With over 25 years experience developing and producing professional footballers we offer the same professionalism, coaching and training methods as professional teams.
The Independent Football Academy better known as the I.F.A. started 1995 in London. Founded by Eugene Dwaah, an exceptional youth player who also loved travelling. It was on one of his many trips to Italy that he discovered the difference in approach to youth football development on the continent. Further travel to Spain confirmed this.
Eugene became a student of the game, using his networks to educate himself on player development and coaching styles. Upon his return to the UK, he took on the role of Barnet Schools FA Manager overseeing the football development of young school children in the London Borough of Barnet before returning to his first club Princes Park to manage the new Under 8’s Team.
In a 10-year period, Eugene produced over 50 academy players for clubs including West Ham, Chelsea, QPR, Barnet and Crystal Palace. In 2000, Eugene met a man who was to become his mentor Adrian McElligott (Mac) who was a senior scout at Chelsea FC at the time. Eugene stated that he was like a father figure and his footballing hero. in 2002, Mac moved to Fulham as part of Mohamed Al Fayed revolution to Head up Player recruitment and asked Eugene to take on the role of North London Region Scout.
Within 5 Years, Eugene had been appointed on a full-time basis to head up Talent Identification and Recruitment as well as development of the London wide Talent Centres programme.
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“WE ARE A GLOBALLY RECOGNISED AND RESPECTED SPORTS BRAND.
The Academy, the academy has been known as Barnet Colts, Warden FC, Jason Roberts IFA, Soccerlution and now back to our original name Independent Football Academy IFA.
- Specialist Alternative Provision (100% Sports & Education Centre)
- Sports Charity (Beyond Education Sports Foundation)
- Sport Facilities Management (Bridgestone Arena and Barking Rugby Club partnership)
- Sports Showcase League (London Youth Premier showcase)
ELITE PATHWAYS
We currently work closely with 3 clubs:
- Crystal Palace Academy
- Peterborough Academy
- West Ham Academy through our partnership with New Generation
OUR OFFER
- Coaching ethos and style mirroring our partners professional academies
- Opportunities for children of all levels
- Fun, inspiring and safe environment for all
FOOTBALL TOURS TO SOME OF THE BEST CLUBS AND DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD
Designed to develop skills and inspire confidence in youngsters no matter what their ability, our tailored sports development tours to the UK, Europe and worldwide offer professional coaching at some of the world’s top professional clubs and federations, including access to world class training facilities, stadium tours and fixtures against local opposition – Evolution tours provide a truly unique experience.
FOOTBALL TOURS IN SPAIN
La Liga is one of the most competitive leagues in Europe with the Spanish teams enjoying considerable success in European competitions. Feel like a professional in the Spanish top tier; train with professional coaches and visit iconic stadia – the likes of Real Madrid C.F., Valencia C.F. and Villarreal C.F.
FOOTBALL TOURS IN ITALY
TOUR INCLUSIONS…
- Access to Suning Youth Development Centre training facilities
- Scheduled training sessions with academy coaching staff in Inter training kit, which players get to keep
- Pre-arranged matches against local opposition
- Behind the scenes tour of the San Siro Stadium
- Watch a first team fixture in a dedicated inspiresport area of the San Siro (subject to availability)
- Quality Hotel Accommodation on a full board basis in the heart of Milan
- Take a Milan City Tour which includes a visit to Inter’s office headquarters and trophy room plus 20% off all merchandise
- Dedicated Account Manager
- All flights and in-destination transfers
- Supervisory FREE places for all sports tour organisers
- Service of a bilingual representative at all times
IFA is proud of our long history of playing a part in developing young people and players for professional academies.
Just some of the players who have gone through our system, Charlie Goode (Brentford), Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell), Steven Alzate (Brighton), Omar Richards (Bayern Munich). View more of our academy graduates