Which Division 3 colleges offer the best football programs. How are the top D3 football schools ranked. What factors should student-athletes consider when choosing a Division 3 football program. Where can aspiring football players find opportunities at the D3 level.
Understanding Division 3 Football: An Overview of the NCAA’s Non-Scholarship Level
Division 3 (D3) football represents the largest and most diverse level of collegiate football in the United States. Unlike their Division 1 and Division 2 counterparts, D3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships, focusing instead on a well-rounded collegiate experience that balances academics and athletics.
D3 football programs are known for their commitment to the true spirit of student-athleticism, emphasizing personal growth, academic achievement, and athletic development. With over 240 schools fielding D3 football teams, this level offers a wide range of opportunities for aspiring college football players.
Key Characteristics of Division 3 Football
- No athletic scholarships offered
- Emphasis on academic excellence
- Shorter practice times and playing seasons
- Focus on overall student experience
- Opportunity to compete at a high level while prioritizing education
Do D3 athletes receive any financial aid? While athletic scholarships are not available, D3 student-athletes can receive academic scholarships, need-based grants, and other forms of financial aid available to the general student body.
Ranking Methodology: How the Best D3 Football Schools Are Determined
The National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA) has developed a comprehensive ranking system to identify the best Division 3 football colleges for student-athletes. This methodology takes into account various factors to provide a holistic view of each institution’s offerings.
NCSA Power Rankings Criteria
- NCSA Favorites data: Analysis of college search activity from over 3 million student-athletes on the NCSA recruiting network
- U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings: General academic rankings
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard: Graduation rates and average cost after aid
Is academic performance a significant factor in D3 football rankings? Yes, academic excellence plays a crucial role in determining the best D3 football schools, as reflected in the inclusion of U.S. News & World Report rankings and graduation rates in the methodology.
Top-Ranked Division 3 Football Colleges: A Closer Look at the Elite Programs
Based on the NCSA Power Rankings, several institutions stand out as the cream of the crop in Division 3 football. These schools excel not only in their athletic programs but also in providing outstanding academic opportunities and overall student experiences.
1. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago tops the list of best D3 football schools. Known for its rigorous academic programs and rich football tradition, UChicago offers student-athletes the chance to compete at a high level while receiving a world-class education.
- Tuition: $60,552
- Average Cost After Aid: $27,315
- General Rank: 5
2. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University, renowned for its academic prowess, also boasts a strong D3 football program. The Blue Jays have consistently performed well in their conference and offer student-athletes access to cutting-edge facilities and resources.
- Tuition: $55,350
- Average Cost After Aid: $29,342
- General Rank: 8
3. Amherst College
Amherst College, part of the prestigious “Little Three,” combines academic excellence with a competitive football program. The Mammoths have a long-standing tradition of success both on and off the field.
- Tuition: $58,640
- Average Cost After Aid: $18,524
- General Rank: 39
Are these top-ranked schools more selective in their admissions process? Generally, yes. The combination of strong academics and competitive athletic programs often results in a more selective admissions process for these institutions.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a D3 Football Program
Selecting the right D3 football program involves weighing various factors beyond just the team’s performance on the field. Prospective student-athletes should consider a range of elements to ensure they find the best fit for their academic, athletic, and personal goals.
Key Considerations for D3 Football Prospects
- Academic programs and reputation
- Football program history and success
- Coaching staff and philosophy
- Campus culture and student life
- Location and proximity to home
- Available facilities and resources
- Potential for playing time and development
- Cost of attendance and financial aid options
How important is campus visit in the decision-making process? Campus visits are crucial for D3 football prospects. They provide an opportunity to experience the campus atmosphere, meet with coaches and players, and get a feel for the overall fit of the institution.
The Academic Advantage: Balancing Athletics and Education in D3 Football
One of the defining characteristics of Division 3 football is the emphasis on academic achievement alongside athletic performance. D3 institutions pride themselves on providing a well-rounded collegiate experience that prepares student-athletes for success both on and off the field.
Benefits of the D3 Academic-Athletic Balance
- Rigorous academic programs at top-tier institutions
- Flexibility to pursue diverse majors and interests
- Opportunities for research and internships
- Strong alumni networks for post-graduate success
- Development of time management and leadership skills
Can D3 football players maintain a high GPA while competing? Yes, many D3 football players excel academically due to the balanced approach of D3 programs, which prioritize academic success alongside athletic achievement.
