The Shenfield Football Academy has become one of the leading programmes of its type anywhere in the country, attracting the highest calibre of players and students. We are extremely proud of both our team and individual student successes which we pride ourselves on.

Shenfield have won the Under 19 Essex Cup numerous times and 29 players have represented the Essex County U18s in the last 5 years.  The Shenfield Academy has a very successful alumni with a large number of students now attending top sports universities both in the UK and the USA.

In May 2015 the academy became Youth Conference Alliance National Cup winners, beating Gateshead at Notts County FC in the final and was also Youth Conference Alliance League champions. In 2016 finished national runners up to Thomas Telford School in the ESFA U19 National Schools Cup at Cambridge FC. That season Shenfield were again crowned Youth Conference Alliance League Champions. In 2017 Max Watters became the first academy player to represent England as part of the ESFA U18 national side.  Max stared in the Centenary Shield, scoring four goals for his country.  The academy reached their 3rd National Final in four years, reaching the ESFA Elite Schools and Colleges National Cup final, playing at Stoke City FC in May 2018.

The Academy runs biennial tours to the USA and has already visited Los Angeles, New York and Miami.

Sean Clare – Shenfield Football Academy 2014-2016
Signed as a professional for Sheffield Wednesday in 2016 making 5 Championship appearances. Sean went on to sign for  Hearts FC and has since made 53 appearances in the Scottish Premier League. He is currently playing for Charlton Athletic first team.

Max Watters – Shenfield Football Academy 2015-2017
England Schoolboy International whilst at Shenfield. Max went on to sign a professional contract with Doncaster Rovers FC in 2018 and has since made League One appearances for Doncaster and Crawley Town in League Two. In 2020 he was bought by Championship club Cardiff City FC from Crawley Town.

Tarryn Allarakhia – Shenfield Football Academy 2014 – 2016
In May 2016 after spending two years with Shenfield, Tarryn Allarakhia signed a contract with Colchester United. In 2018 he signed for Crawley Town FC since making many League Two appearances.

What former students have said:

“The two reasons I joined SFA was the academic focus on grades in a top sixth form and also the fantastic football academy. We trained every day and the quality of coaching improved my confidence and ability leading to me playing professional football now. Without the football academy I wouldn’t be where I am today and I’ll always be thankful to the school and coaches – hopefully I can repay them with more success and achievements in the future.”      S. Clare now a professional at Hearts FC in the SPL

“I had never received the top level of coaching previously until I joined Shenfield. I really started to kick-start my career and develop as a player in the academy whilst growing as a person with the opportunities I gained.

My decision was made up due to the philosophy behind the programme, facilities and ambition that the Academy had. I am so grateful for my time with the Shenfield Football Academy and would not have gone on to what I have done in my football career so far.”      C.Hogan now with Brentwood Town FC

“Joining the football academy really changed me as a person. Training every day at the highest level significantly improved my confidence because I was improving every day. The training is the best I have experienced.

During my two years at Shenfield we reached the National cup final and played at Stoke City. This was the best experience of my life being able to play in a National cup final. This wouldn’t have happened without the amazing level of coaching and the academy philosophy. I would do so much to be back at Shenfield completing those two years again. Even being in America continuing my studies and having a football scholarship I still am in contact with the coach and he continues to help me now.”      L. Walker currently studying a full-time scholarship in the USA

“The SFA put me in amazing stead for my future football in the USA as I was pushed to become better every single day. It allowed me to play the highest standard of football and an opportunity to play at a Premier League ground which is every boy’s dream!”      C. Hartwell now at West Virginia Wesleyan College on a full-time football scholarship

“Shenfield is an outstanding school with a winning mentality, professional approach and a strict training regime which pushes players to reach their full potential. My favourite memories are an unbeaten league campaign, county cup and national titles, and going on a tour to Miami playing top USA Colleges. Shenfield has been absolutely instrumental in my football career.”      M. Toussaint now at Romford FC

“Training was always a top standard, our coach had worked with professional as well as youth players and had great experience in the game. Training was always varied and worked on our weaknesses in the game, turning them into strengths. The skills learned at Shenfield gave me the confidence to gain a scholarship at the best sports universities in the UK – Hartpury.”      C. Gregan now at Chelmsford City FC