The NFL Academy’s U.K. program has officially kicked off the 2024-2025 academic season with its inaugural training session held at the prestigious Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Academy, which is renowned for nurturing top-tier American football talent from Europe and Africa.
This season’s roster welcomes 72 exceptional student-athletes hailing from 19 different countries and territories.
The program, headquartered in Loughborough, U.K., was established in September 2019 to provide a comprehensive pathway for young athletes, combining rigorous football training with full-time education.
With a new location also launching on Australia’s Gold Coast this September, the Academy is expanding its reach.
At the helm of the U.K. program are Lamonte Winston, the Head of NFL Academy, and Head Coach Steve Hagen.
Both bring a wealth of experience from the NFL and college football, aiming to foster a world-class environment for the athletes to excel both academically and athletically.
“The NFL Academy offers a remarkable opportunity for young athletes globally to embark on their American football journey,” stated Lamonte Winston.
“Our program is a crucial element of the NFL’s commitment to expanding football’s global footprint.
We are excited to build on our culture of success and provide more opportunities for our student-athletes.”
This season, the NFL Academy U.K. will engage in four high-profile games against top U.S. high school teams.
The opening game is set for August 15 against the Edgewater Eagles, a Florida high school known for its strong football program, at Loughborough University.
A week later, the Academy will travel to Oregon to face the Massillon Tigers, a team with an impressive record of 25 State titles and nine national titles.
On October 8, the Academy will host the De La Salle Spartans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
De La Salle, known for producing notable alumni like running back Maurice Jones-Drew, will face off against the Academy, which secured a 35-0 victory against Erasmus Hall last year.
In November, the NFL Academy will travel to Munich, Germany, to compete against IMG Academy for the third consecutive year.
After a victory over IMG Academy last season, this match promises to be another thrilling encounter.
Stay updated on the NFL Academy’s journey by following them on X, Instagram, and TikTok @nflacademy. For more information about the program, visit their official website.