Where Ambition Meets Opportunity

Play the game you love at the highest level while earning a world-class degree. At UDA Chester, your soccer career and your academic future aren’t separate paths — they’re one journey.​

Study what you love. Train like a pro. Live the global experience of a lifetime.

WHY CHESTER?

Play 10 Months/year

Unlike the short U.S. season, you’ll train and compete year-round — just like the top European academies.

UEFA LICENSED coachING

Every session is run by coaches who’ve been in the professional game. You’ll learn the same methods used to develop elite players across Europe.

MEN'S & WomEn's programs

The Men’s Academy is fully established and competing across the region. The Women’s Academy launches in Fall 2025, opening new doors for female players to grow, compete, and pursue professional opportunities.​

PATHWAYS BEYOND THE PITCH

From industry certifications to internships, you’ll gain exposure to the football world — not just as a player, but as a future professional.

The Full Student-Athlete Experience

At Chester, you’re not just joining a team. You’re stepping into an integrated academy lifestyle:

Soccer Development:
Train, compete, and showcase yourself against top competition.

Academic Excellence:
Choose from a wide range of accredited degree programs at one of the UK’s most historic universities.

Cultural Adventure:
Live in one of Europe’s most beautiful and student-friendly cities.

Career Connections:
Build relationships, earn qualifications, and prepare for life after graduation.​

Men's Academy

​The Chester Men’s Academy offers a proven pathway for UDA athletes. From training with UEFA-qualified coaches to competing against top regional sides, you’ll push your game further than ever before. Players benefit from visiting coaches from English leagues, extended competition schedules, and opportunities to earn additional qualifications alongside their degree.

More about the men's Academy

Women's Academy

Launching in September 2025, the Women’s Academy at Chester is already building a strong first class. Players will compete in the university league, face off against top-tier women’s clubs in the Northwest, and may also have the chance to play for Chester City Ladies or other higher-tier teams.
​
With UEFA-qualified coaching, top-class facilities, and the support of UDA’s proven development model, the Women’s Academy will be a place where student-athletes can pursue their academic degree, grow their game, and prepare for a future in and beyond soccer.

More about the Women's Academy

Life in Chester

Welcome to one of the UK’s most charming student cities — ranked among the prettiest in Europe and one of the safest places to study. The historic city of Chester is your backdrop for a once-in-a-lifetime university and soccer experience.

​Your Journey Starts Here

This is where your story changes.

• Compete.
  
• Learn.
  
• Grow.
  
• Build your team for life.
  

👉 [Explore the Chester Men’s Academy]
👉 [Explore the Chester Women’s Academy]
👉 [Find a Recruitment Event Near You]

Find a Recruitment Event Near You!

Experience UDA Soccer
GET THE FULL PICTURE

We focus on your development as a player, a person, and a future graduate with multiple pathways into the game. 

Find out more about the UDA Soccer Academy

Hear from UDA Alumni

UDA is a one-of-a-kind program and I can't think them enough for the opportunities and experience they have given me in the time I have been here. I don't know where I would be if I didn't come here. I always recommend others who are looking to play abroad and get their degree to join UDA because it was the best decision I have ever made.
​- David Ryan III, Student-Athelte

Josh is so happy with his decision to go to Chester. He loves the university, he loves his UDA football team, and he gets to go watch his favorite Premier League team. UDA is everything it’s promised and more.
- Michelle Montemayor, Parent

UDA provides the opportunity to be in a professional environment with top coaches to give athletes the opportunity to reach their potential through their own hard work and dedication. 

This program has helped change my life for the better and it's about what a student makes out of their experience. This program is full of opportunities from higher education to football development.
- Myles Williams, Student-Athlete

Choosing UDA was one of it not the best decisions I've ever made and I will cherish every moment that I have here and I know I'll make plenty of memories during my 3-4 years.
-Adam Maldonado, Student-Athlete

In my years of playing competitive soccer, UDA has given me a new and unique academy experience. It can be challenging balancing studies and training but the coaching staff have aided in solving that issue with multiple training sessions per day. 

Pursuing a degree while able to be competitive with UDA has been one of my best made decisions.
- Reed Johnson, Student-Athlete

UDA has helped me get an education, meet people while playing soccer, and helped me build connections. 

Being part of UDA has helped me prepare myself to be able to take on any challenges I will face. 
- Brevin  McCurdy, Student-Athlete

With our son in Chester, it’s been pretty stressful worrying about him 5,000+ miles away. Going directly from high school to college in a foreign country has been challenging in so many ways. I can’t begin to thank the whole UDA staff enough for helping to watch over our son and helping him succeed. They’ve become an extended arm of our family and I’m not sure our family would have handled this transition without them. The UDA staff truly cares and honestly wants them to succeed. ... What an amazing opportunity this has been for our son, and the UDA staff makes it comforting for us to know our son is in good hands.
- Julie Meyers, Parent

UDA gives me the opportunity to play at a different level of football. The practice and year-round games are the best way to progress. The ability to choose your degree while playing is something that sets UDA apart. 
- Aedan Jones, Student-Athlete

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING