in friendly and showcase matches against regional opposition, and have the opportunity to represent the University of Chester in the BUCS League on Wednesdays.
UDA Gloucester - Men:
- 1st Team - Hummel Herefordshire League
- 2nd Team - Hellenic League (Alliance West)
- All players will represent the University of Gloucestershire in the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) League on Wednesdays, either as part of one of UDA’s two standalone teams or the UoG First Team.
- In addition, a select group of players will be chosen throughout the season to join UDA’s High-Performance Squad (HPS), alongside top players from UDA Chester. The HPS will participate in training camps and showcase matches against professional football academies.
UDA Gloucester - Women:
- Represent Cheltenham Town Women’s FC as their Reserve/Development Squad, competing in the FA Women’s National League (WNL) Reserve South West Division.
- All players will also represent the University of Gloucestershire in the BUCS League on Wednesdays, playing for one of the university’s two women’s teams.
UDA High Performance Squad:
The UDA High Performance Squad (HPS) will be made up of top-performing student-athletes from both the University of Chester (UoC) and the University of Gloucestershire (UoG). Selection is based on a combination of on- and off-field attributes, with players expected to meet UDA standards across four key areas:
- Physical: Meet required fitness benchmarks
- Technical: Demonstrate strong technical ability
- Tactical: Show a solid understanding of game principles and positional play
- Social: Exhibit strong character, professionalism, and a positive mindset
Selected players will participate in four training camps per year and compete in showcase fixtures against professional academies.
Additionally, players may have the opportunity to travel abroad for further training and matches against professional clubs. While UDA will subsidize part of the cost, individuals selected will be expected to contribute toward the expenses for this international experience.
DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MY SECOND OR THIRD YEAR TO GET PLAYING TIME?
No, you have been recruited to our program because we believe you can have an impact on one of our teams. Players are selected based on performance and their academic attendance. All players will be assigned to one of our teams.
What happens if I get injured once in the UDA program? Can I still be part of the team? Does it affect anything with my student status at the university?
Yes, you are absolutely still part of the team. An injury does not change your status with UDA Soccer or the university. You are expected and encouraged to attend all team events, training sessions, and meetings as part of your continued involvement and development. Being injured is part of the game, and we fully support players through their recovery. Your place on the team remains secure, and your student status at the university is not affected in any way.
DOES UDA PROVIDE ANY VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GAMES?
Yes, we try to video record every game and stream them live. However, this is not always possible and when a live feed is unavailable, games will be uploaded for viewing online for family, friends and others back home within a few days.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT UDA RETENTION RATE?
The retention rate for the UDA program is over 90 percent from year one to year three. Note: Most degree programs are three years.
ACADEMIC & ADMISSIONS
HOW AND WHEN DO I APPLY TO THE UNIVERSITY?
Once you have had your soccer meeting with one of our Recruiting Directors, you will then be required to attend a virtual meeting with our Academic Advisor to discuss your academics and lay out a potential plan for successful application into the university. We recommend this takes place before Nov 1st of your graduating year, preferably sooner. Assuming this meeting goes well, you will then be provided with full details of how and when to apply to the university.
WILL UDA SUPPORT ME WITH MY UNIVERSITY APPLICATION?
Yes, UDA will support you through the entire application process and will be there to help answer any questions you may have. Should you have questions throughout the application process, please direct your questions to [email protected].
DO I NEED TO TAKE THE SAT OR ACT?
The universities are test optional. They may use the SAT and ACT as part of their admission decision. However, they look holistically at an application, taking into consideration transcripts, GPA, AP classes and AP scores as well as college credit.
If you don't have a SAT or ACT score then you will need AP, Honors or College Credit preferably in the degree area you are seeking to study. Please note that the UK degree is three years and has no Gen Ed requirements within the degree. This is why having prior content in the degree area you are seeking is needed for acceptance in some programs.
If you don't have a SAT or ACT score then you will need AP, Honors or College Credit preferably in the degree area you are seeking to study. Please note that the UK degree is three years and has no Gen Ed requirements within the degree. This is why having prior content in the degree area you are seeking is needed for acceptance in some programs.
DO AP CLASSES COUNT AS PART OF THE ACADEMIC ADMITTANCE PROCESS?
