ABOUT US

Discover the team and philosophy behind our soccer and education partnership.

A world-class partnership. A life-changing pathway. The future of student-athlete development starts here.

This International Academy Partnership with Southampton FC in Santa Clarita represents a new era in youth development — where the discipline of elite soccer meets the power of personalized education.

Built on the legendary foundation of Southampton FC’s world-renowned Academy, known for developing international stars and model professionals, this program brings The Saints Way to California. Our mission is to nurture not just exceptional athletes, but exceptional people — cultivating confidence, leadership, and character both on and off the field.

In partnership with Switched On Education, a global leader in K–12 learning, we deliver an accredited, flexible academic experience that supports every student-athlete’s growth. The curriculum adapts to each individual, ensuring players can excel in their studies while training to the highest standards of professional sport.

Together, we empower students to train, learn, and excel — unlocking their full potential and preparing them for success in soccer, higher education, and life beyond the game.



OUR TEAM

Graham Hill

Soccer Director

Graham has extensive business experience at a corporate level both in the UK and internationally. His love of soccer and his involvement in sport over many years, culminating with him working with AFC Bournemouth, a premier league soccer team in the UK, where he took AFCB coaches out to South Africa where they coached approximately 1200 players each year for 3 consecutive years. The AFCB coaches also took time to invest in the approximate 150 South Africa coaches each year and delivered coaching clinics to them. After each visit Graham would reach out to the South African schools and combine players from several schools to take a boys team and a girls team out the UK to be hosted by AFC Bournemouth. Along with that the players would experience the Bournemouth way of playing and enjoy playing matches against other UK teams.

Cheryl Hill

Education Director

Cheryl is the Education Director of SwitchedOn Education and is a professionally qualified educator and former principal of several Schools using an (Christian-based) online curriculum. Cheryl has many years of digital education and leadership experience in online education. She is the academic head of SwitchedOn Education and is very involved with management of the day-to-day monitoring of the online curriculum globally and the related aspects of the education and training of personnel using the of SwitchedOn Education curriculum in the UK, South Africa, and other countries. The academics at the school will be her responsibility along with a team of qualified staff who will ensure that your child/ren receive a well-balanced education that meets the common core standards. She will be training and closely working with the school staff to ensure that the correct procedures are in place and that the school day runs well and that the students achieve their best results given each students academic ability.

Coaches

Southampton FC Certified Coaches and Player Development Specialists

The Southampton FC International Academy USA is led by Southampton-trained, UEFA-licensed, and U.S. equivalent certified coaches, all of whom bring extensive experience in youth academy development. Following the world-renowned Southampton Way, our coaching staff is dedicated to nurturing talent, instilling professional academy standards, and guiding players through every stage of their individual development pathway.



Alfredo Sainz

U.S Based Coach

“Alfredo Sainz is a respected technical development coach and the founder of Insainz Training, a premier youth development program serving Santa Clarita for over 16 years. Known for his elite footwork curriculum, futsal background, and creative street-style philosophy, Alfredo has trained thousands of players and built one of the strongest development cultures in Southern California.

As a player, Alfredo signed with the Red Bull Street Style Team, representing the brand through high-level freestyle, street-soccer exhibitions, and community events. He also trained with professional clubs in Bolivia—including Wilstermann—where he gained firsthand experience inside elite South American football environments.

Throughout his career, Alfredo has collaborated with major global brands, securing contracts with Nike, producing branded events, and most recently hosting one of Santa Clarita’s largest futsal showcases: TOMA by Nike, drawing hundreds of players and families to the community.

Today, Alfredo continues to lead the next generation through Insainz Training, offering technical development, futsal, camps, and creative soccer experiences designed to develop confident, intelligent, and explosive players.”




Cheryl Hill

Education Director

Cheryl is the Education Director of SwitchedOn Education and is a professionally qualified educator and former principal of several Schools using an (Christian-based) online curriculum. Cheryl has many years of digital education and leadership experience in online education. She is the academic head of SwitchedOn Education and is very involved with management of the day-to-day monitoring of the online curriculum globally and the related aspects of the education and training of personnel using the of SwitchedOn Education curriculum in the UK, South Africa, and other countries. The academics at the school will be her responsibility along with a team of qualified staff who will ensure that your child/ren receive a well-balanced education that meets the common core standards. She will be training and closely working with the school staff to ensure that the correct procedures are in place and that the school day runs well and that the students achieve their best results given each students academic ability.

Remote Team

Andy Martino

Football Development Manager

Experience
➢ Worked at SFC for over 25 years
➢ FA Tutor since 2012 delivering
UEFA B & C Licence

Current role:
➢ Football Development Manager
➢ Academy Coach Developer

Qualifications:
➢ UEFA A Licence
➢ FA Advanced Youth Award

TOM GREVATT

Head of Football Programmes

Experience
➢ Worked at SFC for over 8 years
➢ Working in football coaching for over
15 years

Current role:
Head of Football Programmes

Responsibilities:
➢ Oversee both UK & International
football programmes

Tryouts - Moorpark

The cost for the tryout is $100, which needs to be paid aswell before sending off tryout signup form.

February 16th

Boys & Girls U9-U12 : 9am-12pm

Boys & Girls U13-U16: 1pm-3pm

Arroyo Vista Park

4550 Tierra Rejada Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021

Payment details: 

Switched On Education LLc
Zelle phone number 661-425-4937
Reference: Child’s Name & Surname

Tryouts - Santa Clarita

The cost for the tryout is $100, which needs to be paid aswell before sending off tryout signup form.

February 14th & 15th

Boys & Girls U9-U12 : 9am-12pm

Boys & Girls U13-U16: 1pm-4pm

Central Park

27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Payment details: 

Switched On Education LLc
Zelle phone number 661-425-4937
Reference: Child’s Name & Surname