DENSTONE COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP
IOF ACADEMY
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Denstone College is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with IOF Academy, introducing an innovative programme designed to support aspiring footballers in combining elite-level training with a full and balanced education.
Launching in September, the programme will be available to pupils from School Years 1–13, offering those already studying at Denstone the opportunity to enhance their educational journey with a focused football development pathway. The initiative is designed to complement the College's strong academic offering while providing specialist support for students considering a future in professional football or international scholarship opportunities.
The programme will offer two clear entry points:
1. Pre-Academy Programme
School Years 1–6
Two structured coaching sessions each week, providing younger players with an enjoyable, challenging and age-appropriate introduction to the IOF development pathway.
2. Full-Time Football & Education Programme
School Years 7–13
Five football development sessions each week, alongside a structured games programme, individual development support and access to wider football, education, and career pathways.
A Comprehensive Pathway
Delivered in collaboration with IOF Academy, the programme provides a comprehensive pathway that combines:
- Full-time football development
- Academic education within Denstone College
- USA scholarship placement opportunities
- Showcase exposure to US college coaches
- Professional football pathways
This unique partnership enables students to pursue their academic ambitions alongside high-performance training, equipping them with the skills, experience and exposure needed to succeed both on and off the pitch.
More Than Elite Football Coaching
The IOF programme is designed to support the complete development of every student. While high-quality coaching is at the heart of the programme, the aim is to help young people understand and access the opportunities available to them both on and off the pitch.
Players will benefit from:
- High Performance and Development pathways
- Professional and semi-professional club links
- Competitive fixtures and showcase opportunities
- A potential pathway into the Uttoxeter Town FC U18 team
- Progression opportunities towards men's first-team football
- Guidance towards leading UK universities
- Access to the IOF USA Soccer Scholarship pathway
- Support with football, education and long-term career planning
IOF Academy has already helped 109 players progress into professional football, with players signing for clubs including Manchester United, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, Derby County and many more.
In Their Own Words
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For us, it's about raising the bar across the full programme: more consistent high-level training, stronger match opportunities, and an even more professional pathway for ambitious players who want to push towards the pro game and/or the USA college route.
On top of that, our partnership with Uttoxeter Town expands the competitive pathway even further, creating more opportunities for players to be tested in the right environments with a clear goal of helping them progress to the level where FA Youth Cup football becomes a real target." Jamie Bennett & Russ Hullett, IOF International Football Academy
Experienced Football Leadership
The programme will be led by IOF Academy Directors Russ Hullett and Jamie Bennett.
Russ is a UEFA A Licensed Coach and former professional player and manager with more than 30 years of experience in football and player development. His career has included senior academy, coaching, recruitment, and scouting roles with Manchester United FC, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Notts County, West Bromwich Albion and 1st team manager Lillehammer FK, Norway. He has also worked as Head of Football at Oxford University and currently as an England FA Regional Coach Developer.
Jamie is IOF Academy's Head of Talent Development and Pathways and has extensive experience in player progression, education, and USA sports scholarships. As one of the early pioneers of helping UK student-athletes access opportunities in the United States, Jamie provides specialist guidance throughout the scholarship process, including university selection, eligibility, recruitment, applications, and preparation for life in the USA.
Together, Russ and Jamie will provide pupils and families with experienced, honest and individual guidance, helping each player identify the most suitable football and education pathway.
A Commitment to Well-Rounded Development
The programme reflects Denstone College's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals by providing tailored opportunities that meet the needs and ambitions of its pupils. By working with IOF Academy, the College is further strengthening its sporting provision and offering students access to a global pathway in football.
The programme will officially begin in September, with taster sessions scheduled to be announced in the coming weeks, giving prospective participants the chance to experience the programme first-hand.
For current Denstone pupils interested in applying, please visit: https://iofacademy.com/contact/
For families considering Denstone College and wishing to find out more about this opportunity, please contact the admissions team: admissions@denstonecollege.net
For further information about IOF Academy, please visit: https://iofacademy.com/