Steven Gerrard Academy

What Steven Gerrard Academy does

Steven Gerrard Academy is a privately held UK-based football and education provider founded in 2011, headquartered at Wyncote Sports Ground in Liverpool, that delivers full-time football and academic programmes for students aged 16–19, supplemented by a younger NextGen offering (ages 4–8) and a women's football track. The core academic portfolio spans a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports, Coaching and Development (up to 168 UCAS points), a Football Media Programme, a Higher National Certificate in Sport delivered with Sysco Education Group, and a BSc(Hons) Football Industry degree delivered with UCEN Manchester and Sheffield Hallam University. Football instruction is delivered by UEFA A Licensed coaches using a five-part session structure (technical, possession/pattern of play, small-sided game/phase of play, and cool-down) with sports-science support, and students compete in regional and national leagues including the FA Youth Cup, National Football Youth League, and international tournaments such as the Dallas Cup (won twice).

The academy operates across seven physical sites: Liverpool (headquarters), Kirkby, Chester, Lancashire (Chorley FC partnership), Nottingham (Stapleford Town FC partnership, £5m facility), Derry City (Derry City FC and St Joseph's Boys' School partnership), and Tenerife (within Tenerife Top Training). It reports 600+ currently enrolled students, 10+ UEFA Licensed Coaches, 25 competing teams, 1,500+ cumulative graduates, and 20+ graduates playing in semi-professional or professional clubs — including high-profile alumni such as Paul Mullin and Jack Hazelhurst. Brand credibility is anchored by the Steven Gerrard eponymous identity, the Missy-Bo Kearns ambassadorship, and access to elite venues including St George's Park and Liverpool FC's AXA Training Centre.

Revenue is generated through tuition fees from individual students (with UK Student Finance and Maintenance Loans covering eligible higher-education learners), NextGen per-session fees, and partnership/site arrangements with professional clubs and educational delivery partners. The GTM is direct-to-consumer via the website application system and event-driven via showcase tournaments, supported by a recruitment coordinator and school partnerships. Headcount sits in the 11–50 firmographic band, with a leadership team including three Managing Directors (David MacDiarmid, David Rowe, Paul Gerrard) and functional Directors for Operations, Football, Marketing, and Finance. The company is privately held with no disclosed external funding or parent company.

Name

Steven Gerrard Academy

Legal name

Steven Gerrard Academy

Website

https://stevengerrardacademy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Steven Gerrard Academy is a privately held UK-based football and education provider, founded in 2011 in Liverpool, delivering full-time football training combined with BTEC, HNC, and BSc programmes to 600+ students aged 16–19 across seven sites in the UK and Tenerife.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sports Education and Football Training

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Single-Sport Skill Academies (Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, etc.) (MPAKAJAB)

Keywords

• Football coaching academy
• Youth education programme
• BTEC sports qualifications
• UEFA licensed coaching
• Semi-professional football pathway

Headquarters

HQ city

Liverpool

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Education Programme Tuition: Full-time football and education programme for ages 16-19, combining BTEC qualifications with football training. Students gain up to 168 UCAS points through two-year programme. Revenue generated through tuition fees, partially supported by UK Student Finance for eligible students.
2. Football Media Programme: Two-year full-time Level 3 BTEC course equivalent to 3 A-Levels, worth up to 168 UCAS points. Revenue from tuition fees for dedicated football media education.
3. Higher National Certificate in Sport: One-year Level 4 qualification (120 credits) for students aged 18+. Delivered in partnership with Sysco Education Group. Students eligible for Student Finance and Maintenance Loans.
4. Football Industry Degree: Three-year BSc(Hons) Football Industry degree in partnership with UCEN Manchester and Sheffield Hallam University. Student finance available with bursaries for eligible students.
5. NextGen Youth Sessions: Weekly football sessions for boys and girls aged 4-8 held Thursday after school at Wyncote Sports Grounds. Fee-based sessions contributing to student coach qualification costs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Steven Gerrard Academy provides a full-time football and education programme for students aged 16-19, combining UEFA-licensed football coaching with BTEC Level 3, Higher National Certificate, and BSc Football Industry degree qualifications. The academy also runs women's football teams, an Elite Football track for professional aspirants, and NextGen sessions for ages 4-8, delivered across seven sites in the UK and Tenerife.

