Men’s Football Academy

Gower College Swansea boasts the first and only Pro:Direct Football Academy in Wales. 

The Pro:Direct South Wales Football Academy allows players of all genders to train full-time like a pro, whilst studying one of the numerous College courses that fit in with the training slots and games. The most popular of these courses are the Extended Certificate/National Diploma in Football, Coaching and Performance (Worth one/three A Levels).  

At Gower College Swansea, we are looking for players who are willing to go the extra mile to create success for both themselves and the football academy. We want to work as a team to give our players a high-level experience, where our game play is extraordinary. Our achievements reach sensational heights, ensuring we optimise the opportunities our players get. 

Benefits

  • Training and fixtures
    • Daily training sessions
    • 12-14 hours of coaching with UEFA A and FA licensed coaches per week
    • Weekly competitive fixtures in the ECFA Premier League
    • VEO footage and analysis
  • Pro-level fitness, recovery and diet programmes
    • Physiotherapy access
    • Diet plans and nutritional advice
    • Strength and conditioning training, gym plans and fitness sessions
  • Progression
    • Programmes to advance players towards earning a Pro Contract
  • Other opportunities
    • Elite scholarship packages
    • Work experience and employment opportunitie
    • Match tickets, stadium tours, trips, guest speakers and workshops
    • Nike brand opportunities and events
    • Pro:Direct Soccer discount codes
    • External opportunities experiencing workshop with elite stakeholders – We have taken our learners to Benfica, Portugal, visiting some of the best facilities in the footballing world! We also work closer to home, arranging workshops with the likes of Swansea FC

Coaches

Richard South, Head of PDA South Wales Men’s Academy and 1st Team Manager.
Richard joined in 2003, helping to merge the Swansea and Gorseinon squads to create the Gower College Swansea Football Academy. Richard has a wealth of experience, having worked for Swansea City AFC and Manchester United Soccer Schools for over ten years. He also coached overseas in the USA, Asia and Europe.

Andrew Stokes, PDA South Wales Men’s Lead Coach.
An alumnus of the College, Andrew has been an integral part of the Academy since 2014. He has worked for Swansea City, Swansea Schoolboys and Manchester United Soccer Schools and has coached overseas in the USA, Asia, Africa and Europe. Andrew has a UEFA A License and is a Coach Educator for the FAW as well as a JD Cymru League Manager.