FAQ's

Players are hand-picked after SelectGeneration has seen them live or, in rare cases, thoroughly reviewed full game film. SGFC will be playing in the highly competitive English football pyramid, where the best teams get promoted and the bottom teams are relegated. Our roster is capped at 25 players so we only send our offer documents and promo video to those players we believe have the talent to make our squad and help the team achieve promotion.

We only select elite players who we believe are of the standard needed to help secure promotion and have the potential to turn pro or achieve an NCAA scholarship.

Both programs offer the same high standard of soccer coaching and an opportunity for elite US athletes to test themselves in competitive soccer leagues, in countries with an embedded soccer culture.  Both our programs provide accommodation and meal plan options.  

The main difference (apart from the country location!) is the additional academic options available through our Bournemouth, England program. Our successful Academy in Spain began its inaugural season in September 2024 and is designed as a developmental gap year. There is no direct link to Spanish Universities.

Our Bournemouth program offers access to a 3 year, FAFSA-eligible University degree as well as various one-year vocational courses at a local College. The playing style in England tends to be more physical and faster than in Spain. Players on both programs are recruited based on our scouting feedback and we will recommend the appropriate program based on the player’s preferences as well as playing style and potential.

Studying in England offers the opportunity to earn a recognized degree in as little as three years, saving time and money compared to many US programs. Bournemouth University, for example, is ranked in the UK, has more affordable tuition than many private or out-of-state schools in the US, and you can still apply for FAFSA, loans, and financial aid while gaining international experience for your resume.

We have selected Hosts International as our hosting accommodation partner. They offer quality, vetted homestay hosts for your son’s stay in Bournemouth.  Their homestays are vetted to our and British Council’s exacting standards.  Hosts International is very well versed in handling students of all ages, including juniors aged under 18.  Hosts are police checked and receive safeguarding training and experienced staff will match player’s requirements to ensure they are placed in safe environments during their stay.

If you opt for Bournemouth University as your student visa, you can apply for FAFSA. This will contribute towards your tuition and accommodation. More information will be detailed in writing if you receive an offer. More info: BU Student Funding

Select Generation has a Fastrack application process for players applying to Bournemouth University. BU aim to make a decision within 4 weeks of the application being submitted. If a student hasn’t received their final results yet, their offer will be conditional until they send final and official HS transcripts (May/June/July - depending on the school). Incomplete applications may delay the process.

We hope this happens!  In this event, we will work with the player and his family to assist on assessing any offer and progressing with the best next step.  Developing our players is a key objective of Select Generation - indeed, in only our first year of operation we have already sent 2 players to a pro club in the third tier of Spanish football.

Yes, SGFC players will maintain full NCAA amateur eligibility whilst playing for SGFC. If studying as a full time student at Bournemouth University or Bournemouth & Poole College, their NCAA clock will start. If they are on a tourist visa, their NCAA clock will not start.

The closest US equivalent to the UK's A Levels is the Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams. Bournemouth College offers a one year A level course in a number of subjects, which allows credits to be transferred to a US institution. Bournemouth University offers a 3 year bachelor’s degree within full time University education.  This compares to what is typically a 4 year degree course at a US university.

There are traditionally games around Christmas, but we will work with the coach, players and league to enable those players wishing to return home for Christmas to be able to do so.

The student visa application has a one time 490 GBP fee, and a yearly 776 GBP amount which gives students full access to the NHS (National Health Service).  If you are on a tourist visa, you will need private health insurance.

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/advice/guide-nhs-international-students-uk