Best soccer academies in Cape Town, South Africa

These academies offer training programs focusing on players’ on-field performance and development.

The academies also provide a structured and professional environment where young talents receive quality training from experienced coaches. Below are some of the notable academies:

1. Ajax Cape Town Academy

Ajax Cape Town Academy is a prominent soccer academy in Ikamva, Parow, Cape Town. It is affiliated with the Dutch football club Ajax Amsterdam and employs the same training methods and philosophy as the parent club.

Ajax Cape Town Academy was founded in 1999 as a partnership between Ajax Amsterdam and Cape Town Spurs FC.

The academy nurtures young players aged 7 to 19 years and provide a pathway for players to become professionals.

2. Badgers Academy

Badgers Football Academy is one of the top academies in Cape Town. A non-profit organisation, it runs on donations.

Situated in Oranjezicht, Cape Town, the academy offers a structured and professional environment for budding footballers to receive comprehensive training and education in various aspects of the sport.

Badgers Academy attracts female players who are passionate about football. The academy gives then knowledge in team sports, self-confidence, resilience, positivity, and empathy.

3. Ballers Soccer School

Ballers Soccer School offers customized training sessions to young people. Children in the age range of  3 to 18 are accepted in the academy.

The required fees to train with Ballers Soccer School varies depending on a player’s age. However, it typically begins from R1,000 for more than five training sessions.

4. Cape Town City FC Academy

Cape Town City FC Academy is one of the best in the country.  It is managed by Cape Town City FC, a team in the PSL.

The academy runs Dreamclub100, a program that collaborates with community youth to discover talents, train them, and offer assistance in many other ways. Players from Cape Town FC Academy play for Cape Town FC. There is no registration fee. All you have to do is to possess exceptional talent.

5. Fleetwood Town International Football Academy Cape Town

Fleetwood Town International Football Academy (FTIFA) is is located in Hout Bay, Cape Town. It sets ndividuals on a pathway for success on and off the field.

The academy was established 2023 as the first African base for the successful Fleetwood Town International Football Academy. It has academies in England and Dubai that have nurtured many professional football players, notable among them are Jamie Vardy, James Hill, Phoenix Patterson, and South Africa’s Kyle Rose.

6. Hamiltons Football Academy

The academy was established in 2018 and located in Rondebosch, Cape Town. It is a non-profit organization. It runs on donations by well-wishers.

The academy creates a conducive environment where young boys and girls can develop essential life skills and improve their sporting talent.

The academy offers a comprehensive program that helps hone a player’s technical, tactical, physical, and psychological development.

Coaches use many tools, including video analysis, to point out weaknesses in players and show them how to overcome them.

7. ONE10SPORT Football Academy

ONE10SPORT Football Academy is located in  Claremont, Cape Town. It offers an innovative, vibrant, and structured approach to football development. It also offers players of all skill levels a good setting to enjoy the outdoors and progress in football.

ONE10SPORT Football Academy invites players aged 7 to 18 years of age. The registration fee is R995. Players from the academy play in the Cape Town Local Football Association League.

8. Onesimo Soccer Academy

Onesimo Soccer Academy in Bester, Cape Town, was founded to increase youth participation in sports. It nurtures young players in football and prepares them for professional careers.

Young players aged 5 to 18 years are recruited in the academy. Most players from the academy  play in league matches in South African football divisions. The exact fee has not been disclosed.

9. Shosholoza Football Academy

Shosholoza Football Academy is an independent Youth Soccer Development Organisation. It is also a non-profit company that nurtures the football talents of boys and girls aged between 10 and 18.

The football academy teaches students soccer skills and academics. It aims to improve player’s understanding of football and place them overseas to continue their football career.

Any player within the recommended age group can become part of Shosholoza Football Academy. However, as a non-profit organization, the academy accepts sponsorships of R5,000.

10. Young Bafana Soccer Academy

Founded in 2010, Young Bafana Soccer Academy is prominent as one of the best in Cape Town.  It works towards the holistic development of children and young people by providing football and educational programs.

Young Bafana Soccer Academy scouts well-disciplined children who are passionate about football.