Study Your Degree. Play Year-Round.
​Grow in a Professional Soccer Environment.

UDA 2025-2026

The UDA Women’s Academy at the University of Chester offers a complete student-athlete experience — academic excellence, professional coaching, and pathways with Chester FC Women — all within a supportive campus community.

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Meet our Staff

• Guaranteed Playing Opportunities
• UEFA-Licensed Coaching
• 3-Year UK Degrees
• Train with Chester FC Women

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Why the uda chester women's soccer academy?

​Year-Round Development
​Train and compete across a true 9-month season — much more contact time than typical U.S. college schedules.

Degree + Soccer Combined
​Choose from over 80 degree programs and complete a 3-year UK degree, reducing your overall tuition cost.

Real Playing Pathways
You’re guaranteed meaningful playing opportunities — not just a roster spot. Players also have opportunities to train with Chester FC Women.

Professional Coaching Environment
UEFA-qualified staff, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, and sports science support.

Student Support
​On-campus UDA Student Support Officer to support academic, social, and emotional wellbeing.

Career & Alumni Development
Experiential learning, career preparation, and UDA’s Dream Maker Program to support success beyond university.

What You Get Inside the Academy

Training & Performance

• Three on-field sessions per week (training or games)
• One competitive match per week (university or local women’s team)
• Strength & conditioning programs
• Gym membership
• Individual fitness testing
• Match analysis sessions
• Sports psychology
• Nutrition planning
• Pathways to local professional clubs and employment opportunities
• Academic timetables may vary and set training windows.
  Playing season runs September–early May with Christmas and Easter breaks.

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​Selective Recruitment Strategy
We recruit like-minded student-athletes who want a global experience and are committed to reaching their highest potential both on and off the field.

Guaranteed Playing Opportunities
You will not be a roster bench warmer — every player is developed and given real opportunities to grow.

Partnership With Chester FC Women

​Players have the opportunity to train with and gain experience alongside Chester FC Women, who compete in Division One South of the North West Women’s Regional Football League.
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All coaching and program philosophy are aligned with the full UDA coaching team.

Learn More about Chester FC Women

Get to know the university of chester

The University of Chester is one of the UK’s oldest higher-education institutions with over 180 years of history.
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With 20,000 students from 130+ countries, Chester is a friendly, vibrant, and safe environment for international student-athletes.

Academic Options

• 80+ degree programs (undergraduate and graduate)
• Small classes and student-centered learning
• Experiential coursework that builds employable skills

Scholarship Opportunities (Sports & Exercise)
Students interested in the following degrees may be eligible for scholarship funding:

• Sport and Exercise Sciences BSc (Hons)
• Sport and Exercise Sciences (Combined) BSc (Hons)
• Sports Coaching BSc (Hons)

Discover Chester

Find your degree

Experience UDA Chester this Summer!

Our Summer Tour gives student-athletes a first-hand look at the UDA experience:

• Train with UDA coaching staff
• Visit the University of Chester
• Explore English football culture
• Tour iconic UK stadiums
• Experience what life as a UDA student-athlete feels like

Learn more about this experience

FAQs

How is this different from U.S. college soccer?
You train more, compete longer, have guaranteed playing opportunities, and access flexible degree choices — all within a UK university experience.

Can I study any degree?
Yes. Students can choose from more than 80 programs across multiple fields of study.

Will I have support on campus?
Yes. A dedicated UDA Student Support Officer helps with academics, wellbeing, and daily life in Chester.

NOW RECRUITING

LEARN MORE

Click on the "Recruit Me" link to fill out your information and be contacted by a recruiter!

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Questions?

Brenton Dawson
Women's Recruitment Director
[email protected]

John Dyke
Program Director
[email protected]