Question 1

Who is this programme built for?

Accepted Answer

Players 17–24 who are serious about the professional game and unwilling to sacrifice their education or global network to get there.

Question 2

Where does the programme run?

Accepted Answer

In three club environments: Phoenix United FC in Dubai, Radcliffe FC in Greater Manchester and Silves FC in the Algarve, Portugal.

Question 3

What are the two pathways?

Accepted Answer

Football + Degree combines the football programme with an accredited university degree. The Pro Football Pathway is a football-only route for players whose priority is to push their game as far as they can.

Question 4

How many places are there?

Accepted Answer

There are 20 places for the first season in Dubai. We only accept players who meet the level — we do not fill places to make up numbers.

Question 5

What league does Phoenix United play in?

Accepted Answer

The UAE Third Division — the official fourth tier of the UAE FA pyramid. It is a fully professional competition.

Question 6

Am I guaranteed to play?

Accepted Answer

No. Minutes cannot be bought. They are earned. Your investment provides the platform. Playing time is dictated entirely by your work ethic — you'll fight for your spot every week.

Question 7

Who are the coaches?

Accepted Answer

The first team is led by Manager Jamie Ward, a former Northern Ireland international, with Matt Lowton as Assistant Manager.

Question 8

Are matches recorded?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Dubai every match is officially recorded for tactical review and international recruitment.

Question 9

Is the university degree accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Delivered by an internationally accredited university partner, on your schedule, alongside your football.

Question 10

When do I study?

Accepted Answer

In Dubai the afternoons include dedicated hours for your university degree, between morning training and evening conditioning or video analysis.

Question 11

Do you handle visas and accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Everything is handled. UAE residency, airport transfers, 4-star hotel residence, medical insurance, meals, laundry, private transport — all included.

Question 12

What happens after the season?

Accepted Answer

The network opens. Portugal (Silves FC), England (Radcliffe FC), the US college route — or a professional transfer.

Question 13

Can I stay beyond the first season?

Accepted Answer

Players who perform can stay on beyond the first season. We discuss it on the evaluation call.

Question 14

How does the application work?

Accepted Answer

Submit the form, we call you for an evaluation and explore scholarship options, then a video call with a coach. Accepted players join a WhatsApp group with the family and operations team before travelling to the academy.

Question 15

What do I need to apply?

Accepted Answer

Your position, age, level and footage. The form takes about five minutes and goes directly to our recruitment team.

Question 16

Are scholarships available?

Accepted Answer

We explore the option for a scholarship during the evaluation call, based on your background, footage and ambitions.

Question 17

How is player welfare handled?

Accepted Answer

In Dubai players live in 4-star hotel accommodation with 24/7 security and 24/7 on-site player welfare.

Question 18

Is medical cover included?

Accepted Answer

International medical insurance for training and matches is included in Dubai, together with physiotherapy, ice baths and recovery.

Question 19

How do families stay informed?

Accepted Answer

Each player gets a dedicated WhatsApp group with the family, the coach and the operations team — documents, dates and questions in one place.

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The programme