i-5 Football Academy

Welcome to our Academy S.T.E.P Programme

Soccer Training Enhancement Programme (S.T.E.P)

Where

Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre

Snydale Rd, Cudworth,

Barnsley, S72 8LH

When

Thursday 8th January, 2026

6pm - 7:30pm

How Much

1st session completely FREE

No obligation to sign up

£35 per month/per player

Venue

Brand new astroturf at the Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre

About the academy

Meet the i‑5 Academy, a bold new partnership between i‑5 Football Academy, Doncaster Elite and IDA Sheffield, launching Thursday 8th January 2026 at the Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre. 

Designed for ages 7–16 (with a full 16–18 education offering arriving in 2026/27), it blends informative football development, complete with UEFA qualified coach‑led sessions and AI‑powered performance tracking—with serious professional, semi-professional, vocational and academic pathways through IDA and the University of Sheffield. 

Training kicks off on 8th January 2026 on Thursday evenings for just £35/month in our top‑class facility, Dorothy Hyman Sports complex, with the first session absolutely free and no obligation to sign up. 

The academy is purely a training enhancement programme and does not interfere with any other club or training commitments. 

Starting on the 8th January 2026, on the new 3G astro at Dorothy Hyman, spaces limited, so sign up and start your journey from grassroots to first team!



  • Professional football - We have that covered!!
  • First team football pathways - We have that covered!!
  • Private Academy Football - We have that covered!!
  • Vocational pathways - We have that covered!!
  • College or University - You got it - We have that covered!!


Our partners and what they bring

Yellow background with black logo: “IDA” initials formed by parallel lines. Text below reads “Inspire Development Academy.”

Inspire Development Academy allows students to combine world-class education with elite football training. We have the full spectrum of education pathways covered, with Sheffield College, Sheffield Hallam University and The University of Sheffield ensuring these progression routes. 

IDA Students study at the world renowned University of Sheffield, optimising their potential and allowing them to explore a professional sports career alongside an esteemed qualification. We are proud to be able to offer such pathways for players/students to be able to choose from the University of Sheffield’s full course portfolio, allowing them to discover a subject that inspires as much passion as football does.


IDA sheffield

Shield logo with red and white stripes above a blue rose, on a dark blue background.

i-5 Academy and Doncaster Elite have forged a partnership in which our brand new initiative will present the young players of tomorrow with a full pathway to their first team, as well as all other opportunities, professions and vocations.

Based at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre, The project will develop local talent and provide exciting opportunities for the wider community.


elite fc

A soccer player holding a ball stands in front of a blue-lit background with the text

At 99Rated, we’ve played, coached, and stood on the sidelines as parents—experiencing every emotion the game brings. We know every child’s journey is different, and every player deserves the chance to grow with support, confidence, and joy.

That’s why we created 99Rated—the first platform built to simplify team management and put player development at the center.

Coaches get the tools to manage communication, sessions, and game-day planning. Players unlock the Self-Development Toolkit to practice at home, set goals, and track their progress—on and off the pitch.


99rated

  • Can my son/daughter play for another team?

    Yes. 

    i-5 Academy is a training enhancement programme designed to maximise a players potential alongside any other commitments they may have.

  • Are there any fixtures?

    Yes. 

    We will arrange bespoke fixtures to suit ability levels and age groups as the Academy expands. These fixtures will also be supplimented with opportunities to attend excursions to professional organisations and fixtures.

  • Will we enter a league?

    Currently there are no plans to enter a league format. This will be monitored as the academy grows and we may enter squads into league competitions in the 2026/27 season. 

What People Say About Us

Ashley Lambie - Harrison's Father

"The delivery and staff are second to none. My son Harrison has benefited in ways i never thought possible. I can't thank Lee and his team enough."

Countdown to Launch

Thursday January 8th
6pm - 7:30pm
Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre
Boys & Girls sessions
Ages u8 - u16

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

We're live!!

Choose your option

Book your free 1st session with us and ensure you don't miss out...or sign up to the full academy and begin your journey with us...

Click on the button below and follow the registration process. It's as simple as that and we look forward to seeing you.

Sign up for the free 1st session
Sign up for the full Academy

Register your interest

Contact us any time