How does it work?

German academies and clubs are always in need of talented players. The demand for international players is at an all-time high due to the increased success stories in recent years. GSA connects pre-selected academies and international players based on these factors. Academies are evaluated based on:

• Value (Costs vs. Experience)
• Success Stories & Proven Pathway
• Authenticity
• Quality of Coaching and Staff

Only if they meet enough standards will they be recommended to international players. The list may be updated, with new academies added or removed.

In recent years, many international academies have been established. While several of them provide excellent training, there are also many that do not effectively serve players, focusing instead on maximizing income and keeping players subscribed for as long as possible—because without this revenue, they would not survive.

How do You work? I want to understand your Role in the Academy and Player Selection Process

At GSA and Warubi Sports, our primary focus is to help players navigate their career pathways in soccer. While the academies we collaborate with concentrate on their daily routines to provide the best football and developmental experiences, our international team operates behind the scenes as “player agents.” This adds an additional network available for both players and academies. We explore various pathways for our players, including opportunities in college soccer, semi-professional and professional contracts, job placements, and other educational avenues. Learn more about potential outcomes and success stories

Impact on Warubi Sports’ Academy Selection Process

Due to our role in creating pathways for players, the reputation of the academies we work with directly influences our ability to create more opportunities. Therefore, we ensure that these academies meet our rigorous standards. We thoroughly vet each academy for authenticity—evaluating whether they are integrated into a legitimate league or a top club, or merely affiliated without direct ties. It’s essential for us to assess both the coaching staff and support personnel, as they play a crucial role in the developmental process, both on and off the pitch.

Importantly, none of the academies we recommend are owned by us. Our recommendations are based on what we believe works best for each individual player, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. We have also denied certain academies inclusion on our list or removed them when they no longer meet our standards, whether due to changes in coaching staff or feedback from parents and players.

Open-Door Policy for Transparency

We maintain an open-door policy for complete transparency with our partnered academies. Pre-approved players—those who have completed an initial assessment at a showcase or submitted their highlight and full game videos and qualify for the shortlist as potential recruits—are welcome to visit the academy for an official visit before making any commitments. In some cases, the costs associated with this official visit may be credited toward the academy fee.

Why are you doing this?

Besides our genuine love for the most beautiful game in the world and how it positively affects our lives, GSA receives a referral fee for recommending, educating, and preparing talented players for these selected academies. For the academies, it is more cost-effective and efficient to utilize our global network and tools, which have over 10 years of experience in identifying international talent, rather than employing additional scouts!

Additional benefits through GSA partner network for academies and players:

• Access to Agents, Scouts, Club, and College Network
• Identify Scholarships and Help communicate with academies
• Visa & Admission Support
• “Insurance” against scammy academies

You do not sign a representation contract with us. However, our pro partner agencies cover different leagues and tiers and will be watching you. If you perform well, they might sign you to represent you in front of clubs!

How long does it take to get recruited?

Recruiting can take anywhere from 2 weeks up to 8 months, depending on the academy that is currently in need of players as well as the profile of the player. We recommend starting as soon as possible to explore academy options and have enough time to take care of visa and admission.

After applying through our website, our scouts, along with the European scouts, will select student-athletes whom they believe to have high developmental potential.

The Recruitment Phases:

1. Highlight Video/Tryouts
2. Interview & Assessment
3. Player Profile
4. Academy Search & Offer
5. Visa & Pre-arrival plan

What type of student-athletes can apply?

While our primary focus is on recruiting players from the highest divisions (equivalent to MLS Next, ECNL, ECNRL, NCAA D1-3, NAIA, NJCAA D1), we welcome all players to apply. Interested candidates can submit their highlight videos or attend one of our ID showcases.

Players of all levels can apply! However, only the most talented players can expect to receive an offer (or multiple offer) from German soccer academies.