Product overview

Steven Gerrard Academy operates as a unified football and education platform offering multiple integrated programmes for students aged 16-19. The core portfolio includes the Education Programme (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma), Football Media Programme, Football Industry Degree, and Higher National Certificate in Sport, all combined with football training. Additional offerings include Elite Football tracks, Girls Team, and NextGen youth development (ages 4-8). The academy delivers programmes across seven locations in the UK and Tenerife, Spain, with unique international experiences including tournaments in Dallas, Spain, and Las Vegas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Education Programme (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma) Two-year full-time BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports, Coaching and Development providing up to 168 UCAS points. Combines coaching theory with football training, plus coaching experiences with local clubs and schools, for students aged 16-19.
• Football Media Programme Two-year full-time Level 3 BTEC course equivalent to 3 A Levels, worth up to 168 UCAS points, based in Liverpool. Provides practical experience in broadcasting, commentary, content creation, podcasting, journalism, photography, videography, and marketing for careers in football or sports media.
• Football Industry Degree (BSc Hons) Three-year BSc (Hons) Football Industry degree delivered in partnership with UCEN Manchester and Sheffield Hallam University. Flexible undergraduate degree studied alongside football commitments, covering football coaching, conditioning, marketing, media, and people management.
• Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Sport One-year Level 4 qualification (120 credits) delivered in partnership with Sysco Education Group for students aged 18+. Designed for those pursuing careers in coaching, sport management, performance, and health in sport, with flexible blended learning.
• Football Programme Comprehensive football development programme featuring high-level training sessions with UEFA-certified coaches, real game experience in regional and national leagues and cups, sports science approach, and access to top-level facilities across UK locations.
• Elite Football Elite track for players aiming to play professional or semi-professional football. Secures trials at professional clubs, provides showcase games, elite training sessions with UEFA A Licensed coaches, opportunities to play at Category A academies, and participation in FA Youth Cup and National Football Youth League.
• Girls Team (Women's Football Programme) Women's football programme based at Wyncote Sports Ground with two teams playing in the NFYL Women's Championship and the AOC Sport Women's League. Includes weekly training, league games, and annual tours abroad for female footballers aged 16-19.
• NextGen (Ages 4-8) Weekly football training sessions for boys and girls aged 4-8 held at Wyncote Sports Grounds. Led by UEFA-certified coaches, sessions focus on developing football skills and confidence in a safe and supportive environment, with per-session fees.

