Scholarship Connect 2
A route for U.S. soccer players to spend a gap year in the UK
In partnership with Park View International Football Academy, Scholarship Connect 2 provides U.S. soccer players with the opportunity to experience English football as part of a full-time gap year.
Ambitious players can make the move from the U.S. to the UK to train, compete and continue their development within a full-time academy programme.
Based in County Durham, UK, Park View combines professional coaching, regular competition, player analysis and individual development to give international players a comprehensive football experience.
Your Gap Year in the UK…
A year at Park View is built around football.
Players train and play six days a week, with a competitive games programme alongside daily strength and conditioning, individual goal setting, player feedback and post-match analysis.
The programme is designed to replicate the demands of the modern professional game while helping players grow both on and off the pitch.
Compete in English Football
Park View players have opportunities to compete across a range of levels and formats throughout the year.
The programme includes EC Premier League competition, National Step System adult leagues, showcase games, semi-professional and professional opportunities, as well as competitive games and trials in Europe and beyond.
The aim is to give players meaningful competition and exposure while experiencing football in the UK.
What You Can Expect
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Train under experienced, UEFA-qualified coaches with professional playing and coaching backgrounds.
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Play regular competitive fixtures as part of Park View’s established games programme.
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Build strength, fitness and physical performance through regular strength and conditioning sessions.
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Work towards personalised goals with a development plan tailored to your needs as a player.
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Use match and training footage to review your performance and identify areas for improvement.
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Use performance data to monitor key physical metrics and support data-driven player development.
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Access support designed to help you perform at your best both physically and mentally.
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Receive specialist support focused on injury prevention, recovery and returning to play.
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Maintain your eligibility for NCAA and NAIA opportunities while completing your gap year at Park View.
More Than a Gap Year
Living and training in the UK gives players the opportunity to experience English football culture, develop independence and build important life skills away from home.
Players stay in modern student accommodation with fully equipped facilities and reliable Wi-Fi, providing a comfortable base throughout their time at the academy.
Keep Your Next Step Open
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Maintain a route to the U.S. College and University system through Scholarship Connect, Park View’s trusted recruiting and onboarding partner.
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Explore opportunities within the UK University system while gaining further experience in English football.
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Access pathways and opportunities connected to the professional game.
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Take part in showcase games, competitive fixtures and potential trials in the UK, Europe and beyond.
Interested In Learning More?
Whether you are a Player or a Coach in the United States, register your interest today and a member of the Scholarship Connect team will be in contact with more information.