Recruitment Process: Navigating the Path to D3 Football
The recruitment process for D3 football differs from that of D1 and D2 programs. Without athletic scholarships as a driving factor, the focus shifts to finding the right academic and athletic fit for each student-athlete.
Steps in the D3 Football Recruitment Process
- Research potential schools and programs
- Create a highlight reel and athletic resume
- Reach out to coaches and express interest
- Attend camps and showcases for exposure
- Visit campuses and meet with coaches
- Apply to schools and complete the admissions process
- Make a final decision based on overall fit
When should high school athletes start the D3 football recruitment process? It’s advisable to begin the process during junior year of high school, allowing ample time for research, communication with coaches, and campus visits before senior year.
Financial Considerations: Understanding the Costs of D3 Football
While D3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships, they provide various forms of financial aid to help offset the cost of attendance. Understanding these options is crucial for student-athletes considering D3 football programs.
Types of Financial Aid Available to D3 Football Players
- Academic scholarships based on merit
- Need-based grants and loans
- Work-study programs
- Institutional aid packages
- External scholarships and grants
Are D3 football programs more affordable than D1 or D2 programs? Not necessarily. While D3 schools don’t offer athletic scholarships, many provide competitive financial aid packages that can make attendance more affordable for qualified students.
Life After D3 Football: Career Prospects and Alumni Success
Division 3 football programs not only provide opportunities for athletic competition but also set the foundation for successful careers after graduation. The balanced approach of D3 schools often results in well-rounded individuals prepared for various professional paths.
Common Career Paths for D3 Football Alumni
- Business and finance
- Education and coaching
- Healthcare and medicine
- Law and public service
- Engineering and technology
- Entrepreneurship
Do D3 football players have opportunities to play professionally? While less common than in D1 programs, some D3 football players do go on to play professionally in the NFL or other leagues. However, the primary focus of D3 programs is on personal and academic development rather than professional sports preparation.
The world of Division 3 football offers a unique blend of academic rigor and athletic competition. For student-athletes seeking a well-rounded college experience, D3 programs provide the opportunity to excel both on the field and in the classroom. By considering factors such as academic reputation, athletic program quality, and overall fit, prospective players can find the ideal D3 football school to suit their goals and aspirations.
As the landscape of collegiate athletics continues to evolve, D3 football remains a testament to the true spirit of amateur sports, where passion for the game and pursuit of knowledge go hand in hand. Whether aiming for academic excellence, athletic achievement, or a balance of both, the best D3 football schools offer a path to success that extends far beyond the gridiron.
Best Division 3 Football Colleges
NCSA analyzed over 244 four-year colleges with college football programs at the NCAA Division 3 level to develop a list of the Best Division 3 Football Colleges for Student-Athletes.
NCSA Power Rankings are based on proprietary analysis of NCSA Favorites data obtained from the college search activity of the over 3 million student-athletes on the NCSA recruiting network, U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges general academic rankings, and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard graduation rates and average cost after aid.
For more information on the NCSA Power Rankings, visit our press kit or email us.
Hoping to get recruited for football? Learn more about available football scholarships and football camps & combines in your area.
View the full D3 football rankings below and favorite to save your list of top D3 football schools.
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1
University of Chicago
NCAA Division 3
$60,552
Tuition
$27,315
Avg. Cost After Aid
1,249
Favorites
5
General Rank
14
Grad Rank
Favorite
2
Johns Hopkins University
NCAA Division 3
$55,350
Tuition
$29,342
Avg. Cost After Aid
1,209
Favorites
8
General Rank
28
Grad Rank
Favorite
4
Amherst College
NCAA Division 3
$58,640
Tuition
$18,524
Avg. Cost After Aid
775
Favorites
39
General Rank
7
Grad Rank
Favorite
5
Washington & Lee University
NCAA Division 3
$54,830
Tuition
$22,615
Avg.
Cost After Aid
762
Favorites
52
General Rank
19
Grad Rank
Favorite
6
Pomona-Pitzer Colleges
NCAA Division 3
$54,762
Tuition
$17,458
Avg. Cost After Aid
557
Favorites
42
General Rank
24
Grad Rank
Favorite
7
Washington University in St. Louis
NCAA Division 3
$55,292
Tuition
$26,869
Avg. Cost After Aid
591
Favorites
12
General Rank
16
Grad Rank
Favorite
8
Carnegie Mellon University
NCAA Division 3
$57,119
Tuition
$34,508
Avg.
