West Ham United Football Academy

The programmes offer a range of training options to suit different levels and goals, from High Performance for players already playing at a club level to Standard and Development programmes for those learning or practising football. Coaching is delivered by West Ham United Foundation's UEFA qualified coaches using the West Ham United academy model, with training covering technical skills, tactical appreciation, psychology, and physical training techniques. Training hours range from 19 to 27 hours per week depending on the programme, with a maximum of 15 students in English classes.

Language tuition is available for students who wish to combine football with English learning, with 8 to 12 hours of English classes per week depending on the programme. The programmes are accredited by the British Council to guarantee high quality of service. Language tuition uses a fun, participative approach and emphasises spoken language skills within a football context, with a maximum class size of 15 students. Students are tested on arrival and placed with other students of approximately the same level. The programme incorporates many resources with a football theme, including games, stories, and role-plays, encouraging creativity and critical thinking while increasing vocabulary and reading and writing ability.

The residential package includes 5 days of training at the West Ham United Foundation training complex, full-board residential accommodation in en-suite rooms, West Ham United Foundation training kit (2 kits), evening activities every night, 1 half-day West Ham United Stadium Tour, personal football assessment, seminars and video analysis, personal development plan, daily transfer to training facilities, 1 full-day London Tour for 2-week students, free supervised internet access, and a closing ceremony with certificate. The day camp package includes training, language tuition (if requested), lunch, and excursions. A registration fee applies to all programmes. Airport transfers are available at an additional cost. Extra night accommodation is available. Optional English classes are available for 1 or 2 weeks.

Residential students stay at UCL University accommodation in modern, fully supervised single en-suite rooms. The accommodation is divided according to age and gender, with 24-hour supervision to ensure student safety and well-being. Free supervised internet access is available. The comfortable living environment allows participants to rest, socialise, and bond with teammates from around the world. It is compulsory to bring the original passport to the camp, which will be kept by Choices staff for security.

Full board is provided for residential students, with all meals included. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the university dining facilities. For day camp participants, lunch is included during training days. Meals are balanced and nutritious, designed to support the high physical demands of training. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notification. Packed meals may be provided on excursion days.

A full and varied activity programme is included, designed to complement football training and explore London's iconic attractions. Excursions include 1 half-day visit to West Ham United Stadium, a second half-day excursion (shopping and karting) for 2-week students, and 1 full-day London Tour for 2-week students. Evening activities are organised every night for residential students, providing opportunities to socialise and build friendships. The programme also includes Pro-Experience seminars covering areas such as Scouting, Player identification, Nutrition, and Physical Conditioning, as well as video analysis sessions and a personal football assessment.

Training takes place at the Bobby Moore Sports Hub and West Ham United Foundation training complex, a world-class training facility in London. The facility includes professional football pitches, training areas, and access to the latest video analysis technology and GPS tracking systems. UCL University provides modern classrooms for English lessons and comfortable residential accommodation. All venues offer high-quality training environments with access to the latest technology and equipment. The facilities are selected for their standards of excellence to provide an elite training experience.

Choices International has extensive experience in running summer programmes for young people from around the world. The West Ham United Foundation programmes are delivered by UEFA qualified coaches using the West Ham United academy model, with a focus on developing every aspect of the athlete. The programmes are accredited by the British Council to guarantee high quality of service in English classes. Student safety and well-being are top priorities, with fully qualified first aid staff, links with local doctors and hospitals, and a comprehensive safeguarding policy. All staff undergo strict selection procedures and comprehensive pre-camp training. The programmes are designed to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where participants can develop their football skills, improve their language abilities, build confidence, and create lasting friendships with peers from around the world. The Academy of Football also offers year-round opportunities for players aged 16 to 20 to combine football training with academic studies, with multiple intakes each year.