Quantifiable outcome

• 600+ students currently enrolled
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Derry City F.C.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration between Derry City FC, St. Joseph's Boys' School, and Steven Gerrard Academy. Elite football training combined with solid educational foundation. Young players can train and play full-time for Derry City while pursuing education.
• Chorley F.C.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership creates direct pathways into Chorley FC first team. Manager Andy Preece regularly takes sessions alongside coaching staff. Over ten students have made first team debuts.
• Stapleford Town F.C.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrand new £5m facility. Partnership creates pathways into U21s, reserves, and first team. Students have progressed through Stapleford teams including training regularly with first team.
• Tenerife Top TrainingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademy location within Tenerife Top Training grounds in La Caleta. Students access world-class facilities for sports industry programme. Strategic partnerships with local schools and sports clubs for work experience.
• Sysco Education GroupcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDelivery partner for Higher National Certificate in Sport. Sysco Group has over 35 years experience, rated Ofsted Grade 2 (Good) July 2024. 95% pass rate with 88% of graduates progressing to employment or further education.
• UCEN ManchestercoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUniversity partner delivering BSc(Hons) Football Industry degree alongside Sheffield Hallam University. Recognised undergraduate degree combinable with football commitments.
• Sheffield Hallam UniversitycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUniversity partner delivering BSc(Hons) Football Industry degree alongside UCEN Manchester. Student finance available with bursaries for eligible students.
• AmazonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership provides modern classroom facilities at Kirkby location. Brand new facilities for student learning environment.
• FA WalesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChester students have opportunity to earn FAW Level 2 coaching certificate. Additional chance to visit Colliers Park, home of Welsh football.
• FA Youth CupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElite players compete in FA Youth Cup against professional youth academies. Access to highest level youth competition in England.
• St George's ParkcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerStudents visit home of England football teams. Take part in UEFA Licensed coaching sessions often led by former professional footballers. Players have met national team manager and trained near first team.
• Liverpool FC (AXA Training Centre)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSessions at Liverpool FC's training ground happen throughout season. Players from all sites get opportunity to train in same facilities as Liverpool's first team.
• Pro Academy Clubs (Brentford, Aston Villa, Rangers)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRecent squad visits to Brentford, Aston Villa, Rangers, and Colliers Park. Trips to professional academies include learning from coaches and playing friendly games.
• LFCTVminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFootball Media Programme students visit LFCTV for industry experience. Part of practical media education alongside theoretical learning.
• The Anfield WrapminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFootball Media Programme students gain work experience at The Anfield Wrap. Real-world media industry exposure.
• Missy-Bo Kearns (Aston Villa/England Lionesses)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Ambassador for the Academy. Aston Villa and England Lionesses U23's player providing role model connection for female students.
• Access Sport CollegecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEducation partner for BTEC programmes. Together with Steven Gerrard Academy rated 'Good' by Ofsted. Provides academic qualification delivery alongside football training.
• St Joseph's Boys' School DerrycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership with Derry City FC and Steven Gerrard Academy. Provides educational foundation with interview process for programme entry. Progressive high-quality qualifications supporting university and employment pathways.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Academy 92 (Salford City): Football and education programme founded by the Class of '92 (Gary Neville, Scholes, etc.) offering BTEC/diploma courses combined with elite football coaching for 16-19-year-olds. Closest direct analogue to SGA's celebrity-name, football-plus-education positioning.
• We Make Footballers: UK football coaching academy franchise providing development programmes for children and youth, including 16-19 education pathways. Comparable multi-site operating model and similar age-group segmentation to SGA.
• League Football Education (LFE): UK-based organization delivering football and education programmes for 16-19-year-olds through EFL and non-league clubs. Direct competitor offering the same combined football-plus-qualifications model that SGA targets, with a similar college-based BTEC stack.
• Pro Direct Soccer Academy: UK football education provider combining coaching with academic study for school-leavers. Operates multiple sites delivering football development alongside BTEC qualifications — competing head-on with SGA for the same student demographic.
• Soccer Skills Academy: UK football academy delivering skill-based coaching and education-linked programmes for youth players, including age groups overlapping with SGA's 16-19 segment. Similar focus on individual technical development and competitive fixtures.

Broad incumbents

• IMG Academy (US): US-based boarding sports education institution combining elite athletic training with academic qualification. Globally the most prominent sport-plus-education model; SGA is effectively a non-residential, single-sport UK version of this concept.
• Aspire Academy (Qatar): Qatar-based elite sports academy combining football coaching with academic education at scale. International benchmark for full-time football and education integration, often cited alongside SGA in the global academy category.
• Football Academy UK: The Football Association's talent development pathway operates St George's Park and an elite national player pathway. A broader incumbent in youth football development; SGA leverages St George's Park and FA Youth Cup access for its elite players.

Others

• UCEN Manchester: Higher-education partner that delivers SGA's BSc Football Industry degree. Adjacent enabling partner within SGA's ecosystem rather than a competitor.

Emerging players

• Brentford FC FCASE Programme: Professional academy programme combining full-time education with elite football for 16-19-year-olds. Emerging direct competitor benefiting from Premier League professional club resources and shown through SGA's own partnership visits.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SGerrardAcademy
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCTjugugBTlVQ2XB76x7yhrA
• Facebookfacebook.com/steven.gerrardacademy
• Instagraminstagram.com/stevengerrard.academy
• TikToktiktok.com/@stevengerrard.academy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stevengerrardacademy

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles24 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Steven Gerrard Academy