Yes, AP classes count but need to be related to the degree course you are seeking. For example, if you are interested in studying business then you might consider enrolling in AP Economics, or AP finance etc. If you are unsure which AP classes to sign up for please contact Brian Haley at [email protected].
HOW DO I APPLY FOR MY VISA?
You do not apply for your Visa until you have been officially accepted into the university. Each student receives a CAS letter upon acceptance into university and payment of your tuition deposit of approximately £4,000. Deposit is required at The University of Chester and at The University of Gloucestershire for enrollment. Please note, the university deposit is separate from the UDA Soccer academy deposit.
The university deposit can be paid through student loans once they are approved. However, check when loan disbursements are made if you are paying your deposit through student loans.
The university deposit can be paid through student loans once they are approved. However, check when loan disbursements are made if you are paying your deposit through student loans.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY VISA?
A student visa typically takes three to five weeks to process after the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) has been issued. There are private services available that can expedite the process for an additional fee.
The University of Chester (UOC) and University of Gloucestershire (UOG) use a system called CAS Shield (via Enroly) to begin the visa process. UDA will guide you through each step.
As part of the CAS Shield process, you’ll need to re-upload the documents submitted with your academic application. This is a straightforward step that prepares you for your biometric visa appointment once your CAS letter is issued.
Important:
The CAS process cannot begin until you’ve received an unconditional offer, which typically happens after your final high school transcripts have been submitted and verified by the university.
The University of Chester (UOC) and University of Gloucestershire (UOG) use a system called CAS Shield (via Enroly) to begin the visa process. UDA will guide you through each step.
As part of the CAS Shield process, you’ll need to re-upload the documents submitted with your academic application. This is a straightforward step that prepares you for your biometric visa appointment once your CAS letter is issued.
Important:
The CAS process cannot begin until you’ve received an unconditional offer, which typically happens after your final high school transcripts have been submitted and verified by the university.
IS THERE FAFSA?
Yes, the University of Chester accepts FAFSA. Their school code is 041709.
The University of Gloucestershire does not use FAFSA. Instead, students typically secure funding through Sallie Mae or other private lenders.
The University of Gloucestershire does not use FAFSA. Instead, students typically secure funding through Sallie Mae or other private lenders.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT FINANCIAL AID?
- The University of Chester: Financial Aid Information
- The University of Gloucestershire: International Funding
WHAT ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE?
As part of your UK student visa application, you’ll be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)—a mandatory fee that covers your access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your studies.
The cost is approximately £776 per year, and you’ll pay for three years up front (around £2,328 total) at the time you apply for your visa. This fee is not separate—it’s included as part of the visa application process.
This payment entitles you to full medical coverage through the NHS while studying in the UK, including:
For the most up-to-date information on visa fees and the health surcharge, visit the official GOV.UK website.
The cost is approximately £776 per year, and you’ll pay for three years up front (around £2,328 total) at the time you apply for your visa. This fee is not separate—it’s included as part of the visa application process.
This payment entitles you to full medical coverage through the NHS while studying in the UK, including:
- Emergency hospital care
- Routine doctor visits
- Ongoing medical needs
- No deductibles or additional charges for covered services
For the most up-to-date information on visa fees and the health surcharge, visit the official GOV.UK website.
IS THERE SUPPORT FOR ACADEMICS?
Each of our UDA academies has a student support officer outside of the normal international support each university provides. Induction packets are sent out to each incoming player/student to provide helpful guidance in order to get to know the students prior to arrival. The main role of the support officer is to provide social, cultural and emotional support for students in order to help them succeed within their studies and gain the most from their experience.
Note: The student support officer along with the coaching staff will monitor the required UDA 90% percent class attendance policy for students in order to be eligible for training or playing in games.
Note: The student support officer along with the coaching staff will monitor the required UDA 90% percent class attendance policy for students in order to be eligible for training or playing in games.
I understand that if I don't have 90% attendance at school there are consequences with UDA. Is there any point where a player could be released from the team, and if so, does that affect their status at the school?