Cost After Aid
718
Favorites
23
General Rank
43
Grad Rank
Favorite
9
Case Western Reserve University
NCAA Division 3
$50,924
Tuition
$35,428
Avg. Cost After Aid
855
Favorites
36
General Rank
78
Grad Rank
Favorite
10
Tufts University
NCAA Division 3
$58,578
Tuition
$30,744
Avg. Cost After Aid
619
Favorites
26
General Rank
21
Grad Rank
Favorite
11
Trinity University – Texas
NCAA Division 3
$44,680
Tuition
$24,669
Avg.
Cost After Aid
1,166
Favorites
103
General Rank
146
Grad Rank
Favorite
12
Grinnell College
NCAA Division 3
$54,354
Tuition
$22,486
Avg. Cost After Aid
624
Favorites
56
General Rank
55
Grad Rank
Favorite
13
Carleton College
NCAA Division 3
$57,111
Tuition
$31,133
Avg. Cost After Aid
662
Favorites
49
General Rank
32
Grad Rank
Favorite
14
Williams College
NCAA Division 3
$57,280
Tuition
$19,480
Avg.
Cost After Aid
421
Favorites
39
General Rank
11
Grad Rank
Favorite
15
Wheaton College – Illinois
NCAA Division 3
$37,700
Tuition
$25,358
Avg. Cost After Aid
746
Favorites
128
General Rank
53
Grad Rank
Favorite
16
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges
NCAA Division 3
$56,475
Tuition
$22,161
Avg. Cost After Aid
468
Favorites
49
General Rank
37
Grad Rank
Favorite
17
Bowdoin College
NCAA Division 3
$56,350
Tuition
$21,910
Avg.
Cost After Aid
420
Favorites
42
General Rank
12
Grad Rank
Favorite
18
Oberlin College
NCAA Division 3
$56,822
Tuition
$34,077
Avg. Cost After Aid
735
Favorites
84
General Rank
64
Grad Rank
Favorite
19
Southwestern University
NCAA Division 3
$43,560
Tuition
$25,470
Avg. Cost After Aid
3,577
Favorites
247
General Rank
224
Grad Rank
Favorite
20
Middlebury College
NCAA Division 3
$56,216
Tuition
$25,656
Avg.
Cost After Aid
476
Favorites
49
General Rank
29
Grad Rank
Favorite
21
Hamilton College
NCAA Division 3
$56,530
Tuition
$25,440
Avg. Cost After Aid
469
Favorites
56
General Rank
25
Grad Rank
Favorite
22
Wesleyan University
NCAA Division 3
$57,334
Tuition
$26,527
Avg. Cost After Aid
494
Favorites
59
General Rank
33
Grad Rank
Favorite
23
University of Rochester
NCAA Division 3
$56,030
Tuition
$29,522
Avg.
Cost After Aid
516
Favorites
30
General Rank
60
Grad Rank
Favorite
24
Bates College
NCAA Division 3
$55,683
Tuition
$29,321
Avg. Cost After Aid
546
Favorites
71
General Rank
38
Grad Rank
Favorite
25
Sewanee – The University of the South
NCAA Division 3
$46,472
Tuition
$30,474
Avg. Cost After Aid
772
Favorites
100
General Rank
125
Grad Rank
Favorite
26
Colby College
NCAA Division 3
$57,280
Tuition
$17,777
Avg.
Cost After Aid
315
Favorites
59
General Rank
52
Grad Rank
Favorite
27
Ursinus College
NCAA Division 3
$53,610
Tuition
$28,390
Avg. Cost After Aid
995
Favorites
195
General Rank
110
Grad Rank
Favorite
28
Berry College
NCAA Division 3
$37,246
Tuition
$23,014
Avg. Cost After Aid
951
Favorites
111
General Rank
224
Grad Rank
Favorite
29
University of Puget Sound
NCAA Division 3
$51,740
Tuition
$35,149
Avg.
