IFX International Soccer Study Abroad Programs - Alternatives to Youth Soccer Camps , Youth Boarding Soccer Camps, Youth Soccer Academies, Youth Soccer Camps, and Youth Soccer Team Tours Abroad.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW | CLUBS | PHOTOS | APPLICATION PROCEDURE

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PRO IFX - FULL SEASON PROGRAM

Our Pro IFX Year Program enables competitive players over the age of 18 the opportunity to play for a German semi-professional/Amateur club for one full or one half season. Players are placed to train and compete with a German club according to their level of play. An initial evaluation period upon arrival in Germany determines club placement.

Players live in a shared apartment with other IFX players and attend an intensive language institute, enabling rapid advancement in the German language.

Located in the heart of Nürnberg, Germany, our Pro IFX Year program enrolls each player in our partner language institute, for intensive German language lessions for the duration of the program.

Courses include normally 15-20 hours per week of lessons covering grammar, pronunciation, conversation, and cultural subjects.

One of IFX partner clubs, Freiburger FC in training

As one of the world's footballing superpowers, Germany is home to some of the finest professional European clubs and players. Their extensive league system is comprised of multiple professional and semi-professional clubs that compete for promotion and relegation from one league to the next, year after year. This intensely competitive system has enabled the development of a stable economic soccer environment, for both professional and amateur clubs to enjoy professionally maintained facilities.

IFX players are placed within a competitive German football club fit to their level. Players are placed within a challenging football environment that allows tremendous opportunity for development. IFX manages the full international transfer of each player enabling participation in official league matches.

Partner club SpVgg Weiden

It is typcial in Germany that even the smallest of clubs will have their own home including a clubhouse, stadium pitch, practice pitches, and perhaps even a fitness facility. With top notch facilities, beautifully maintained grass fields, and perhaps the most efficient, intense, and tactically superior style, a player has no choice but to improve when in Germany.

Germany has consistently developed some of the top young talent throughout the world due to their knowledge and passion for the sport. With many clubs well over 100 years old, the expertise in German coaching and club management provides youth unlimited opportunity for growth and player development. Germany's youth Bundesligas, Regionaligas, and Oberligas (top 3 national youth leagues) are comprised of Germany's top youth talent, many of whom will enjoy a professional career in the future. Amateur and professional clubs alike all field their own youth teams, using their facilities and resources to mold their youth players to be units of their own professional team someday, or to be a valuable saleable asset. Their is no doubt that the German clubs now realize that their most valuable asset is their youth.

SpVgg Ansbach Sportpark

IFX players are placed within a competitive German football club fit to their level. Players are placed within a challenging football environment that allows tremendous opportunity for development.

Although your afternoons will generally be occupied with your soccer training, Germany offers many wonderful activities to enjoy during your free time. Germans typically are very active and enjoy biking, hiking, swimming, and of course fussball. Music, the arts, and theater are strongly supported in Germany, with many opportunities for attending local concerts, street festivals, and plays. Weekend activities aside from soccer matches may include going for hikes, bike rides through the countryside, swimming, socializing with friends, and dancing at the discoteques.

Academic Year, Fall and Spring Semester students are given an orientation upon arrival in Germany. Players are placed to live in a shared private flat usually shared with other IFX players. Ongoing program support is provided by an in country program representative. Public transportation throughout Germany is very accessible. Transportation costs are the student's responsibility, including daily transportation to and from school, if necessary.

Students will need to obtain a student visa to study in Germany and are required to apply for a residence permit for the duration of their stay. While citizens of the United States are permitted to apply for the student visa after arrival in Germany, citizens of other countries may not enjoy this same benefit. Please check with your local German consulate for their requirements for your country of residence.

Currently competing at a competitive level of soccer
High School graduate
18 years old at the start of the program
Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences
Ability and willingness to adapt to a new environment, new culture, and European soccer style.
Ability to meet student visa requirements. Applicants are responsible for checking with responsible German consulate for their area.

LENGTH

DATES*

COST

DEADLINE

Academic Year Aug - July $15,950 May 31

Fall Semester Aug - Jan $11,300 May 31

Spring Semester Jan - July $11,300 Oct 31

*All dates are approximations and vary from year to year

NOTE: The IFX program to Germany has limited capacity, so students are encouraged to apply well in advance of the application deadlines.

Round-trip airfare from a major international airport near your home (in the continental U.S.) including domestic and international flights
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Accommodations in shared private flat
Enrollment in intensive German language institute
Placement with a competitive German Amateur soccer club; players will train within the club's normal training activities which is normally 3-4 days per week.
Management of international soccer transfer; IFX can make no guarantee that a player obtains a roster position, enabling participation in official matches. Subject to players' level and partner club's desire to utilize IFX player in official matches.
In country support throughout program duration provided by IFX Germany Management
Procurement of German player pass
Weekly soccer training according to schedule of club
Participation in soccer club tournaments, league matches, training camps, training sessions, etc.
Soccer league fees, travel expenses, & club gear (shoes not included).
Ongoing support of soccer program aspect
Assistance with student visa application process
Student health and accident insurance
24-hour emergency assistance
Pre-departure orientations
Supervision, guidance, and support during the application process and throughout the program

Passport and visa application fees as applicable
Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing, internet, calling card, activities)
School expenses (e.g., uniform/lunches, if required, supplies, bus pass)
Any other item not specified