Announcing the Head Coach of the FC Schalke Integrated Academy U18 Team
PATRICK WEISER
Weiser enjoyed an extraordinary 25-year professional football career in Germany and holds a UEFA Pro License. He has just left Bayern Leverkusen where he was the Bundesliga-U19 Manager and has coached at 1. FC Köln, Bonner SC and other prestigious clubs.
"The entire International Soccer Academy and FC Schalke 04 staff are 100% committed to every players success. Every player that came to this program in August improved their game because of the dedication this program has to these boys. The goal of everyone in this program is for success for every player individually."
Knappenschmiede By The Numbers
"We very much appreciate our partnership with the International Soccer Academy. The fact that we are already entering the second year speaks for the project."
The FC Schalke 04 Academy — The Knappenschmiede — is for ambitious footballers.
Players come to prepare for professional football and to become an impact player.
“Own the way to the top, there is no panacea. Every football career is unique.”
In addition to football specific development Schalke also focuses on a player’s athletic and coordinated skills. From strengthening foot muscles to improving speed with photo analysis and corrective notes, this is player position specific training that give players an competitive edge.
Schalke’s goalkeeper training is recognized worldwide. Manuel Neuer, Lars Unnerstall and Holger Gehrke are only a few of the goalkeepers who have successfully completed training at the Royal Blues.
Our joint INTERACTIVE Residential Academy falls within Schalke’s competitive division (U16-U19) where the focus is on the tactical aspects, as players are expected to be technically proficient. Players will be trained by Schalke’s fully qualified football coaches and the head coach for the team will hold a UEFA / DFB A license.
With over a century of rich tradition, Schalke values modesty, fair play, team spirit, respect, passion and a player’s dedication.
Founded in 1904, Schalke is in Gelsenkirchen, Germany – a former hub of coal production. Just over 20 miles from Dusseldorf and less than 20 miles from Dortmund, Schalke is in the heart of Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia region. One of 16 founding members of Germany’s Bundesliga, click here for Schalke’s milestones.
Players on the INTEGRATED Academy will live at The Courtyard by Marriott Gelsenkirchen, which is walking distance to the Schalke stadium, the Veltins-Arena.
The Academy
FC Schalke 04 tracks and observes the development of talented players and invites only the best to train at their Bundesliga Academy. International Soccer Academy and Schalke 04 have collaborated on the methodology for the groundbreaking 2006/05 Integrated Academy.
Our Pledge to Top 2006/05 Players
Players Deserve To Be Trained by Top Coaches with UEFA PRO or A Licenses.
No Soccer Compromises
Redefining the future of youth soccer, this joint initiative provides a completely integrated player development program with FC Schalke 04. This unique immersion program was created to meet the higher needs of America’s most elite 2006/05 players and is coached exclusively by FC Schalke 04 coaches.
Players will train at Schalke campus, a 10-minute walk from hotel.
No Academic Compromises
Players can take advantage of our educational partner, Arizona State University (ASU), which has a rigorous preparatory academy — perfect for serious student-athletes. A part of Arizona State University, ASU is an accredited online school with an accelerated path toward college admission — and offers a flexible schedule so players can train and travel without missing school. (Additional costs apply).
Our Commitment to Players
This is the real deal. Excellent training. Intense Skill Development. Amazing Coaches. Scouting Opportunities. Official FC Schalke O4 Training Gear and Uniform. Highly competitive games with Bundesliga academy teams and other clubs for a full season. Tickets for FC Schalke 04’s Bundesliga home matches.
Players on the INTEGRATED Academy will stay at the stays by friends Gelsenkirchen, which is walking distance to the Schalke stadium, the Veltins-Arena. Two players per room. Flat-screen TVs. Anti-inflammatory sports diet.
“The U.S. market is quite attractive for us and we hope that one or more of the players can arouse the interest of the Knappenschmiede. I’m excited to see how the boys develop during their one-year stay at Schalke.”
“Soccer is not about mathematics. It’s about emotions. Leave the player, leave the game, leave its little secrets alone.”
“The players are working hard on their dream of becoming professionals. We try to give them the right input for this.”
“Schalke offers young American players a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to succeed in one of the best soccer academies in the world.”
“We are happy to be part of this project. We are excited to work with American players.”
“We are looking forward to giving US talents the opportunity on the highest level to show their skills, character and commitment.”
“The cooperation with International Soccer Academy is a win-win situation for both sides.”
“We are very happy about this partnership. It allows us to look for and hopefully find great American soccer talents.”
“Being a pro? It’s what every young player dreams of, you know?”
“Never before has this opportunity existed. This groundbreaking partnership with FC Schalke 04 provides authentic access for America’s top young soccer players to be part of a top Germany professional club for a full season.”
“We asked FC Schalke to duplicate their academy model as closely as possible — and they asked us to deliver really talented players who have the potential to become pros.”
Application Timeline
Virtual Tryouts - Apply Online
Submit highlight video and/or coaching recommendations. All applications will undergo an evaluation process. FC Schalke 04 scouts will review player highlight reels.
In-person Tryouts
Another pathway to get approved. FC Schalke 04 scouts will review player highlight reels.
Personal Zoom Interview
With Eddie Loewen and/or International Soccer Academy coaching staff
Complete Player Application and Submit Deposit
If a player is accepted, he will complete and sign the Player Agreement. A non-refundable deposit is required.
On-Boarding Process
Zoom sessions
Arrival on Site in Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Discounts available at headquarter hotel for family traveling with player
For additional questions, please email us at [email protected]