Cost After Aid
1,230
Favorites
195
General Rank
151
Grad Rank
Favorite
30
Trinity College – Connecticut
NCAA Division 3
$59,050
Tuition
$34,460
Avg. Cost After Aid
654
Favorites
91
General Rank
94
Grad Rank
Favorite
31
College of Wooster
NCAA Division 3
$52,000
Tuition
$24,692
Avg. Cost After Aid
836
Favorites
164
General Rank
136
Grad Rank
Favorite
32
University of Redlands
NCAA Division 3
$50,980
Tuition
$27,958
Avg.
Cost After Aid
779
Favorites
111
General Rank
153
Grad Rank
Favorite
33
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
NCAA Division 3
$52,320
Tuition
$39,756
Avg. Cost After Aid
498
Favorites
67
General Rank
51
Grad Rank
Favorite
34
DePauw University
NCAA Division 3
$51,146
Tuition
$23,078
Avg. Cost After Aid
454
Favorites
91
General Rank
81
Grad Rank
Favorite
35
Centre College
NCAA Division 3
$43,000
Tuition
$22,251
Avg.
Cost After Aid
506
Favorites
128
General Rank
85
Grad Rank
Favorite
36
Rhodes College
NCAA Division 3
$49,198
Tuition
$27,540
Avg. Cost After Aid
632
Favorites
109
General Rank
122
Grad Rank
Favorite
37
California Lutheran University
NCAA Division 3
$44,382
Tuition
$26,489
Avg. Cost After Aid
999
Favorites
125
General Rank
240
Grad Rank
Favorite
38
Christopher Newport University
NCAA Division 3
$27,790
Tuition
$25,596
Avg.
Cost After Aid
620
Favorites
111
General Rank
132
Grad Rank
Favorite
39
Hamline University
NCAA Division 3
$42,774
Tuition
$20,866
Avg. Cost After Aid
764
Favorites
130
General Rank
217
Grad Rank
Favorite
40
Pacific Lutheran University
NCAA Division 3
$43,674
Tuition
$23,058
Avg. Cost After Aid
878
Favorites
135
General Rank
229
Grad Rank
Favorite
41
Ithaca College
NCAA Division 3
$45,274
Tuition
$33,465
Avg.
Cost After Aid
818
Favorites
130
General Rank
166
Grad Rank
Favorite
43
Beloit College
NCAA Division 3
$51,532
Tuition
$11,433
Avg. Cost After Aid
471
Favorites
173
General Rank
164
Grad Rank
Favorite
44
Gettysburg College
NCAA Division 3
$56,390
Tuition
$26,513
Avg. Cost After Aid
553
Favorites
109
General Rank
120
Grad Rank
Favorite
45
Whittier College
NCAA Division 3
$49,514
Tuition
$24,570
Avg.
Cost After Aid
1,673
Favorites
331
General Rank
186
Grad Rank
Favorite
46
Augustana College – Illinois
NCAA Division 3
$43,610
Tuition
$23,874
Avg. Cost After Aid
1,088
Favorites
228
General Rank
209
Grad Rank
Favorite
47
Chapman University
NCAA Division 3
$54,924
Tuition
$41,350
Avg. Cost After Aid
854
Favorites
216
General Rank
118
Grad Rank
Favorite
48
John Carroll University
NCAA Division 3
$42,910
Tuition
$25,759
Avg.
Cost After Aid
528
Favorites
103
General Rank
150
Grad Rank
Favorite
49
Knox College
NCAA Division 3
$48,168
Tuition
$22,292
Avg. Cost After Aid
678
Favorites
179
General Rank
172
Grad Rank
Favorite
50
Macalester College
NCAA Division 3
$56,292
Tuition
$28,426
Avg. Cost After Aid
247
Favorites
71
General Rank
39
Grad Rank
Favorite
D3football.com Top 25, 2022 final
Aug.
31: All times Eastern
TBA
Heidelberg
at Hiram
6:00 PM
Stevenson
at Rowan
7:00 PM
Brockport
at Buffalo State
7:00 PM
UW-Platteville
at Lakeland
7:00 PM
UW-Stevens Point
at Lindenwood (Mo)
8:00 PM
Millsaps
at Belhaven
8:00 PM
Rockford
at Beloit
8:00 PM
UW-La Crosse
at Dakota St.
8:00 PM
East Texas Baptist
at Louisiana Christian
Sep.
