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SkillsConfidenceFriendshipsBrighter futures

Developing the next generation of footballers

Term-time sessions, holiday camps and tournaments for young players in Eastleigh and Hampshire, led by former Premier League striker James Beattie and a team of qualified, DBS-checked coaches.

LearnNew skills
MakeNew friends
BecomeA better player
More than a game
James Beattie coaching young players at a James Beattie Football Academy session
James BeattieFormer Premier League striker and Academy Director
Boys and girls,
all abilities welcome
FA-qualified,
DBS-checked coaches
Safeguarding first,
first-aid trained
Based in Eastleigh,
Hampshire
Our programmes

Football for every stage

From weekly development sessions to action-packed holiday camps and competitive tournaments, we offer high-quality coaching for players of all abilities.

Ask about a programme
Coaches running a term-time training session
30 weeks, September to May

Term-time training programme

Weekly age-appropriate sessions for U8s to U12s from professional UEFA-qualified coaches, mentored by James Beattie. Places are offered through trials each June.

Outfield players and goalkeepers
Does not affect playing for your club
Learn more
Children playing football at a holiday camp
Most school holidays

Holiday camps

Fun, high-energy camps for boys and girls aged 5 to 13, open to all abilities. Skills, games and matches with expert coaching from start to finish.

Single-day or full-camp bookings
Book online
View camp dates
Young players competing in a match
October and April

Tournaments

Hampshire FA affiliated tournaments giving grassroots club teams the chance to compete against new opposition during the season.

Open to grassroots club teams
Age-group, small-sided formats
Enter a team
Academy directors James Beattie and Andy Marks
A journey always starts, somewhere.
James Beattie Football Academy
About the academy

A passion for people and potential

The James Beattie Football Academy was founded in 2025 by former England international James Beattie to give players aged 5 to 13 a fun, inclusive and nurturing environment in which to develop their skills, confidence and love for the game.

With UEFA-qualified coaches leading the way, we develop not just the player but the person, building resilience, respect and leadership that serve children both on and off the pitch.

James Beattie
James BeattieCo-Founder and Academy Director
Andy Marks
Andy MarksCo-Founder
Our story
Upcoming camps and events

Join us at our next event

Holiday camps, tournaments and special events across Eastleigh and beyond. Places are limited, so book early to avoid missing out.

View all events
October Half Term Camp
26Oct
Year 1 to Year 8
Holiday CampsEastleigh

October Half Term Camp

26 Oct to 27 Oct 2026
8:30am – 2:30pm
Places Leisure Eastleigh
Full camp £45, single day £25Book now
Welfare and safeguarding

A safe, positive environment

The safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a fun, inclusive and supportive environment for all players, backed by clear safeguarding policies and DBS-checked coaches.

Get in touch
James Beattie talking to a group of young players on the pitch

Safeguarding first

Clear policies, a designated welfare lead and enhanced DBS checks for every member of staff.

Qualified coaches

FA-qualified coaches with first-aid training and years of grassroots and professional experience.

Inclusive for all

Every child is welcome, whatever their ability. Sessions are adapted so everyone gets the most from them.

Positive experiences

Encouragement over pressure. We build confidence, friendships, memories and a lifelong love of football.

What parents say

Real feedback. Brighter futures.

Genuine feedback from parents, taken from the academy's Facebook recommendations.

