Performance Football Programme

Our programme delivers a full-time professional football development experience for ambitious student athletes seeking excellence on and off the pitch.

It is recognised for combining elite coaching with academic achievement and a proven track record of producing professional players, providing a fully integrated 360° experience that brings together professional football training and world-class higher education.

Proven results from our elite coaching team.

• 200+ student graduates.
• 50+ players signed by professional clubs.
• 23 alumni founders of high net worth businesses.

This unique opportunity combines a professional football environment with outstanding academic study to unlock every student athlete’s potential, with a clear focus on individual development, elite training, career pathways and academic success.

Our Hatfield campuses provide the perfect foundation for aspiring footballers seeking to progress academically and athletically within a modern high-performance university environment.

• 25 minutes by train from Central London.
• Easy reach to Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted airports.
• Direct access to the UK’s most opportunity-rich football region.

Programme benefits

The programme offers exceptional exposure to the elite sport and the wider football network.

Benefits of the programme include:

• proven pathways into elite football with access to the UK pyramid and extensive club networks;
• UEFA A licensed coaches and mentorship from current and former professionals;
• regular matches vs pro, semi-pro, and academy teams with strong scouting exposure;
• personalised development plans, match analysis, and performance tracking;
• integrated academic support with clear career and global progression routes;
• access to international events, trials, scholarships, and nearby professional and non-league clubs;
• individualised strength & conditioning, nutrition, and rehabilitation programmes, supported by evidence-based injury prevention strategies.

Professional facilities and guaranteed accommodation*

Student athletes train and study in a professional standard performance environment that supports both academic and athletic success, including:

• high-performance 3G and natural grass pitches;
• on-site strength and conditioning gyms and recovery facilities;
• advanced sport science and video analysis technology;
• guaranteed on-campus accommodation for the full duration of study;
• all delivered within a supportive and performance driven university setting.

*Subject to meeting application deadlines and personal needs.

Elite coaching and performance team

Our coaching and performance staff bring extensive expertise and experience from playing and coaching within professional football, elite academies and high-performance sport.

Matthew Rose
Director of Coaching
UEFA A Licence Outfield | Former Arsenal and QPR First Team | England U21 International

Greg Thurstans
Director of Football
UEFA A Licence Outfield and Goalkeeping | Former Crystal Palace Academy coach

Joe Sutton
Head of Futures & Mentoring
UEFA A Licence Outfield and Advanced Youth Award | Former Arsenal, Manchester United and Brighton coach

Neil Manning
Head of Goalkeeping
UEFA A Licence Goalkeeping | Former Chelsea and West Ham Goalkeeper Coach

Jake Locker
Head of Sport Science
MSc Strength & Conditioning Loughborough University | Former Leicester City coach

Player success

Our coaching staff are proud of their former players’ achievements within the world of football and beyond, including:

Tyrique George
Made his senior European debut for Chelsea in 2024 and has represented England at youth international level.

Rhys Norrington Davies
Signed professionally with Sheffield United and earning senior international caps for Wales.

Reanna Blades
Signed a professional contract with Chelsea and represented Jamaica internationally.

Teddie Levenfiche
Founding PerfectTed, a global matcha energy brand after successful investment on Dragons Den.

All undergraduate and postgraduate degrees offer placement opportunities and tailored career development support.

The programme includes the FA Introduction to Coaching Football qualification, enabling players to develop a deeper understanding of the game while building confidence, communication skills and their CV.

Programme fees 2026/27 academic year

Performance Football Programme: £15,000*

To be accepted onto the Football Performance Programme, student athletes must also enrol on a full-time University of Hertfordshire degree. University tuition fees, which exclude accommodation costs, are separate from the Performance Football Programme fee.

The University of Hertfordshire accepts applicants using US Federal Loans.

*All programme and tuition fees are paid directly to the University of Hertfordshire.

How to apply

Players, parents, coaches and advisors can find out more and apply to join the University of Hertfordshire Performance Football Programme by contacting:

• UK applicants: g.thurstans@herts.ac.uk
• International applicants: n.holloway2@herts.ac.uk

Players are selected through a structured assessment process evaluating technical skills, tactical awareness and physical attributes. Assessments may take place through video submission or in-person trial sessions. Final decisions are made by the coaching panel to ensure the standards and values of the programme are upheld.

Applicants must also meet the University of Hertfordshire academic course entry requirements as detailed on individual course pages.