1: All times Eastern
TBA
Birmingham-Southern
at McMurry
6:00 PM
Mass-Dartmouth
at Nichols
7:00 PM
Hobart
at Alfred
7:00 PM
Salve Regina
at Curry
7:00 PM
McDaniel
at Catholic
7:00 PM
Moravian
at Muhlenberg
7:00 PM
Franklin and Marshall
at Lebanon Valley
7:00 PM
Worcester State
at WPI
Video
7:00 PM
Albright
at Hardin-Simmons
7:30 PM
Alvernia
at Ursinus
Sep.
2: All times Eastern
TBA
Denison
at Capital
TBA
Wittenberg
at Dubuque
TBA
Plymouth State
at Vermont State Castleton
TBA
Greensboro
at Guilford
TBA
Westminster (Pa.)
at Grove City
TBA
Rhodes
at Westminster (Mo.)
TBA
Millikin
at Illinois College
TBA
Washington U.
at Hendrix
TBA
Maryville (Tenn.
)
at Sewanee
12:00 PM
Fitchburg State
at Dean
Live stats
12:00 PM
King’s
at Wilkes
12:00 PM
Ohio Northern
at Alma
12:00 PM
Ithaca
at Johns Hopkins
12:00 PM
Oberlin
at Kalamazoo
12:00 PM
Ohio Wesleyan
at Otterbein
12:00 PM
Delaware Valley
at Cortland
12:00 PM
RPI
at Dickinson
12:00 PM
Utica
at Rochester
12:00 PM
Gallaudet
at Keystone
12:00 PM
St.
Lawrence
at Endicott
Video
12:00 PM
Bridgewater State
at MIT
12:00 PM
Eastern
at TCNJ
12:00 PM
Merchant Marine
at Western Connecticut
12:00 PM
Randolph-Macon
at N.C. Wesleyan
12:00 PM
Westfield State
at Anna Maria
1:00 PM
St. John Fisher
at Marietta
1:00 PM
Alfred State
at Misericordia
1:00 PM
Morrisville State
at Kean
1:00 PM
Union
at Hilbert
1:00 PM
Ferrum
at Muskingum
1:00 PM
Methodist
at Shenandoah
1:00 PM
Allegheny
at Waynesburg
1:00 PM
Wooster
at Wilmington
Video
1:00 PM
Norwich
at Husson
1:00 PM
Wabash
at Hampden-Sydney
1:00 PM
Warner
at Brevard
1:00 PM
Salisbury
at Washington and Lee
1:00 PM
Averett
at Apprentice
1:00 PM
Coast Guard
at University of New England
1:00 PM
FDU-Florham
at William Paterson
1:00 PM
Springfield
at Western New England
1:00 PM
Washington and Jefferson
at St.
Vincent
1:00 PM
Lycoming
at Widener
1:00 PM
Juniata
at Gettysburg
1:00 PM
Trinity (Texas)
at St. John’s
1:30 PM
Mount Union
at Defiance
1:30 PM
Mount St. Joseph
at Baldwin Wallace
1:30 PM
Olivet
at Franklin
1:30 PM
UW-Whitewater
at John Carroll
2:00 PM
Susquehanna
at Bridgewater
2:00 PM
Martin Luther
at Concordia (Wis.
)
2:00 PM
Albion
at Carthage
2:00 PM
Greenville
at Concordia-Chicago
2:00 PM
Nebraska Wesleyan
at Austin
2:00 PM
Adrian
at Elmhurst
2:00 PM
Central
at St. Olaf
2:00 PM
Hope
at Aurora
VideoLive statsAudio
2:00 PM
North Central (Ill.)
at Roosevelt
2:00 PM
Ripon
at St. Norbert
2:00 PM
Crown
at Hamline
2:00 PM
Mary Hardin-Baylor
at UW-River Falls
2:00 PM
Northwestern (Minn.
