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info@jamesbeattiefootballacademy.com
Eastleigh, Hampshire
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About the academy

A passion for people and potential

Founded in 2025 by former England international James Beattie as a personal way of giving back to the sport and the community that supported him throughout his career.

Our story

Giving back to the game

James Beattie overcame a late start in football to achieve success at the highest levels, both domestically and internationally, including in Europe and with the England national team. In 2025, he founded James Beattie Football Academy as a personal way to give back to the sport and the community that has supported him throughout his career.

Together with our team of UEFA-qualified coaches, our aim is to provide young players with the opportunity to experience world-class coaching in an environment that promotes not only football development but also personal growth. We are dedicated to enhancing technical skills on the pitch while also equipping children with life skills that will serve them both in sport and in their personal lives.

At the core of our academy is a commitment to giving back to the community that played an essential role in our success. We aim to inspire the next generation of athletes, fostering a sense of responsibility, teamwork and resilience that extends far beyond the game itself.

James Beattie celebrating a goal in front of the Southampton supporters
James Beattie in an England shirt
Our mission

Developing the player and the person

Our mission is to provide a fun, inclusive and nurturing environment where young football players aged 5 to 13 can develop their skills, confidence and love for the game. We are committed to creating a positive and enjoyable experience for every child, regardless of ability, while fostering teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship and personal growth. We believe in developing not just the player but also the person, helping them build important life skills such as resilience, respect and leadership that will serve them both on and off the pitch.

With UEFA-qualified coaches leading the way, we ensure that each player receives expert guidance tailored to their individual needs, enabling them to reach their full potential. Our focus is on building strong foundations both on and off the pitch and inspiring a lifelong passion for football in every player we work with. This, we know, aligns with our core values.

A journey always starts, somewhere.
James Beattie Football Academy
Leadership

Meet the directors

The people behind the academy.

James Beattie

James Beattie

Co-Founder and Academy Director

Co-founded by former England international and Premier League striker James Beattie. James combines 17 years of professional playing experience with 13 years of coaching at some of the highest levels of the game. James also holds the UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in European football. Elite football experience, proven coaching concepts and real player development. At JBFA, our focus is simple; develop better players, better people and ultimately better footballers.

Andy Marks

Andy Marks

Co-Founder

Andy oversees the operations and delivery of the coaching programmes. He brings over 20 years of coaching experience across a wide range of age groups, including 18 years at Southampton FC Academy. Andy holds the UEFA A Licence and FA Advanced Youth Award, combining extensive practical experience with a strong understanding of player development and youth coaching.

Coaching pedigree

Coaches who have developed professional players

Elite football experience, proven coaching concepts and real player development. At JBFA, our focus is simple: develop better players, better people and ultimately better footballers.

Co-founder Andy Marks spent 18 years coaching at Southampton FC Academy, where he coached and supported a number of players who have gone on to play professionally.

He was also part of the coaching team behind an exceptional Southampton age group that produced James Ward-Prowse, Luke Shaw, Harrison Reed, Jack Stephens and Sam McQueen.

Players Andy has coached and supported

Tyler Dibling
Alex Scott
William Smallbone
Cameron Bragg
Dominic Ballard
Ryan Finnigan
Joel Bagan
James Morris

All now playing professional football.

What we stand for

Football that builds character

Four promises we make to every family.

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

Word from the touchline

Feedback from a family who keep coming back.

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.
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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!
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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!
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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
FAQs

About the academy

A little more about who we are, who coaches your child and how we work.

Ask us anything

James Beattie Football Academy is led by its two directors: James Beattie, the former Premier League striker and England international, and Andy Marks. They are supported by a team of qualified coaches who work with the children week in, week out.

Yes. Every coach holds FA coaching qualifications, an enhanced DBS check and first-aid training. We have clear safeguarding policies and a designated welfare lead, and safeguarding comes first at every session.

Encouragement over pressure. We want every child to improve their skills, grow in confidence and make friends, whatever their ability. Sessions are fun, well organised and pitched at the right level for each group.

No. We are an independent academy, so children can attend our sessions and camps alongside playing for their school or grassroots club. Many of our players do exactly that.

We are always keen to hear from qualified, DBS-checked coaches who share our approach. Current vacancies are listed on the Careers page, and you are welcome to send us a message if nothing suitable is listed right now.

Come and see for yourself

The best way to get to know the academy is to join a session. Take a look at upcoming dates or send us a message.

Upcoming eventsContact us