INTERNATIONAL GAP YEAR Take your Football Career to the Next Level with UCS
ELEVATE YOUR GAP YEAR Global Football and Cultural Immersion Opportunities www.ucseducation.org
International Football Gap Year Programme
AN EXAMPLE 12 MONTH UCS GAP YEAR EXPERIENCE
BLOCK 1
Enjoy Scandinavia with Tier 3 FC Stockholm Internazionale. Then take time out with the locals for the world famous Swedish Fika
BLOCK 2
Join the bustle of the Welsh Premier League in the UK with Connah's Quay. Experience the vibrant city of Liverpool, home of the Beatles and two premier League clubs.
BLOCK 3
Be part of one of Europe's biggest tournaments in Gibraltar with FCB Magpies. Explore the castle and the cable car, with far-reaching views across the Mediterrenean.
BLOCK 4
Head Down-Under to play for Hills United FC in Tier 3 of the Australian Football League. Climb the iconic Harbour Bridge and check out the unmistakeable Sydney Opera House.
Many thanks for your interest in UCS. Hopefully one of our education or gap year programmes is of interest to you. Throughout the following pages, we will do our best to explain in detail how things work, but if you are unclear or have any questions, just drop us a line and one of the team will quickly come back to you. We have worked with thousands of students and gap year footballers over the years, helping them to progress to the next stage of their lives. After you have taken a look through what UCS offers, I hope you give us a chance to have a positive impact on your life. I really look forward to meeting as many of you as possible, and seeing how UCS can help you fulfil your dreams. Owen McGovern Shareholder & Founder
WELCOME
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WHAT IS A GAP YEAR?
Students approach UCS from countries all over the world, where gap year experiences are sought with football at its core. Most individuals take a gap year either before or post university study. Sometimes, individuals come to UCS who have worked and intend to return to work, but want to take a year out in a structured football environment. Typically however, students are taking a break from education for a year, before they move onto the next stage of their lives. UCS Gap Year in Football UCS is very proud to offer individuals aged 18 and over a structured, football-focused gap-year experience. Players of the appropriate ability are placed on experiences throughout the world for a maximum of 12 months. The UCS Gap Year experience includes The opportunity to play football at a range of clubs in the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, Australia or New Zealand. A flexible programme allowing players to select up to four 12-week blocks on different continents, tailored to the individual. The chance to experience different cultures and participate in organised cultural activities.
During your application process, you will have detailed communication with the UCS team, working to match your playing ability with clubs around the world, as well as considering your preferred continent of travel. We understand that no two payers are the same, which is why the UCS Gap Year programme is built bespoke for you, by your UCS advisor You will decide if you wish to play overseas for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. This provides the opportunity for you to play at 4 different clubs in opposite corners of the globe. Alternatively, you may decide that one 3 month block is right for you and scratches the overseas itch! Whilst overseas on placement at the club, the UCS team will be in regular contact with you. The team will ensure you are safe, comfortable in your new digs, get progress reports from the club and help you out with cultural and sightseeing “must see’s”. The team will also be in communication with your family back home, should you wish, to let them know how you are doing, just in case you forget to phone! Progress reports from the club you represent are important. The team you play for will be competitive in its native league, so your contribution, attitude and performance levels will be tracked and monitored closely by the coaching staff. You will engage in a full training and match day programme with your new club. You will soon adapt to the climate, playing conditions and footballing culture. Your club may train full time during the day or evenings, depending on the entry level of your gap year. After your football commitments, the day will be yours, take in the sights and culture of your new city with the support of the UCS team. Most UCS Gap Year Players have an “in person” visit from the UCS team for each 3 month block you are with us. At the end of your gap year, it's back home and time to knuckle down on either further study or out into the world of work. On occasions, players have been invited to stay on with their host clubs, extending their stays independently.
Develop as a player: An opportunity to focus on improving as a player without the distractions of full time education focusing totally on improving your game. Improve your football and your CV: Playing in a new country helps to improve you as a player, experiencing different football cultures. It also looks good on a CV for a job post the gap year, it may put you at the top of the list when employers take a read! Give yourself some time to consider the next step: After graduating from University, many students will carefully consider their next step, choosing between further education and full-time employment. Taking a gap year after your university studies allows you additional time to work out what to do next. Experience life overseas: Immerse yourself in a new culture, experience football and life overseas, meet new team mates and others from the local community and take the opportunity to learn a new language, all fantastic experiences, guaranteed to make you a better person.
What would my gap year experience BE LiKE WITH UCS?
This is a very personal decision. Individuals choose to join us for many different reasons. These include: Taking a break from studies; Focusing on football development; The opportunity to be spotted by Senior clubs in a different region To experience new and exciting cultures; To see different parts of the world in a structured and safe way.
WHY WOULD I TAKE A GAP YEAR IN FOOTBALL?
HOW IT WORKS
In order to comply with 90-day Visa requirements, players will typically need to travel to a different continent for each 12-week block.
