A British football academy situated near Durban in South Africa has achieved a remarkable milestone, with eight graduates this year having all signed deals with professional clubs, marking a significant breakthrough for the programme.
The British Football Academy identifies exceptionally gifted young players aged 14 to 18, predominantly from impoverished township communities across the country.
The academy's mission centres on uncovering raw talent in socially disadvantaged areas and providing these youngsters with both elite football training and quality education.
One graduate has also earned selection for South Africa's under-19 national squad.
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Speaking exclusively to GB News, John Read, co-founder of the British Football Academy, described the programme as "a genuinely unique academy in South Africa, offering highly talented youngsters mainly from poverty-stricken townships a good education and superb footballing pathway, hopefully leading to the Premier League in England".
He added: "Some of our players will be good enough to play in the professional leagues in England, and one or two will - we believe - make it to the Premier League.
"The first 10 of our boys to pass their exams and leave school have all been offered contracts with clubs in the South African Premier League, including Mamelodi Sundowns, who played in the Fifa Club World Cup last summer."
He told the People's Channel that admission is based solely on "raw talent and uncompromising commitment" with all expenses covered by the academy.
The British Football Academy identifies exceptionally gifted young players aged 14 to 18
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The academy was established in 2022 before officially launching in January 2024.
It operates through a collaboration with Pinetown Boys' High School in KwaZulu-Natal, where students receive their formal education alongside intensive football development.
Each year, the programme awards full bursaries to youngsters from deprived communities, covering tuition fees, housing, meals and school costs.
Beyond coaching, the academy delivers comprehensive welfare support and accommodation to ensure participants can thrive both academically and athletically.
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The academy's mission centres on uncovering raw talent in socially disadvantaged areas and providing these youngsters with both elite football training and quality education
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Siya Mnganga serves as head coach, overseeing the high-performance training environment.
The model combines educational opportunity with professional-standard football instruction, creating a holistic development pathway for each student.
Sdah's story exemplifies the transformative potential of the programme. He grew up sharing a cramped two-bedroom dwelling with his parents and seven siblings, frequently sleeping on the floor whilst the family divided their limited food supplies.
His township environment was plagued by drug problems and gun crime, with prospects appearing remote.
One graduate has also earned selection for South Africa's under-19 national squad
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Through the academy's support, he has excelled in both his studies and on the pitch, demonstrating what becomes achievable when talent meets opportunity.
The academy maintains extensive connections with professional clubs throughout England and mainland Europe, though it remains independent of any single team.
These relationships provide students with exposure to international football standards and potential pathways to English leagues.
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