Aberystwyth International Football Academy (AIFA)

Established in 1872, as the first University College in Wales, Aberystwyth University is one of the UK’s most important institutions. Its reputation for research power, teaching excellence, graduate employability and unbelievable location, are what set it apart from other universities.  

The University prides itself on being ranked #1 in the UK for Teaching Quality^*. Teaching is directly informed by cutting-edge research, includes a strong focus on developing professional skills, and a high staff-student ratio means every student has the support they need to succeed. Student Satisfaction is higher than at any other UK University^** and 97% of our graduates are in employment or further study within 6 months^***.

_{*The Times & Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2021 
** The Times & Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2021
***Higher Education Statistics Agency 2018}

Through the Aberystwyth International Football Academy, students can study any undergraduate degree programme offered by Aberystwyth University but must meet the usual entry requirements for that programme. See below for more details on how to apply.

Aberystwyth Town Football Club is a semi-professional football team currently playing in the Cymru Premier, the top domestic professional tier of football in Wales. The club was founded in 1884 and plays at Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, where the ground accommodates 5,000 spectators with 1,000 of that capacity seated. The club is one of the founding members of the Cymru Premier, with qualification berths for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa and UEFA Conference Leagues.

The club's youth team, Aberystwyth Town Under 19's, currently play in the Welsh Premier Development League – South, while the Ladies team play in the Welsh Premier Women's League.

The club has an academy, which has produced many players that have played for the first team and some that have gone on to play at higher levels.

AIFA Provides:

• Minimum 10 hours a week participation on AIFA Player Development Program;
• Home games played at Park Avenue Stadium, home of Aberystwyth Town FC;
• Professional Football Training and Coaching delivered by elite UEFA licensed coaches;
• Opportunity to participate in Showcase Games organised in partnership with PEEFA;
• Represent Aberystwyth International Football Academy age categories, U19. U20 and U23 in the British Universities and College Leagues.
• Full-time season with games running between September – April;
• Mentoring, Support and Player Development Evaluations;
• Access to the University Gym Facilities and Individualised Fitness Program.

Aberystwyth is a vibrant and welcoming university town in a stunning location on the west coast of the UK. It is both at the heart of Wales and home to a rich variety of cultures, people and entertainment. It is also home to the impressive National Library of Wales: a national treasure and one of few places to contain a copy of every book ever printed in the UK.

The University has two campuses and several locations for research and study. The University's main teaching campus, Penglais, is located on Penglais Hill overlooking the town and seafront. It is home to the majority of our academic departments, 24/7 study facilities, our Tamed Da restaurant, the Arts Centre, the Students' Union and the University's Sports Centre/Gym.

There is plenty to do both inside and outside of Aberystwyth. From visiting its numerous high-street and boutique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants – to exploring the local sights of the Cliff Railway, Constitution Hill, Seafront, Bandstand, Old College, Castle Ruins, Harbour and more.

Outside of Aberystwyth, there are great outdoors locations such as Nant Yr Arian and Hafod which provide great spots for wandering through woodland, trekking up hillsides or cycling down mountain bike trails. Keen triathletes, surfers, kayakers, mountain climbers and more will never have to travel far to enjoy their passions.

Aberystwyth University and Aberystwyth Town Football Club are pleased to be working with Pro-Ethical Sports Management as exclusive recruitment partners for the Aberystwyth International Football Academy (AIFA). If you are interested in finding out more or making an application, please sign up by completing a consultation with Pro Ethical Sports at https://pesfootballagency.setmore.com/

Contact Details:

For any further enquiries regarding AIFA please contact:

• AIFA Head of Recruitment - Michael Pryce, mike.pryce@proethicalsport.com
• AIFA International Partner - Enoch Showunmi, info@globalsoccerpathways.com
• AIFA Student Recruitment - Pro Ethical Sports Management, office@proethicalsport.com

• International Tuition Fees at Aberystwyth University are between £14,000 and £16,000 per year (undergraduate programmes in the UK are 3 years);
• Football Academy Fees are £6,000 per year;
• Accommodation Fees depend on your choice of accommodation, but all international students are eligible for the International Accommodation Award, which provides on-campus accommodation at no extra cost, or with a £2,000 discount;
• PES career consultation fee approximate cost of £99;
• Student Visa tends to cost around £350;
• Healthcare surcharge will also cost around £1,500 for the full 3 years

As part of the AIFA, students can live on or next to the Aberystwyth University campus. Or there are various private accommodation options within the town itself.

Find out more about Accommodation Options.

International Accommodation Award
All international students are eligible for the International Accommodation Award, which provides on-campus accommodation at no extra cost, or with a £2,000 discount.