)
at Augsburg
2:00 PM
Coe
at Cornell
2:00 PM
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
at Chicago
2:00 PM
Buena Vista
at Gustavus Adolphus
2:00 PM
Concordia-Moorhead
at UW-Eau Claire
2:00 PM
UW-Stout
at St. Ambrose
2:05 PM
Texas Lutheran
at UW-Oshkosh
4:00 PM
Hartwick
at SUNY-Maritime
4:00 PM
Willamette
at La Verne
4:00 PM
Southwestern
at Cal Lutheran
4:00 PM
Redlands
at Pacific Lutheran
4:00 PM
Lewis and Clark
at Puget Sound
5:00 PM
Southern Virginia
at Christopher Newport
6:00 PM
Huntingdon
at Berry
6:00 PM
Trine
at Anderson
Video
6:00 PM
North Park
at Manchester
7:00 PM
Case Western Reserve
at Thiel
7:00 PM
DePauw
at Rose-Hulman
7:00 PM
Kenyon
at Bluffton
7:00 PM
Grinnell
at Lyon
7:00 PM
Benedictine
at Loras
7:00 PM
Minnesota-Morris
at Macalester
7:00 PM
Knox
at Eureka
7:00 PM
Lake Forest
at Wisconsin Lutheran
7:00 PM
Augustana
at Simpson
Video
7:30 PM
Carnegie Mellon
at Geneva
8:00 PM
Hanover
at Centre
8:00 PM
Monmouth
at Wartburg
8:00 PM
Sul Ross State
at Western N.
M.
8:00 PM
Howard Payne
at George Fox
10:00 PM
Chapman
at Pacific
Strongest football academies in Europe in 2022.
It’s not a secret that many footballers get into top clubs aged 14 and over, but who has done all the major work before and deserves much more attention? Which football schools in Europe are stronger than others in training, developing players, who instilled a passion for football and made them grow further?
Beerschot AC official website photo.
In the article I will consider top 11 football academies in terms of player training and development, not selection. After all, it is there that real experts in their field work, whose talent, knowledge, diligence and endurance made it possible to prepare players of the highest level.
While working on the article, I analyzed various European national teams from national to youth U19 teams, looked at hundreds of international players, where they started, where they moved, how many years they trained before getting into a famous club and where they ended up. Only those players with whom certain conditions were met were analyzed:
– started training at the academy no later than at the age of 10,
– trained at the club for at least 5 years,
– the player is now no older than 30 years old.
This made it possible to identify those football clubs whose academies trained and developed the largest number of pupils over the past 15 years. And the merits of 20 years ago for Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi do not count.
Red Star Belgrade official facebook photo.
It was estimated how much time the players spent in the academy of their club, at what age, when they received an invitation to their National Team, how many matches they played for the main team, which club they currently play in and, finally, how many such pupils the club has.
So let’s go:
11th place.
Red Star Belgrade
Very famous Serbian football club and academy. Together with FK Partizan, they are constantly fighting for the championship and are rightfully considered two serious forges of football youth for clubs from all over Europe. But in recent years, Red Star has taken the lead in terms of the number of players in various teams of its own and other European countries. Among the latest students: Stefan Mitrovic, Aleksa Terzic, Strahinja Erakovic, Marko Grujic, Dejan Joveljic, Luka Jovic.
10th place.
FC Barcelona
The most famous club in the world and its academy have clearly lost something in their training since nine of their own students played in the first team and in the Spanish national team.
The academy now boasts some very good, talented footballers such as Marc Bartra, Martin Montoya, Carles Planas, Gerard Deulofeu, Marc Navarro, Adama Traore, Ansu Fati, Eric Garcia and Miguel Carvalho, but unfortunately many recent graduates have come to Barcelona after graduating from other clubs.
9th place.
Athletic Club Boulogne Billancourt (ACBB)
A little-known French sports club from the suburbs of Paris, which, in addition to football, also has departments for teaching rugby, figure skating, cycling, swimming and other sports. His merits are simply amazing: 67 athletes are European champions, 42 World champions and 28 Olympic medalists. The football club plays in Regional 1, the sixth division of France.
Athletic Club Boulogne Billancourt official website photo.
Thanks to the club’s academy, guys like Khéphren Thuram, Marcus Thuram, Allan Saint-Maximin, Loic Badé, Myziane Maolida, Adama Soumaoro and Georges-Kévin Nkoudou have continued their careers in the top clubs in Europe and in various national teams!
8th place.
Paris Saint Germain
This is one of the richest football clubs on the planet, the most expensive football players play in it, the club pursues only the highest goals.
The peculiarity of French football is that almost all Ligue 1 clubs select children after 14 years of age for their academies. Until this age, footballers play in clubs within their geography of residence and, we must pay tribute to the very developed system of sports in France, there are a lot of such clubs.
Paris Saint Germain official website photo.
