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Macclesfield FCUniversity of Lancashire

Gap Year Programme

The International Football Group in partnership with Macclesfield FC & University of Lancashire.

Gap Year Programme: in partnership with the University of Lancashire

Our innovative IFG Gap Year programme, in partnership with the University of Lancashire, helps athletes develop as footballers, experience different cultures and train like a professional!

This inspiring programme is open to anyone around the world over the age of 16. More than just a gap year, it aims to nurture skills, improve knowledge and make lifelong friendships — ticking all the boxes in terms of development as both a footballer and a young adult.

There can be no doubt that our Gap Year programme leads the way globally in football experiences, giving each player the opportunity to invest in the future whilst enjoying the time of their lives. The programme runs from September to May each year — get in touch today to register your interest!

The IFG Gap Year Programme

Train. Play. Live.
Like a pro

A full season living, training and playing like a professional footballer.

Professional football package

Everything you need to develop

The ultimate training and development environment, with UEFA-licensed coaches, world-class facilities, live-streamed matches and more. Explore the full package below.

Team & Player Analysis

Team & Player Analysis

The IFG coaches deliver team and player video-analysis sessions of both matches and training to understand where you can improve as a player & team.

UEFA Licensed Coaches

UEFA Licensed Coaches

The coaching staff brings a wealth of knowledge & expertise to the training ground. Possessing UEFA qualifications, they have honed their skills through years of practical experience.

Leasing.com Stadium

Leasing.com Stadium

Gain exclusive access to the 7,000-capacity home of Macclesfield FC, featuring state-of-the-art facilities including a gym, restaurant, fan zone, VIP lounges and analysis classrooms.

World Class Facilities

World Class Facilities

The University Sport Arena includes 3x 3G pitches and 7x grass pitches alongside indoor facilities like a strength & conditioning suite, analysis room and therapy room.

Daily Training

Daily Training

Daily training with a focus on both team and individual position-specific development, incorporating recovery sessions and detailed performance analysis across our indoor and outdoor facilities.

Learning Plan

Learning Plan

Every 12 weeks IFG players receive an Individual Learning Plan, including a one-to-one with their coach, to understand their development and create a clear & achievable path to success.

Technical Masterclass

Technical Masterclass

Throughout the training week players work in small groups focusing on position-specific areas of the game — allowing personal progression and more contact time with the ball and the coach.

Goalkeeper Training

Goalkeeper Training

The IFG goalkeepers have dedicated sessions just for them with our UEFA-qualified GK coaches.

Strength & Conditioning

Strength & Conditioning

IFG players receive weekly sessions at the Hybrid Training Centre with qualified coaches, helping prepare and improve physical development ready for matchday.

Live Streamed Matches

Live Streamed Matches

Every game is recorded via the club's Live VEO camera, allowing family and friends from around the world to watch the action as it happens.

Sports Therapists

Sports Therapists

Your safety is our priority. Our dedicated IFG sports therapists attend every session and game, offering instant injury assessment and treatment to maintain peak performance and prevent injuries.

Return to Play

Return to Play

The IFG return-to-play rehabilitation scheme helps players safely return to training and playing as quickly as possible, without re-occurring injuries.

IFG experiences

Football experiences across the world

Barcelona

Barcelona

Pre-season training

To kick off the season we travel to one of the most iconic footballing cities, Barcelona — visiting the city, training and facing competitive Spanish teams to prepare for the season ahead.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas

Mayors Cup

In February we take teams to Las Vegas to represent IFG Macclesfield FC in the Mayors Cup tournament against teams from around the world.

Student living

Accommodation

Experience the very best in student living with our top-tier, perfectly located accommodation.

  • Private, secure and lockable room
  • CCTV
  • Double bed
  • Workspace desk
  • En-suite private bathroom
  • Shared kitchen & lounge area
  • Gym access
  • Unlimited Wi-Fi
  • Communal lounge
  • Cinema room
  • Games hub
  • Pool table
  • Laundry facilities
  • 5-minute walk to town centre
  • 10-minute walk to train station
Pricing & dates

Programme costs

Best valueFull SeasonSep – May£18,500
  • Accommodation: £6,500
  • Athletic fees: £12,000
Half SeasonSep – Dec£10,000
  • Accommodation: £4000
  • Athletic fees: £6000
Half SeasonJan – May£10,000
  • Accommodation: £4000
  • Athletic fees: £6000
Start your journey

Begin your pathway

Apply to train inside world-class methodologies and graduate with an accredited degree — living in Europe's great cities.

Accredited degreesWorld-renowned partnersLive across Europe