The UCS Staff you may meet. There will be a number of UCS staff that you meet on your journey with us. Initially, you will speak with senior leaders within the UCS executive team. When your application is underway, you will engage with the talent ID and club liaison team, followed by the safeguarding and cultural services team before you travel and throughout your experience. The UCS team at all times will only be a phone call or message away.
Entry Requirements The UCS Gap Year Programme is open to football players from across the world who are performing at an appropriate standard. Players should be 18 years and over at the date of travel.
Where can I go?
Option
Fee
1 x 12-week block
£7,800
2 x 12-week blocks
£15,000
3 x 12-week blocks
£21,600
4 x 12-week blocks
£27,600
Fees*:
Fees include: Host City Accommodation Transfers to and from the host city in country cultural services *Players are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from the host country.
Location
Number of clubs in programme
League Playing Level
Ideal 12 week block start times
United Kingdom
10+ clubs
England: L6-8, Wales: L1-2 Scotland: L3-5, Northern Ireland: L1
October (January or July also possible)
Mainland Europe
15+ clubs
Spain: L4-5, Poland: L4 Bulgaria: L3, Republic of Ireland: L2
January, July or October
Scandinavia
Sweden: L3-5, Norway: L2-4 Finland: L1-4 (elite players at Level 1) Iceland: L2-4
April or Juy
Oceania
53 clubs
Australia: L2-5, New Zealand: L1-2
January (April also possible)
If you're ready to find out more..... CLICK HERE OR Scan the QR code to let us know. What happens next One of the senior team will arrange an online call to talk through some details. You will then be invited to submit some playing clips alongside a formal application, so we can start to build your draft gap year itinerary. If you like what you see, and the clubs select you, then the hosts clubs and territories are agreed between UCS and yourself. We then agree the full itinerary, including travel dates, accommodation and in country transfers. You and your family will be introduced to our safeguarding and cultural services team. Finalise protocols, itinerary and book some cultural experiences through the cultural services team. Board plane and travel!
BENEFITS
NEXT STEPS
Benefits to Parents Structured, managed Gap Year. Safeguarding team. Access to cultural services team (Concierge Service). Progress reports. Access to accommodation team.
Benefits to Players Gap year experience in a structured environment. Choice of sports clubs across the world. Potential of paid playing experiences professional/semi-professional. Additional paid football coaching experiences (subject to visas). Accommodation included. Meal plans an optional extra. Opportunity to immerse into different cultures around the world. Opportunity to learn new languages. Access to dedicated Safeguarding team. Access to dedicated Cultural Services team. Opportunity to exit into International Sport and Higher Education programmes.
Airport Arrival & Departure How do I get picked up? If you have requested and arranged an airport transfer to your accommodation, you will be met in the international arrivals hall by a member of our team or a chauffeur. Please look out for a sign with you name clearly printed on it Alternatively, you can arrange your own transport from the airport to your accommodation through UBER or local taxi/bus/metro transport links. How can I find you at the airport? When you come through customs, look out for a sign showing you name. What about departures? On departure we can arrange to take you to the airport at least three hours before your flight is due to leave, giving you plenty of time to check in. Alternatively, you can arrange your own transport to the airport from your accommodation through UBER or local taxi/bus/metro transport links. Football Experience Can I play for another club during my time in the programme? Possibly, yes, you could play for more than one club during your gap year experience. We will provide you with a club, however, if you wish to source a second club and if you have the time to fit in playing with a second club then this could be possible. What happens if a club want to sign me during my time within the programme? If we have a club interested in you during your time with us we will meet with you and your representatives to decide on the best solution for you and the club. When does training take place? Normally training takes place Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Some clubs may also have evening training sessions. What exit routes are there? Exit routes will be determined once the club staff have had good time to assess your playing ability. Do I have to study any academic courses? No, you do not have to study any academic courses but you may wish to make the effort to learn a little of the local language which could enhance your playing opportunities. You could opt to add a higher National Certificate in Sports Coaching to your gap year experience, which will help with university entrance. Please speak with us during the application process. Do we train over the festive and holiday periods? Yes we will likely train over the holiday periods but this may depend on your club commitments.
faqs
General What is included in the course fee? A full training programme with highly qualified football club coaching staff. Games programme against relevant standard opposition and pro clubs (dependent on squad size). Full training and playing kit package. Fitness/Strength and Conditioning sessions. Full support in basing you at a club while on the programme if required. Self-catering accommodation (meal plans can be arranged at an addition cost). Cultural services package and excursions UCS Safeguarding team. Can this be paid in installments? Yes, we might be able to set up a payment plan for you. Please contact us to discuss this. What happens if I stop playing due to injury? This depends on the state of the injury, where it occurred and how severe it is. We encourage all participants to take out personal insurance. What about my accommodation? We arrange accommodation for you usually within close proximity to your chosen club, where possible. This could be hostel, AirBnb or local host family accommodation depending on the club. Are my meals included? All meals and food are your own responsibility to organise and pay for. There might be a possibility at some clubs for us to arrange a meal plan, if you wish. Terms and Conditions Please see our website for full terms and conditions.
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For more information: www.ucseducation.org info@ucsport.org (44) 01753 362248
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