We honestly can't recommend James Beattie Football Academy enough! Our daughter was incredibly nervous before her first camp, but she came home with the biggest smile on her face and immediately asked when she could go back. A special shout out to Andy, who is absolutely incredible with the children.
J
Jess B.Holiday camps, Places Leisure
A huge thank you for the last 3 days. It is the first time my son has ever attended a football camp. He, and all of his friends, had the absolute best time! So professionally run, organised, welcoming and great fun!
S
Sam B.Summer holiday camp
Very well run camp. My daughter had a great time over the 2 days playing football. Thanks to James, Andy and the coaches. Highly recommended!
B
Ben R.Holiday camp
Fantastic 3 days with different themes every day, lots of content each day with the amazing coaches making it informative and fun. He has thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
M
Martin L.U10 camp, Places Leisure Eastleigh
My son has just joined the U11 training academy and today he and my step son went along to the school holiday camp. They both had a brilliant day. Making the trips over from the Isle of Wight is 100% worth it to see the boys' faces beaming with pride and confidence.
C
Carrie L.Training academy and holiday camp
The coaches are really friendly, professional and organised. Great way to keep them entertained over the school holidays and for a good price. He's already asking to go next time. Would definitely recommend.
A
Annie D.Holiday camp
Absolutely brilliant 4 days for my son at the first session in Winchester. Every day was filled with different aspects of the game mingled with fun and competitions! He came home with a smile on his face and full of praise for the coaches. Massive thanks to the legend James Beattie and his excellent team.
M
Mark N.4-day holiday camp, Winchester
My son has been to a couple of James' football camps now and absolutely adores them! All the staff are amazing with the kids. We'll definitely be back for more!
A
Amy J.Holiday camps
Our grandson loved the last 2 days. Every child went away smiling and feeling super special. What a fantastic academy. Massive thank you to James Beattie and all the team!
S
Sharon S.Grandparent, two-day holiday camp
My boys had a great time over the three days of football. They said all the coaches were excellent and they can't wait to go again in the summer. Many thanks to all the coaches, and thank you James for signing so many items for the boys!
L
Lucy K.Three-day camp
My son did all 3 days and absolutely loved every bit of it. The coaches were friendly and it was very well organised! Well done guys, you have made a lot of local children happy. Would 100% recommend.
T
Tanya P.Three-day camp
Academy kit

Look the part on and off the pitch

Official James Beattie Football Academy kit and merchandise, supplied by JFC Sports. Training wear, bags and extras for players and supporters.

Visit the shop
JBFA Rain Jacket

JBFA Rain Jacket

From £29.75Buy now

Orders are placed and fulfilled by JFC Sports. Products and prices are updated automatically from the club shop.

Latest news

News from the academy

Camp dates, tournament news, coaching tips and stories from around the academy.

All news
Partners and sponsors

Support the academy and our tournaments

We are grateful to the businesses that support the academy. If your company would like to sponsor one of our tournaments or events, we would love to hear from you: we are always looking for businesses to support these days and to promote alongside them.

Sponsor an event
Proudly supported by
Synergy Personnel Ltd
FAQs

Questions? We've got answers

The things parents ask us most often before booking. If your question is not here, send us a message and we will get straight back to you.

Ask us anything

Our holiday camps are for boys and girls aged 5 to 13, and our term-time training programme is currently for U8s to U12s. Players are grouped by age and ability, so beginners and more experienced players both get coaching pitched at the right level.

No. All abilities are welcome at our holiday camps, and our coaches adapt every session so first-timers can build confidence while more experienced players are stretched. The term-time programme is selected through trials each June.

Term-time sessions run at St George Catholic College in Southampton (SO16 3DQ) for U8s to U10s and at Cantell School in Southampton for U11s and U12s. Holiday camps are usually held in Eastleigh, with occasional camps in Southampton and Winchester. The exact venue and timings are listed on every event.

Holiday camps and tournament entries are booked online from the Events page. For the term-time training programme, get in touch and we will tell you about the next trials, which are usually held in June.

Football kit, shin pads and trainers or astro boots (no metal studs), a water bottle and clothing for the weather. For full-day camps, pack a lunch and snacks. Sun cream in summer and a coat in winter are always a good idea, as we are outdoors whatever the weather.

Ready to get started?

Book a holiday camp, ask about a taster session or get in touch to find out which programme is right for your child.

Get in touch

Have a question? We'd love to hear from you

Whether you want to book a camp, ask about term-time sessions or enter a team into a tournament, drop us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Where we areEastleigh, Hampshire. Venues are listed on each event.

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