Football Experience

• Professional Coaching:
  Three 90-minute sessions with RCD Espanyol’s professional coaching staff, offering elite-level technical and tactical training.
• Friendly Fixtures:
  Two competitive friendly matches per squad against high-level Spanish opposition—a chance to test players’ development against European competition.
• Cultural Excursion:
  A guided Camp Nou Stadium Tour and Barcelona city visit, giving participants insight into one of football’s most iconic clubs and vibrant cities.

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1: Travel from Manchester to Barcelona. Light training session and hotel check-in.
• Day 2: Pro coaching with RCD Espanyol followed by the Camp Nou Tour.
• Day 3: Recovery and leisure, evening friendly match.
• Day 4: Second pro session and free time in Barcelona.
• Day 5: Recovery and second friendly match.
• Day 6: Departures.

(Full itinerary to be confirmed closer to departure.)

Enrollment Details

• Limited Availability: 20 male and 20 female player spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Deposit: $500 due by Friday, November 14, 2025
• Total Cost: $1,500 per player (balance due March 2026)

Quotes

• “This tour gives our players a true taste of professional football abroad — training under European coaches, competing at a high level, and immersing themselves in Spanish football culture,” said John Dyke, UDA Chester Program Director.
• “Beyond football, experiences like these build confidence, independence, and global perspective — values at the heart of UDA’s mission to ‘Change Lives Through Education.’”

About UDA Soccer
​UDA Soccer provides student-athletes with a unique pathway to combine university education and high-level football through academies across the UK and USA. UDA’s mission is to develop the whole person — academically, athletically, and personally — preparing students for success on and off the pitch.

Learn more at www.UDASoccer.com

Following last season’s pilot match against Derby County FC U18s, we’re excited to announce the official launch of the Men’s High-Performance Squad for the 2025/26 season — an opportunity designed to challenge and develop players who consistently excel both on and off the field.
​
The UDA High-Performance Squad will include standout players from both the University of Chester (UoC) and University of Gloucestershire (UoG) programs who demonstrate exceptional performance in training and competition, as well as strong professionalism and leadership away from the game.

To be considered, players must:

• Meet the required fitness benchmarks, as advised by our Strength & Conditioning team (Physical)
• Demonstrate advanced technical skill and execution (Technical)
• Show strong game awareness and positional understanding (Tactical)
• Uphold UDA standards for character, motivation, and commitment (Social)

Program Touchpoints

• Touchpoint 1: Training Day at UoG — Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (fixture TBC)
• Touchpoint 2: Showcase match vs. a professional academy (pre-Christmas)
• Touchpoint 3: International Training Camp — January 2026 (TBC)
• Touchpoint 4: Training Day(s) — Easter 2026

Please note:
The squad will not be fixed. Players selected for Touchpoint 1 (invites going out this week) are not guaranteed future selection, and players not initially chosen will have opportunities to earn a place later in the season.

This initiative represents an exciting collaboration between our programs, providing a platform for our top-performing players to experience a more professional environment and accelerated development.

As our Women’s Programs continue to grow, we plan to introduce a similar opportunity for them in the near future.