Still, PSG keeps to itself and is the leader in the number of its own pupils in the National Teams. Among them: Matteo Guendouzi, Kingsley Coman, Presnel Kimpembe, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Mohamed-Ali Cho, Éric Junior Dina Ebimbe, Sékou Mara, Vincent Sasso and Andy Diouf, by the way, the last three guys under 13 were in the PSG academy, and then moved to the Athletic Club Boulogne Billancourt academy.
7th place.
AS Saint-Priest
Another representative of France and again a club that only plays in National 2, the fourth division, but its talent farm is truly impressive.
AS Saint-Priest official website photo.
Among the students of the academy: Pierre Kalulu and Rayan Cherki, who started their careers here at the age of 7, and after 5 years continued with Olympique Lyonnais, Florent Duparchy, Stéphane Diarra, Romain Del Castillo, Anthony Toumanian, Yanis Sellami, Dejan Kuzmanovic, Mathéo Marmorat and others.
6th place.
CF Damm
This Spanish club from Barcelona does not have any high merit, but is completely focused on the education of young people and has succeeded tremendously: the academy is a nutrient mixture for FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, RCD Espanyol and other elite clubs in Spain and other countries. If you look at the tables of youth championships in Catalonia by different ages, it turns out that CF Damm constantly takes prizes along with FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol, and often beats his main competitors.
Catalan football federation official website photo.
Among the students of the academy are Sergio García, Gerard Moreno, Isaías Sánchez, and from the young Keita Baldé, who has been in the club since the age of 5 and continued his studies at the Barcelona academy from the age of 11, was a player in Lazio, Monaco, Inter, Sampdoria, Cagliari, and now plays for Spartak Moscow.
5th place.
Beerschot AC
Representative of the Belgian football club Beerschot AC, founded in 1899 year. Now he plays in the second league of the Belgian championship. And although the club is constantly shaken by financial difficulties, its academy from year to year shows excellent results in comparison with the giants of Belgian football. Such well-known players as Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen passed through the youth system of the club, and from the younger generation: Ilias Sebaoui, Ignace Van der Brempt, Jérémy Doku, Toby Alderweireld, who a few years later moved to the academy of Ajax Amsterdam, and later signed the first contract with him.
4th place.
Sporting CP
The club has maintained the glory of its own academy for years, from which came Ricardo Quaresma, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rui Patricio, William Carvalho, Luis Figo, Joao Moutinho, Simao Sabrosa … and although these players are not one hundred percent pupils of the Sporting CP academy, now young talents th guys of this club are in demand all over the world. Among them are Gonçalo Agrelos, Thierry Correia, Miguel Luís, Elves Baldé. Another Portuguese football academy, Benfica, also illustrates the excellent quality of work, but is still inferior to Sporting in the number of such stars in their National Teams.
Maisfutebol website photo.
3rd place.
Chelsea FC
London Football Academy is clearly ahead of all other English clubs in developing talented players for their own first team, national teams and other clubs in the Premier League and Europe’s top leagues.
The Chelsea Academy is noticeably superior to competitors from other countries. And so that the recruited 8-year-olds are brought to the end and given at the age of 18-20 to second division clubs or even Premier League clubs, such as Tino Anjorin, Levi Colwill, Tino Livramento, Tariq Lamptey, Marc Guéhi, Conor Gallagher and many others.
2nd place.
AS Roma
Far ahead of its competitors from Atalanta BC, FC Internazionale, ACF Fiorentina in terms of the number of completely own pupils in the national teams and other clubs in Europe. These are Riccardo Calafiori, who at the age of 18 already played ten times in the main team of AS Roma, Matteo Cancellieri – now on loan at Lazio, Jean Freddi Greco, who began his studies at the Roman Academy and moved 8 years later to Torino, Matteo Politano, who is now in Napoli and, believe me, many, many others.
1 seat.
AFC Ajax
By right and unconditionally, this academy is in the first place.
Graduates of recent years play for their club or in the first leagues of European championships. The work of the academy for decades is a whole philosophy, including how to train, from what age and whom to take, with whom and how much to play, how to recover, learn, participate in tournaments. The core values of the club were laid down by Johan Cruyff, and now they are preserved for the benefit of the academy and the club.
AFC Ajax students of the last decade: Davy Klaassen – came to the academy from HVV de Zebra’s and HSV Wasmeer at the age of 10 – went all the way, played for Werder, Everton, returned to his native club in 2020. Sergiño Dest, a graduate of Almere City, has been in the AFC Ajax academy since the age of 11, appeared in the first team matches more than 20 times after which he signed a contract with FC Barcelona.