It serve as a pathway to a unique Pro Residency Academy, where players have the opportunity to live, train in Europe, and compete against German and selected European clubs, including Bundesliga teams. As such, a serious commitment to soccer and your future in the sport is a requirement.

We are seeking talented and dedicated student-athletes committed to their personal and professional growth.

How old do I have to be to join the German Soccer Academy?

To join our supported German Soccer Academies, you must be at least 16 years old. The maximum age is 23 years old, with a few exceptions.

Bundesliga Integrated Academy Team – FC Köln (Cologne, Germany)
Age 16-23

Borea Dresden Integrated Academy Team
Age 15-18

FC Bayern Global Academy – FC Köln (Cologne, Germany)
Age 15-17

Sportwerk Academy Team
Age 16-21

What is an Integrated Academy?

Picture yourself as a gifted player living in California or New York. The nearest MLS club is around 2 hours away, yet all you desire is to train like a professional soccer player. Now you can make it a reality – in Germany. Through our collaborations with pro clubs and academies in Germany, players reside on campus or nearby, training 6-12 times a week. This experience mirrors the lifestyle of professional football players, including taking part in competitive matches on a weekly basis. Our online schooling options ensure that you can continue your academic pursuits while enjoying the flexibility to train and play during daytime hours. In summary, Integrated Academies break down geographical boundaries, allowing North Americans to experience living and training like European players in their local environment.

How much does it cost to play in an international German Bundesliga Soccer Academy?

The raw costs for some programs, including tuition, housing, and other fees, can range up to 75,000 EUR a year, depending on the program.

The good news is that most academies offer partial scholarships (based on athletic and academic abilities) or other options to reduce the investment costs. Some academies also offer 3-6 month programs, which are pro-rated. Enquire now to see what is the right fit for you.

Why are your GSA partner academies cheaper compared to other similar international programs?

We get many partnership offers each year, but we only choose those that truly benefit the players.

The costs mainly come from three areas. Firstly, many clubs and academies charge high licensing fees, which often fall on the players and their families. These fees can be anywhere from 8,000 to 30,000 EUR each year, and they cover things like the club’s name, staff, facilities, and recruiters. Secondly, living costs like food, housing, transport, healthcare, and academic expenses can add up fast, especially in certain cities. These can cost 15,000 to 25,000 per season. Finally, agency and recruitment fees can cost 2,000 to 20,000 EUR. So in total, a full season of quality experience could cost between 25,000 to 75,000 EUR. As always, the truth typically lies somewhere in the middle, and anything more expensive may not provide equivalent value.

How do we help with this?

Selective Partnerships: We only work with clubs and academies that are fair and transparent about their pricing. We make sure that you only pay for what you receive, and that every cost is truly accounted for. Our partners offer reasonable prices while still providing all the quality and support you need in order to be successful on and off the field. We only recommend clubs and programs that we believe offer more value than their cost. This includes a team from the Bundesliga, as well as several academies that are part of the German league system.

Optimized Resources: We also collaborate with various agencies and partners globally to offer their resources at a reduced cost. These partners provide their expertise and experience for a fraction of the typical agency fees! This way, players can access all the necessary resources without having to bear the full cost of agency fees.

Sponsorships and Scholarships: Lastly, our sponsors offer substantial support and scholarships for the very best players. This assistance allows us to pass on these benefits to the players and their families.

Why is it a good Investment to play in a German Soccer academy?

A German Soccer Academy can be a great investment and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for every family and player who can afford the costs. You will join a network of professional agents and clubs, improve your soccer skills, learn a new language, and have access to new recruiting opportunities for your player profile (for example, video).

• Imagine receiving a better college scholarship deal by having additional video footage and experience from top German games.
• Imagine signing a pro contract so you can live your dream.
• Imagine finding a job (or a better job) in the future due to your ability to speak multiple languages.
• Imagine finding friends and future business partners from all over the world.

Germany has one of the highest reputations and a transparent league system with promotion and relegation. In just a few months or years, you can add valuable skills to your resume (soccer, language, personality, network, etc.). It has happened before, so why not you?