Yes, a player can be released from the UDA program if they do not maintain the required 90% class attendance. Academic commitment is a core expectation for all UDA student-athletes. However, a player’s status at the university is separate from their status with UDA. The university manages academic eligibility and attendance independently. In some cases, poor attendance can lead to serious consequences, including the potential cancellation of a student visa, which may require the student to leave the country. That’s why maintaining strong academic attendance is not only important for remaining in the UDA program but also essential for staying in good standing with the university and maintaining visa compliance.
WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?
All international students are guaranteed placement in residence if they so choose. There are many options that UDA can help guide you through in your decision for your first year.
There is a range of choices for accommodation, both on as well as off campus. Learn more using the links below:
There is a range of choices for accommodation, both on as well as off campus. Learn more using the links below:
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY ACCOMMODATION?
We recommend buying bedding in the UK — bed sizes in the UK are different from the U.S. so your bed sheets from home won’t fit! You can also buy utensils for cooking and eating if you plan to choose self catering as a meal option. We encourage you to pack light. You can buy almost everything you need in England as and when you need it.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR MEAL PLANS?
Many students choose the self catering option, as the dorms have facilities for cooking. However, meals can be purchased for on campus dining as needed.
AM I ALLOWED TO WORK WHILE I STUDY?
Yes, students can work either on campus or off campus for 20 hours per week under their visa. During the summer students can work a total of 40 hours per week either on or off-campus.
TRAVEL & LOGISTICS
WHEN CAN I ARRIVE IN THE UK PRIOR TO THE START OF CLASSES?
First year students presently cannot arrive in the UK until two weeks prior to the start of classes. If you plan to arrive prior to your student accommodation being available, you will be responsible for your own accommodation. Second and third year students are free to come and go as they please.
Please note once you have started your visa process you cannot arrive into the UK until it has been approved. Arriving at the UK border while you are still waiting for your visa will result in you being turned away at Border Control.
Please note once you have started your visa process you cannot arrive into the UK until it has been approved. Arriving at the UK border while you are still waiting for your visa will result in you being turned away at Border Control.
WHAT AIRPORT SHOULD I ARRIVE AT?
Students attending the University of Chester should arrive at the Manchester International Airport. From here we recommend taking a taxi to the University campus.
Students attending the University of Gloucestershire we recommend booking flights into London or Birmingham airport. Upon arrival in the UK, here are some options to help you safely travel to the University of Gloucestershire; https://www.glos.ac.uk/information/knowledge-base/international-airports/
Students attending the University of Gloucestershire we recommend booking flights into London or Birmingham airport. Upon arrival in the UK, here are some options to help you safely travel to the University of Gloucestershire; https://www.glos.ac.uk/information/knowledge-base/international-airports/
HOW DO I GET TO MY ACCOMMODATION AFTER I LAND?
Once you arrive in the UK you will need to take a train, bus, taxi or uber to your accommodation address. We encourage you to plan this in advance and support will be given by the program directors once the onboarding process begins. At the UDA orientation event in the summer of your senior year (located in the USA) we help students and families coordinate arrival information for their first year arrival.
CAN I TRAVEL BACK TO MY HOME COUNTRY DURING SCHEDULED BREAKS?
Yes, students can return home as they wish for scheduled breaks but keep in mind our league games may overlap with some holiday periods. If you plan to return home during scheduled breaks we request at least two weeks' notice so the coaching staff can approve your absence and plan accordingly.
CAN I STAY ON CAMPUS DURING THE WINTER BREAK?
Yes, however, this can be an extremely quiet time on campus as the majority of students return home and we do not train from the end of term (mid December) until early January. We therefore generally recommend that students go home for the holidays and have some family time.
CAN I STAY ON CAMPUS AFTER THE END OF THE YEAR?
Students can stay and work in the UK over the summer, but private housing would be needed as dorms are closed.
For additions questions related to Travel and Logistics please contact the appropriate UDA Support Officer:
UDA Chester - John Dyke @ [email protected].
UDA Gloucester - [email protected]
UDA Chester - John Dyke @ [email protected].
UDA Gloucester - [email protected]
I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
If your questions are not answered above, please refer to the UDA communication flow chart for your respective program to contact the appropriate person to help answer your questions.
UDA Chester Communication Flow Chart
UDA Gloucester Communication Flow Chart
UDA Chester Communication Flow Chart
UDA Gloucester Communication Flow Chart