The BSI Football Academy enables players to take their football to the next level, through high performance training in an environment modelled on the leading football academies in Europe. We develop talented and hard working players, provide competitive matches in SAFA leagues, and create local and international pathway opportunities for them to fulfil their footballing ambitions through our network of contacts.
ACADEMY: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (U14 - U19)
If you're really serious about a playing career in football, then this full-time Academy Program is for you. The program combines high performance football training and athletic development, with quality high school education, with an added emphasis on character development. The goal is to develop well-rounded young people for success on the football pitch and in life.
All of this is presented in a structured and disciplined environment by professional staff, enabling the players to reach their full potential. The Youth Development Program is open for Grade 8 to Grade 12 and is guaranteed to take your game to the next level and beyond.

Academic classes, strength & conditioning training, video analysis and tactical sessions take place at the BSI Campus in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, whilst training and our home field is at Sandringham High School.
The players attend our Academic Study Centre in the mornings, and in the afternoons experience a football program which includes football training, athletic development, tactical learning, football theory, mental training, sports science testing, life skills, media training and more.
in 2026 we are competing in the GDPL (Gauteng Development Promotional League) at U14, U15, U17 and U19 age groups. The older academy players are also eligible for our HollywoodBets MRL squad, ability dependent.
The football program is designed and managed by former Manchester United Coach Dave Thorpe (BSI Head of Football).
2026 YDP fees are R127, 500 plus subject and exam fees.
Download the 2026 yearly calendar
Download the Football YDP Brochure
ACADEMY: ELITE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (EDP)
This full-time Academy Program provides high performance football training and player development for talented players who have finished high school and wish to further their progress towards full potential. The intensive schedule includes high levels of technical, tactical, fitness training, sports science support, match video analysis and more as we strive to take the players' games to professional standard.
As with all our programs, we provide local and international opportunities for those who are at a sufficient standard and attitude. Training and matches take place at Sandringham High School which is the home ground of BSI Football Academy.
For league football we compete in the HollywoodBets Men's Regional League (4th tier of South African football). U19's are also eligible for our GDPL U19 team.
BSI also hosts and competes in the Ubungani Cup, played annually in December. The event provides the opportunity for our players to play and showcase their ability against the likes of Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United, Siwelele FC and more.
Players are selected for all squads on merit, always with a view for development. Playing oportunities and experience will be arranged for those who may not be at the required level for our elite squads yet.
2026 EDP fees are R40, 000 (Full academy year) + R4, 750 Elite Kit fee.
Download the Football EDP Brochure

CLUB PROGRAM
Our Club Program provides the opportunity for aspiring young footballers to join the BSI family and experience our training part-time. We currently cater for ages U14 - U19.
The age-specific program combines football training and athletic development to develop players for long-term success. Training involves 3 weekday afternoon sessions and teams play weekend fixtures during the annual football season.
U14, U15, U17 & U19 compete in the GDPL (Gauteng Development Promotional League). U19s are also eligible for our HollywoodBets MHL squad.
The Club Program takes place at the BSI Football home ground at Sandringham High School.
BSI Club Program Fee Structure 2026
Once-off Annual Registration Fee - R2,700
Includes:
Monthly coaching fees (from 2nd month onwards until end of season):
Please note the 1st month's coaching fee is already included in the registration fee.
See link to registration form below. Submit the form to footballadmin@bsisports.com to sign up.
BSI Football 2026 club program Registration form

ACADEMY STAFF
BSI Football Academy employs professional expertise and experience in coaching, training, sports science and other support staff, who work with the players in various areas of development.
The coaching and support staff includes former Manchester United Coach David Thorpe (Head of Football, UEFA B Licensed), Ricardo Lourenco (Former Orlando Pirates player), Julian Russ (Sports Scientist & Biokineticist), Sibusiso Ntsinde (1st Team, CAF B Licensed), and Shaun Hollenberg (Goalkeeper Coach).

The football program focuses on improving skills and football intelligence, covering physical and psychological aspects through a balanced conditioning program that leaves the student fully prepared for the modern game.
The program includes:
"I am personally learning a lot from my coaches, because they play a lot of roles in mentoring me and making me a better person, not only a better player. Being behind with my studies or any football will affect me as a human and my growth. Bests moments are always in event that BSI host."
"Since I have joined BSI my focus has improved alot. I have also improved mentally and now I feel more committed and hungry for my goal and I know it can be achieved through hard work. What I enjoy the most is that I get to work on my own pace academically so I get to understand and see where I need to improve."
"BSI facilities are clean and provide everything you need to become a Pro. Coaches and facilitators are very experienced and they have helped me so much. They are friendly and supportive and also open. One of the most memorable moments was the International Soccer Camp that was held in February 2022 as it gave me the taste of what European football feels like. BSI gives me that professional environment and lifestyle of a football player and I am loving it!"
"My sport skills have developed alot, I have developed technically and also mentally. I am now able to go forward and play fast between spaces and I also now see the game in a different perspective. Mentally I have grown into a more humble, matured, responsible and a mature football player."
"I’ve built an environment that has helped me improve as a footballer and a person. The coaches and facilitators do everything they can to help me. I’ve made close friends at BSI and feel supported. My team-mates, coaches and tutors believe in me, which helps with confidence. What I love about BSI is that we do hard training and gym sessions and we make them fun."
"The environment, staff and coaches all make it easy to succeed and develop. The academics never clash with the sports as it is very easy to manage it and the tutors are very helpful. There is a very strong bond and family feeling at BSI. I feel incredibly supported. I am having a lot of fun at BSI and I love the togetherness."
"My football IQ has improved. I know more about the positions, players and their roles. My passing ability has improved. I know how to pass in different ways, my overall understanding of football has improved. The positive energy at BSI is really contagious. BSI has helped me stay positive and helped me be a good person."
"My experience so far has been amazing, alot of hard work has been put through to me in making me a better player. There is alot of dedication. The coaching is amazing. I appreciate all the coaches I have."
"Thank you coach Dave (Thorpe).
We are really humbled and amazed by the Kananelo's dedication and commitment. We are 100% behind him to see his dream to be a global soccer star come true. We appreciate all the hard work BSI is putting in building up his talent and personality at large, and grooming him into the best competitive state."
"Changing schools is never an easy decision, especially when moving to a completely different school environment and curriculum. From the very beginning, BSI made this transition seamless and reassuring.The management, teachers, coaches, and all staff are some of the kindest and most genuine people we have encountered. What truly stands out is that you are not just there to teach and coach, you genuinely care and are 100% invested in the growth and development of your students. Everyone made Gio and us as parents feel welcome from day one, as though we had been part of the BSI family for years. As working parents of a student athlete, managing extra commitments such as physio sessions, strength training, and additional appointments can be incredibly challenging. I cannot thank you enough for the time and stress you have saved us by offering everything on campus. Being able to drop Gio off in the morning and fetch him in the afternoon, knowing that all his academic and athletic needs have been taken care of, has been invaluable.
Academically, we were initially nervous as we weren’t sure what to expect, but Gio exceeded all expectations last year. He performed exceptionally well and even achieved 90% in science, a subject he disliked in primary school and now genuinely enjoys. We are so excited to see what he will accomplish this year.Watching Gio’s growth on the field has been just as remarkable. Training alongside older and stronger players has challenged him, motivated him, and pushed him to work harder every single day.
A heartfelt thank you to every single staff member at BSI. We are incredibly grateful and proud to be part of the BSI family and to walk this journey alongside you as Gio continues to grow."

