Location:
Located in a privileged place within the town of Evian-les-Bains, the International Center of European Football is just minutes from the glistening shores of Lake Geneva. Famed for its pure spring water and breathtaking vistas of the ice-capped alps, Evian-les-Bains is an inspiring destination with a strong focus on healthy living. Pro clubs from Europe and around the world come here to practice during their off-seasons.
International students and their families can easily access this football sanctuary conveniently located about 40 minutes away from Geneva International Airport by road.
Overview:
The International Center of European Football is dedicated to International student-athletes and builds individualized path to prepare for a professional career in football through the excellence of European Football.
Since its foundation in 2017, ICEF has been regarded as one of the world’s most exclusive football institutes for aspiring young players aged between 12 and 23 years old. After passing a rigorous selection process, they benefit from a comprehensive education program at a private boarding school to prepare them to any higher education objective. Post high-school academic programs offered at the ICEF enable student-athletes to earn internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate degrees, to succeed in life while pursuing their passion for football.
Core Values:
The European Football Methodology:
The International Center of European Football draws upon a team of experts in football, health and education, to offer the best possible development and chance to kickstart a career in the official European leagues.
Technical staff and coaches are FFF and/or UEFA certified, and the institute is capped at 48 to guarantee an individualized approach to each student-athlete. Tailor-made development programs help players reach their full potential and unlock opportunities at prestigious universities and professional organizations.
Though student-athletes typically spend several academic years at the International Center of European Football to maximize their preparation and exposure, the Pro Residency Program is available starting at three months. The full academical year lasts ten months, from August through June.
State-of-the-Art Facilities:
The cutting-edge facility were built to accommodate a professional French Ligue 1 team. Student-athletes get direct access to top of the line amenities such as professional standard pitches (natural and heated turf), professional locker rooms, and a fully equipped gym (cardio, strength, rehabilitation).
The 6-acre domain and center also provide its residents with a spa featuring balneotherapy and hydrotherapy, plus a dedicated physical therapy center. Both individual and team statistics are monitored and communicated throughout the season.
All rooms and common area have recently been renovated, interior designed and equipped with the ultimate entertainment systems to the benefit of all residents who feel in their “home away from home”.
Spectacular Scenery:
Gorgeous views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Leman inspire student-athletes to perform at their peak in this new generation football sanctuary. Excursions into the surrounding countryside allow participants to get back to nature and foster invaluable team-building skills and receive an outstanding cultural experience.
The multicultural residence boasts upmarket services and amenities such as 24/7 security, high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, multilingual staff, and a professional laundry service. These high-end facilities give the student-athletes more time to focus on their performance and objectives.
The Excellence of European Football
The UEFA methodology builds smart players capable of performing in all game situations. More specifically, the French Federation of Football uses unique and proven techniques, programs, methodologies and coaching approaches to develop soccer players with impeccable work ethic and performance. ICEF programs are designed to help you reach your highest potential in order to pursue a soccer career or build a competitive advantage and unique profile to stand out in the college application and recruitment processes. The high-intensity training program implements:
Elite Competition & Exposure
Play at the highest level in the French league
The International Center of European Football’s missions are to develop, prepare and expose high potential football players to the official leagues and to D1, D2 professional clubs in Europe.
ICEF carefully builds competition programs with highly regarded partner clubs, providing players with at least 25 competitive games and participation in 3 European soccer tournaments.
Student-athletes enrolled in the 10-month Pro Residency program will be eligible to join ICEF’s club, Thonon Evian Grand Geneve FC competing at the French national level.
MEN’S TEAM NATIONAL RECORDS
2010 | Champion of National League (3rd Division)
2011 | Champion of French Ligue 2
2011 | French Cup Finalist
2012-2015 | 4 seasons in the French Ligue 1
Academic Excellence:
The International Center of European Football offers excellent academic options from Middle-School through College & University, for a successful life on and off the field. The center offers an in-depth grade 8-12 academic program at a nearby private boarding school, which has been providing top-quality education in the area since 1948. Small class sizes facilitate a bespoke approach for different developmental needs, and study schedules adapt to the athletic training program.
Post-graduate students have various educational options through the Geneva Business School and Webster University to initiate their Bachelor’s programs or pursue a Master’s degree.
ICEF offers a wide range of international academic programs to complement the athletic training regime:
Extra Curricular Activities:
The International Center of European Football builds memorable cultural experiences, fostering open-mindedness in players, ready to evolve in multi-cultural environments and succeed in life as well-rounded individuals.
Students’ schedule is rhythmed with multiple extra curriculum and leisure time throughout the week to make sure that they reach their maximum football and academical potential but also come back to their countries with life-changing experiences and create connections with peers with whom they will remain friends for life!
Amongst the extra-curricular activities, student-athletes may participate in the following:
Awards
2x consecutive winner of best travel platform