Study, train, and compete at the University of Bath, ranked in the top 10% of universities worldwide for academic excellence (QS World University Rankings).
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Renowned for teaching quality, research impact, and student satisfaction, Bath also offers world-class sport facilities that have trained Olympic and professional athletes.
This program is designed for top academic students seeking a world-class degree while training in a professional soccer academy environment. |
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World-Class Sports Facilities
The University of Bath is home to the Sports Training Village (STV) — a £35 million elite performance facility used by Olympic, Paralympic, and professional athletes with 17 Team Bath-associated athlete medallists at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Facilities include:
Facilities include:
- High-performance gym and strength facilities
- Sport science and rehabilitation centre
- Physiotherapy and recovery spaces
- Floodlit 3G and grass soccer pitches
- Fully integrated on-campus training environment
About UDA
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Our Mission
To provide student-athletes with a world-class academic and athletic experience that prepares them for success in sport, career, and life. Our Values
Why UDA UDA exists to offer motivated student-athletes an alternative to traditional college soccer — one that prioritizes academic credibility, professional training, and global opportunity. |
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Our Goal
To develop independent, capable, internationally minded graduates who are prepared for life beyond university. In the Classroom and on the Field UDA integrates academic planning with professional-level training, ensuring student-athletes succeed both academically and athletically. Recruitment Pathways UDA provides clear pathways to:
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UDA staff have become an extension of our family, helping our son succeed far from home.
Julie Meyers
Parent / Chester Academy
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Why the University of Bath?
14 Reasons Why
- Ranked 7th best university in the UK by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
- Ranked in the top 10% of universities worldwide for academic excellence (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Three-year degree programs focused on career readiness
- Located in a UNESCO World Heritage city
- One of the UK’s safest cities for international students
- World-class research culture
- Named Sport University of the Year 2026 by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
- Top 100 worldwide for employer reputation (QS)
- Gold in TEF overall assessment, student experience, and student outcomes
- Research rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2023)
- Top-ten national rankings for research, teaching, and student satisfaction
- Global campus: 21,000 students, 152 nationalities, 27% from outside the UK
- 100% of undergraduate courses offer either a placement year or study abroad year
- 62% of undergraduate students undertook one of those options
Economic ValueA world-class education with significant cost advantage.
University of Bath tuition:
This represents exceptional value while building a global résumé within a career-ready degree program. Vertical Divider
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Degree Options
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Admissions Process
Admissions to the University of Bath are highly selective.
UDA requires submission of a Pre-Academic Meeting Form. Suitable students will be invited to a video call with a UDA Academic Advisor to review eligibility and the application process.
UDA requires submission of a Pre-Academic Meeting Form. Suitable students will be invited to a video call with a UDA Academic Advisor to review eligibility and the application process.
General Entry RequirementsA holistic approach is taken for North American applicants.
Applications are assessed case-by-case. Vertical Divider
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city of Bath
A Safe, Inspiring Place to Learn and Grow
Founded in 60 AD and designated a UNESCO World Heritage City in its entirety, Bath is one of the UK’s most historically rich and architecturally preserved cities. Its iconic Georgian streetscapes and Roman landmarks — including the renowned Roman Baths — create a truly unique setting where history is part of everyday life.
Despite its heritage, Bath offers a vibrant and youthful atmosphere. With students making up approximately 22% of the population during term time, the city is alive with energy, culture, and a strong sense of community. Students can even enjoy free access to the Roman Baths museum with a valid student card, adding to the city’s immersive and accessible lifestyle.
Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the UK, Bath is compact, walkable, and easy to navigate. Students move confidently between campus, housing, training facilities, and the city centre within a welcoming, international environment.
Focused, Global, and Perfectly Balanced
Unlike larger metropolitan centres, Bath offers the ideal balance of focus and opportunity. Its strong academic culture, supportive community, and calm surroundings allow students to thrive both academically and personally.
Living among world-class architecture, cultural landmarks, and a thriving arts scene, students experience a city that is both inspiring and grounding. Just 90 minutes from London, Bath also provides convenient access to global travel and major hubs.
Families often describe Bath as the perfect bridge between home and adulthood — a place where students build confidence, independence, and long-term success in a safe and enriching environment.
Founded in 60 AD and designated a UNESCO World Heritage City in its entirety, Bath is one of the UK’s most historically rich and architecturally preserved cities. Its iconic Georgian streetscapes and Roman landmarks — including the renowned Roman Baths — create a truly unique setting where history is part of everyday life.
Despite its heritage, Bath offers a vibrant and youthful atmosphere. With students making up approximately 22% of the population during term time, the city is alive with energy, culture, and a strong sense of community. Students can even enjoy free access to the Roman Baths museum with a valid student card, adding to the city’s immersive and accessible lifestyle.
Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the UK, Bath is compact, walkable, and easy to navigate. Students move confidently between campus, housing, training facilities, and the city centre within a welcoming, international environment.
Focused, Global, and Perfectly Balanced
Unlike larger metropolitan centres, Bath offers the ideal balance of focus and opportunity. Its strong academic culture, supportive community, and calm surroundings allow students to thrive both academically and personally.
Living among world-class architecture, cultural landmarks, and a thriving arts scene, students experience a city that is both inspiring and grounding. Just 90 minutes from London, Bath also provides convenient access to global travel and major hubs.
Families often describe Bath as the perfect bridge between home and adulthood — a place where students build confidence, independence, and long-term success in a safe and enriching environment.
Fees & Funding
Education Costs
- Tuition: £25,500–£32,000/year (3-year degree) * these are 2026 entry fees and are subject to a slight increase for 2027.
- Degrees with industry placement become 4-year programs (placement year at reduced cost)
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Soccer Academy Costs
Scholarships
Soccer Scholarships
Funding Your Studies U.S. students may use FAFSA to support education costs. |
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UDA Soccer Academy at the University of Bath
Building on successful programs at the University of Chester and University of Gloucestershire, UDA now offers an elite academic and high-performance soccer program at the University of Bath.
Designed for high-achieving students seeking professional-level soccer within a world-class university.
Designed for high-achieving students seeking professional-level soccer within a world-class university.
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Choosing UDA was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I know I’ll make memories for life.
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We immediately bonded as teammates and built friendships from day one.
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Training & Competition
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*Delivered through structured sessions across the year
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Typical Weekly Schedule
Monday: Training (2 hrs) Tuesday: Training (2 hrs) Wednesday: Game Day Thursday: Analysis, S&C, recovery (2 hrs) Friday: Training (2 hrs) Saturday: Game Day Sunday: Rest |
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UDA High Performance Squad (HPS)
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The HPS selects top performers from Bath, Chester, and Gloucestershire.
Selection Criteria
Selected players attend four training camps per year and compete in showcase fixtures vs professional academies. International travel opportunities may be available; UDA subsidizes part of the cost. |
Academy Staff
Program Director – Steve Lilley (UEFA A)
Steve Lilley brings extensive experience in elite player and coach development, including leadership roles with the English Football Association and professional academies.
Steve Lilley brings extensive experience in elite player and coach development, including leadership roles with the English Football Association and professional academies.
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Previous roles include:
Steve will assemble the Bath coaching staff by Spring 2027 ahead of the inaugural season (September 2027). |
Connect with our Recruitment Team
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Director of Talent Identification – Bath
ABBEY GOLDEN 
CONTACT
[email protected] 1 (440) 552-2224 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. |
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 |