Master the ball, master the game.
Welcome to Football Development Schools, in association with Aston Villa Football Club.
FDS is the stepping stone from local club to professional academy.
What we do
In partnership with Aston Villa Football Club, one of the Midlands’ premier professional football clubs, we see more than 7,000 children each week across the East Midlands, scouting players for Aston Villa Development Centres, Shadow Squads and Academy.
We are extremely delighted to partner with Football Development Schools (FDS). Having worked with FDS previously I am delighted they have joined Aston Villa Football Club as one of our Academy Partner clubs. Our football club is committed to developing homegrown players and we believe the new partnership will further enhance our ability to do this. FDS have an excellent record in developing players for local academies and we are looking forward to working with them to identify and recruit players for Aston Villa.
Steve Hopcroft – AVFC Head of Academy Recruitment Statement
Aston Villa Football Club see Football Development Schools (FDS) as an important part of our recruitment strategy. Having worked with Scott and Kristian for a number of years I have personal experience of the quality of the programme available. It has had great success in recruiting and developing professional football players. Our football club is committed to developing our own homegrown first team players who can follow in the footsteps of Jack Grealish and Jacob Ramsey and we believe that the FDS can play an important role in achieving this.
Scott Curry – AVFC Talent iD Project and Development Manager Statement
Aston Villa FC Development Centres
Developing the talents of players with a view to gaining them a place in a Shadow Squad.
Aston Villa FC Shadow Squads
Giving young players the opportunity to improve their skills through training and match experience against other professional clubs.
FDS European Tours
Giving selected players valuable experience of tournament matches and developing their skills off the pitch.
Schools and Holiday Courses
We also run holiday clubs and school training for players of all abilities.
FDS in Finland
Offering young Finnish players the chance to experience professional English coaching and fulfil their potential.
About Us
Find out more about where we came from and our football philosophy.
Sponsors
Thank You To Our Partners
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Contact Us
Get in touch for more information.