7 Elite Academy expands into South Africa, giving young footballers the chance to live, study and train in Cape Town.
7 Elite Academy has officially launched an innovative development and education programme in Cape Town, which offers world-class opportunities for boys aged 14–19 to access new pathways in professional football and academic growth.
Selected players will live on the shore of Hout Bay’s stunning coastline, just a short walk from the ocean. Nestled between dramatic mountain slopes and the sparkling Atlantic, the campus provides a unique environment where high-performance football training combines with academic study and life-changing cultural experiences.
Players will also compete against leading football academies and touring teams from around the world. Cape Town boasts facilities that match the best organisations in world sports, incredible landscapes and unique cultural experiences.
7 Elite Academy already operates globally across the UK and USA, delivering world-leading football education, tournaments, and community development programmes.
Anthony Godfrey, Global Academy Director at 7 Elite Academy, said: “This programme gives young players access to world-class coaching in one of the most breathtaking football environments on the planet.
“Not only will players train with top coaches every day, but they’ll also receive high-quality education and work alongside community development staff throughout the region.
“We’ve spent the last decade building a best-in-class player development pathway, and this programme takes that to another level, especially for players in our academies in Liverpool and Utah
who now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand their football, college, and career horizons.
“This programme is part of our expanding international Player Pathway that benefits young people from across the world, as well as players in the local area.
“7 Elite Academy will build on this partnership and ensure that players at any of our acadmies in the world can find and make the most of their own pathway outside their own country.”
Three comprehensive options are being offered, including High School for youngsters aged 14-18, and a Gap Year or Semester Abroad programme for older players. Each option follows a specific timetable and training plan that maximises a player’s physical and educational potential, alongside work in the local community.
Courses are tailored to each player’s need and are either 24 weeks or 48 weeks in length, with opportunities to extend the time spent in South Africa.
Michael Darby, Academy Director at 7 Elite Academy Cape Town, added: “This is a unique opportunity to welcome talented players from around the world. Our programme isn’t just about football, it’s about personal development, education, and preparing young people for life.
“We mirror the development models of the world’s most successful clubs and provide an environment where players can grow as athletes and as people.
“Cape Town’s unique blend of world-class facilities, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes makes it one of the most inspiring training environments for young players.
“We are proud to deliver this programme under the 7 Elite Academy global banner, with a partnership with Fleetwood Town FC and Waterford FC in the UK adding additional pathways.
7 Elite Academy administers and coaches teams for thousands of players across the world, in the United States, the United Kingdom and in East Africa.
