BSJ Students Experience World-Class Football Training at Manchester City

British School Jakarta (BSJ) recently completed its fourth annual football immersion trip to Manchester City—an extraordinary opportunity for students to train, learn, and grow at one of the world’s premier football institutions. As a proud long-standing partner school of Manchester City, BSJ continues to offer young athletes experiences that go far beyond a typical sports tour.

A One-of-a-Kind Experience

As a Manchester City partner school, BSJ students gain unparalleled access to the world-class City Football Academy—where elite footballers train every day. From state-of-the-art facilities to professional coaching sessions, students experienced first-hand what life is like inside a leading Premier League academy.

“For many of our players, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and train like a professional footballer,” said Steven Jackson, Head Coach of the Manchester City Football School at BSJ (MCFS at BSJ).

Highlights From This Year’s Trip

During this immersive trip, 17 BSJ students took part in a series of unforgettable experiences, including:

• Training sessions at the City Football Academy, using the same pitches as Manchester City’s academy players.
• High-intensity coaching delivered by Manchester City Football School staff, featuring professional drills and tactical development.
• A competitive friendly match against the Youth Development Programme, allowing students to test their skills against new opponents.
• A behind-the-scenes tour of the Etihad Stadium—exploring the tunnel, dressing rooms, and pitchside zones.
• Watching Manchester City’s U18 team take on Liverpool, offering insights into elite youth football.
• Attending the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton—an unforgettable moment for everyone on the trip.

Reflecting on the experience, Steven shared, “We hope they return more motivated than ever. They have seen the pathway from academy football to the professional level and experienced the demands up close. My hope is that they take what they have learned, on and off the pitch, and use it to inspire their teammates and elevate our football programme at BSJ.”

More Than Football

At the Manchester City Football School at BSJ, the goal extends beyond developing skilled and confident footballers. It is equally about nurturing young people who embody resilience, teamwork, and a deep love for learning and improvement. Experiences like this immersion trip reflect BSJ’s commitment to providing meaningful opportunities that help students grow—not only on the pitch, but in every aspect of their lives.