Tips from the International Football Academy: preparing for British football
Do you want to attend an international soccer academy in England? Well, brace yourself: you might find yourself over your head. The English game is very fast and physical compared to American and European football. If you are not in optimal physical condition, you may not be able to keep up.
However, with the proper preparation, you can be well above the rest of the players who have not taken the time to prepare for the trials they will face. Here are some tips to help you prepare to play English soccer!
Tip # 1: Work on upper body strength.
British players are much stronger physically than North Americans, and we have seen many players struggle to keep up. At some international soccer academies, the first few weeks are spent doing a lot of physical training on the court and in the gym, increasing stability and core conditioning.
Start working on your abs and upper body strength now. Core stability is important to any athlete, and a strong upper body will help you defend yourself from other players. Gambling in the UK can be very fast and furious so you need to be strong first and foremost.
We have seen many footballers fail in England because they don’t have the strength they need to compete there. If you’ve already started building upper body strength before starting a football program in the UK, then you won’t be one of them!
Tip No. # 2: Increase your speed and stamina.
As we mentioned earlier, soccer matches in English are faster and more physical than soccer games in other parts of the soccer world. In addition to developing your strength, you must also work on your speed, agility, and endurance.
If you can, train with hurdles, poles, and ladders, in addition to sprinting and endurance runs. The more you practice your fitness beforehand, the more prepared you will be for the fitness program you will undergo at an international soccer academy based in the UK.
Tip No. 3: regulate your sleep schedule.
One of the main adjustments that we see players have to make is adjusting to the rigid schedule of an international soccer academy. When you do a 9-5 program that includes academic and physical discipline throughout the day, it is important that you get into the routine.
Before you set foot on the plane, start getting your body used to the schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. That way, your body won’t have to go through the same adjustment period when you’re trying to get used to all the other things that come with attending an international soccer academy.
Bonus tip: this is what English coaches are looking for.
There are four things that most English coaches ask us when it comes to players: attitude, athleticism, soccer ability and commitment. They are looking for players who are not only talented, but have the right attitude and discipline to succeed in a soccer club.
Players who are consistently late for training, who perform poorly academically, and who have disciplinary problems will not be selected for professional tryouts, however talented they may be. You have to contribute more than just talent.
Follow these tips and you will stand out not only at English international soccer academies, but also at any international soccer academy you want to attend.