AF Global Launches Partnership with the University of Hertfordshire
A Professional Football Development Route Combined with Higher Education
AF Global has officially announced a strategic partnership with the University of Hertfordshire to deliver a fully integrated Elite Performance Football Pathway beginning in September 2026.
This initiative is designed for ambitious players seeking a professional football development environment alongside a UK university degree, without compromising either pathway.
While many university teams offer competitive sport, this programme mirrors a professional academy structure; embedded within a higher education setting.
A Professional Academy Model Delivered Within a Degree Framework
From September 2026, AF Global’s structured full-time development model will operate from the University of Hertfordshire’s De Havilland campus.
Student-athletes will train within a system built around long-term progression and measurable performance outcomes, including:
UEFA-licensed full-time coaching staff
Weekly fixtures against professional and semi-professional opposition
Individualised player development plans
Data-led performance analysis
Structured reporting for scouting exposure
Clear progression routes toward professional contracts and scholarships
AF Global alumni include:
Tyrique George
Rhys Norrington-Davies
Reanna Blades
These examples highlight AF Global’s commitment to building sustainable professional pathways rather than short-term showcase opportunities.
Positioned Within England’s Professional Football Network
University of Hertfordshire sits in one of the most strategically advantageous football regions in the UK.
Within a 30-minute radius:
13 professional clubs across the English pyramid
Over 30 non-league clubs within the National League system
Regular competitive fixtures against academy and senior teams
This geographical positioning enhances scouting visibility and competitive exposure; key components in any serious football progression pathway.
Integrated High-Performance Environment
Participants train and study within a professional-grade performance ecosystem that includes:
High-performance 3G and natural grass pitches
Strength and conditioning facilities
Recovery and rehabilitation resources
Advanced sports science and video analysis systems
Guaranteed on-campus accommodation
The programme is built around the principle that elite performance must be supported by infrastructure, sports science, and academic stability.
Academic Routes Supporting Long-Term Career Planning
The Elite Performance Football Pathway is aligned with university timetables, allowing structured daily training alongside undergraduate or postgraduate study.
Available academic routes include sport and business degrees, ensuring players build professional options beyond football.
Every participant completes the FA Introduction to Coaching Football qualification, with optional progression to the UEFA C Licence; strengthening long-term employability within the game.
A Global Development Network
AF Global enhances the programme through its international network, offering:
Mentorship from professional players
Structured performance documentation for scouting
Access to international trials and showcase events
Fixtures in both the UK and Spain
Long-term dual-career planning
This global dimension ensures players are evaluated within broader professional markets rather than isolated domestic systems.
Programme Entry and Investment
The 2026–27 Elite Performance Football Pathway fee is £15,000.*
Participants must enrol on a full-time degree at the University of Hertfordshire. University tuition fees are separate and subject to standard funding structures*. US Federal Loans are accepted for eligible applicants.
Admission includes both a football assessment process and academic eligibility review.
A Structured Dual-Career Model for Ambitious Players
This partnership reflects AF Global’s core philosophy: elite development requires structure, exposure, and education working together.
Rather than positioning football and academics as competing priorities, the programme creates a unified performance pathway designed to maximise both sporting potential and long-term career security.
Registrations for September 2026 are now open through AF Global’s official channels.