Learn more about potential outcomes and success stories

What is the duration of the Academy Programs?

Players can select from various durations, including 3 months or one full season (~9-10 months). Enrolling for multiple seasons or years is also an option. New players can join the program at different starting points throughout the year, such as January, April, July, or October.

Why is Germany Soccer Academy (GSA) the fastest growing program for elite youth soccer players who want to train in Europe and Germany?

Germany Soccer Academy (GSA) stands out through its comprehensive integration with a professional 1. Bundesliga club as well as FIFA-certified agents and scouts. GSA works with the soccer side of professional clubs, providing unparalleled opportunities at the highest level. The Academy’s exceptional reputation attracts scouts and head coaches from prestigious European football clubs, solidifying its position as a leader in the field.

What does the day in the life of a student-athlete look like?

As an elite program catering to top athletes, players train a minimum of 5-6 days per week.

Here’s an example of a typical day in the life of an Integrated Academy player:

While this is a sample schedule, various team and character-building activities for players at least once a month.

Will I become a professional soccer player after my year in Europe?

Training with accomplished European clubs, following their established methodologies and learning from UEFA Licensed coaches, will undoubtedly enhance your game and individual player growth. This one-of-a-kind opportunity offers the ideal setting for pursuing a professional football career. Nevertheless, reaching the pinnacle of such a competitive sport like football can be challenging even for the most talented athletes. We can guarantee that each player will achieve their maximum potential.

We pride ourselves on collaborating with every player individually to develop their personalized player pathways. Additionally, we have an extensive network of agents, clubs, and colleges, to which we send regular player suggestions.

How are the soccer academies in Germany ranked worldwide?

Europe has always been at the forefront of youth soccer player development, with Germany standing out as one of the top nations for nurturing highly-skilled athletes. Learn more about the German soccer culture here.

Why are Soccer Academies in Germany looking for international players?

German soccer academies seek talented international players for various reasons, such as accessing a worldwide talent pool and obtaining a competitive edge. They understand that soccer is an international sport, with gifted players hailing from all around the world.

Clubs aim to scout young international players within a European soccer environment, providing them with a cost-effective scouting method. For example, our partner academies produced over 100 national and international players who have gone on to compete at the professional level, including the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Why is it important for my development as a player to train in Germany? 

For young international soccer players, Germany is an ideal country for training.

The German youth development program is considered the best globally from a systematic perspective. Comparing not only the Bundesliga but also the second, third, fourth, and fifth tiers of soccer in Germany, there is a standardized pathway and highly educated coaches.

Germany is the only European country that guarantees a visa for Americans if they receive a contract offer, a benefit not available in other countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Spain, France, and more. Even if a player is talented enough to get a contract offer in those countries, they still face visa challenges. Additionally, there is an easier transition into the German football system, as most Germans speak English.

Upon entering the German soccer system, American youth soccer players often recognize a gap between their daily experiences in the United States and what they might encounter in a more intense environment. Becoming aware of this difference is crucial for players and can lead to significant improvements.

Which pro clubs will be evaluating the players?

Particularly clubs that don’t possess the financial resources of Bayern or Dortmund are highly interested in innovative approaches. Soccer is a massive business in Germany, and agents are constantly searching for the next Pulisic. They’re keen on scouting players on-site during European competitions or inviting them for trials. By partnering with us, they essentially gain access to an outsourced scouting department.

However, this does not guarantee a free pass to a professional club. In Germany, they say “the truth lies on the field,” reflecting the reality that the competition is fierce.

What school will the players attend?

Players will be attending a school that has a full academic program. Players can apply for public, private, and language course options. In recent years, online schooling has become increasingly popular!

This is very important — we absolutely cannot ignore the academic side of player development. The failure rate in professional football is so high that we have to be sure that the boys are all prepared to deal with life if football doesn’t work out for them.