Optus com au website photo.
Donny van de Beek signed with Manchester United in 2020 after 10 years in the club system.
Justin Kluivert at the age of 8 in the academy, at 17 he made his debut for the first team. Owned by AS Roma for 2022. Matthijs de Ligt, Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair Mazraoui….
The list of young stars playing in the top clubs in Europe can be long, but is the same, is a child in the club system from 8-10 years old, debuts for the first team at 16-18 years old, regularly comes on as a substitute and a year later signs a contract with FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, AS Roma …
There are several important processes that are characteristic of the highest level academies: guys, if they were taken to the academy, then believe in them until the end of and give the maximum, the club is not afraid to let out young shoots for the first team, the focus is on nurturing their bright, non-standard talents, and not selective selection of overall players and, as a result, the players continue their careers at the highest level.
Brescia Calcio official website photo.
It should be noted the quality of training and other football workshops focused on the development of their own students, such as: Brescia Calcio, Paris FC, Cergy Pontonoise FC, AS Bondy – alma mater Kylian Mbappé, Olympique Lyonnais, CF Rayo Majadahonda, RCD Espanyol, FC Servette, FC Zurich, Herta BSC, Manchester City, Arsenal FC, RSC Anderlecht, Manchester United, Toulouse FC, US Alfortville, SV Werder Bremen, OFK Beograd, FK TSC Bačka Topola, Sparta Rotterdam, Feyenoord Rotterdam, Fehérvár FC, RCD Mallorca, 1. FC Köln, Vasas FC, Atlético Madrid , Bucaspor, AC Sparta Praha, Flyeralarm Admira, Grazer AK. All these clubs, in addition to those listed, in the analysis of materials showed high results of their own football academies in terms of training young talents.
My goal was to draw attention to real football schools , which, being among the top academies, are undeservedly deprived of fame. Draw attention to their professional trainers, methods, conditions created by hard work, passion, great patience when working with children, and which, in turn, bring excellent results.
Miniature – AFC Ajax official website photo.
Football academies for children in Russia
There are many children’s football schools in modern Russia. And many of them are in the capital. In this article we will talk about the most famous and prestigious football schools in Moscow. These are organizations that provide children with the opportunity to train in excellent conditions. They have experienced coaches who help to achieve excellent results.
At the same time, we will not make a top or rating of schools. Each of them is good in its own way, each has certain advantages.
Spartak Academy
Speaking of football schools in Moscow, one cannot ignore the Spartak Academy. Its history goes back to an organization founded in 1934. Trainings are held in the sports complex in Sokolniki, which was created by the Spartak club together with LUKOIL. There are several pitches here, some of which are
heated, comfortable locker rooms, a gym, and a sauna.
You can practice for free.
Chertanovo
This organization is also included in the list of the most famous football schools in Moscow. It was founded in 1976 year. Now in “Chertanovo” they train not only boys, but also girls. Many coaches have UEFA licenses. Classes are free, and young athletes of the first division, starting from a certain age, receive a scholarship. Also, the players of the first division, who are 13 years old, receive sports equipment – this is a rarity for children’s academies in Russia.
Lokomotiv Academy
It is impossible not to include the Lokomotiv Academy in the rating of football schools for children. You can get here from the age of 6, while you must pass a preliminary selection, and then for several months the child will be on probation. Trainings are paid, but very good conditions have been created for young athletes. In terms of the number of those who play for other teams, play in European competitions and sign professional contracts, this is one of the most successful metropolitan academies.
And perhaps the most successful.
Dynamo
If we talk about football academies with a long history, we can’t ignore Dynamo. In 1934, a section for children was created, which was called “Young Dynamo”. In the 85 years that have passed since that time, this organization, which undoubtedly deserves to be included in the category of “best schools”, has produced many famous field players and goalkeepers. Training here is free.
CSKA Academy
Children’s football club CSKA was founded in 1954 year. Many boys want to train here. The Academy offers classes under the guidance of experienced coaches, and classes are held both on artificial turf fields and on the natural grass of the Oktyabr stadium. Although you don’t need to pay tuition fees, you need to go through a serious selection process upon admission, because there are a lot of people who want to get into this particular academy.
Stuttgart
A story about football schools in Moscow would be incomplete without mentioning FC Stuttgart.
