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SA’s only brain-centred football academy that develops a player’s intelligence on and off the field and sets them on a pathway
of success

“The professional game is no longer dependent on physical ability alone but, more so than ever, on a player’s intelligence.”

Sean Szabo, Founder of IQ Football

FOOTBALL ACADEMY JOHANNESBURG 

IQ Football is the only football academy training in Johannesburg that focuses on brain-centred training. We are unique in that we offer football training that is based on scientific research, especially in the neuroscience field. Our football coaching approach values each child as uniquely intelligent and helps them reach their full potential with a personal football trainer, who is also trained in neuroscience based mentoring. 

MORE THAN SOCCER TRAINING 

We are passionate about neuroscience and the brain. Our soccer training academy approaches soccer training with the aim of providing the best possible learning experience. Our soccer training sessions have the intention of optimising the player’s development on the field, but also beyond it. 

Our football coaches don’t just do average football training. They are much more knowledgeable about the brain and its application to a player’s health, wellbeing and performance.

ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO FIND ELITE BRAIN-CENTRED SOCCER TRAINING IN SOUTH AFRICA THAT TRAINS PLAYERS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL GAME? 

Q. Do you want to train like a professional and up your game mentally and physically?

Q. Are you looking for an internationally developed brain-centred football curriculum that will positively affect your football training and your life?

Q. Are you looking for football coaching that invests in each unique player? Habits off the field affect the game; the right football training on the field affects the pathway of your life. 

Whether you’re a parent looking for elite football training from coaches who mentor players (regardless of their current level of football); a club player looking to raise their game to the next level; or a player wanting to seek football scholarships in the USA, we have the pathway for you. 

For Beginners and Experts

KIDS SOCCER TRAINING

 Our methods are tailored to each age group.  IQ Football believes the development of our youngest players is paramount. Our Youth Development Programme focuses on kids soccer training that is fun and foundational. Players between the ages of 2 – 10 years are given the chance to master the game of football without the pressure of opposed practice. 

FOOTBALL TRAINING FROM EXTENSIVE RESEARCH

IQ Football uses the application of Evidence-Informed Practices to design, implement and improve our football training. We believe so strongly in this that our staff and coaches attend weekly training with our Founder and Head of Coaching development. 

PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL IS TOO DEMANDING TO TACKLE WITHOUT
TRAINING THE BRAIN 

Every player deserves a good start to gain confidence, technical skills and a strong mind in the ever-changing, fast-paced, game of football.

We believe that every player is uniquely intelligent. The latest research shows that intelligence is not fixed. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.
 
Our brain-centred curriculum utilises the latest research to maximise a player’s learning habits, and to bring out the best of their unique physical, technical and mental intelligence.
 
At IQ Football, each personal football trainer goes above and beyond what a normal football coach needs to know or do. We emphasise the importance that all players should be coached to realise their value, purpose and intelligence. 
WHY IQ FOOTBALL?
IQ Football Reasons Option

Brain-Centred Curriculum

Player-Centred Model

Individualised Attention

IQ Football Reasons Option

Coaches who mentor

We understand the need for players to be mentored to thrive in the complex modern world. We’re passionate about giving players the best opportunity to master the game through brain-centred training, so they can gain elite-level technical football skills, build strong mindsets and become intelligent players on and off the field

kids soccer training

Academy Training

Holiday Clinics

IQF Soccer Clinics

1-on-1 Training

1-on-1 Training

HOW WE DEVELOP INTELLIGENT PLAYERS ON AND OFF THE FIELD 
Football image

Brain-Centred Football Curriculum

Our curriculum and IQ. Tools have shown proven results that improve the technique and mental processes of a player.

IQ Methodology Neuroscience

Neuroscience

Intelligence is not fixed. We help players understand how to use their mind to create neural connections that positively impact their game, and life.

IQ Methodology Player centred model

Player-Centred Model

We help unlock the player’s confidence through guided discovery, using the game as the teacher & small-sided games. 

IQ Methodology Goals

Mentoring

The football field is a perfect environment to help guide a player’s physical, psychological, cognitive and social development.

Review

In the time my sons have spent with Sean and his team (at both weekly coaching and holiday clinics) I have seen a real transformation! Both the IQ philosophy and Sean and Coach Essien’s approach are truly remarkable. My boys have grown holistically, not only in skill but also greatly in character. IQ Football gently and professionally equips them for life in a way that even a parent can’t. They’ve learned such valuable lessons, matured and have been commended by their schools. I cannot speak highly enough of IQ Football Academy!

Kate Lerman, IQ Football Academy Parent

Review

The difference with IQ Football is that they focus on the mental side of the game a lot more than others. I’m able to think faster and I’m more aware of everything. It shows in the drills that were sent to me. Playing soccer is easier for me now. They are great coaches. I’m so glad I found you guys!

John Fernandez, College Player, USA
Review

Our 4yo is so excited to go to IQ Football each week, he gets in the car 30 minutes before we leave. Our 2yo can’t wait to start. Coach Essien delivers patient, flexible, age-appropriate activities that are anchored in the psychology of organised sport. As someone who played football for a number of years, I want to nurture my kids’ love for sport and tire them out so they fall asleep before the Premiere League comes on. Programs like this go a long way toward both.

Chelsea Wallis, IQ Football Academy Parent 
Review

My son’s concentration levels have peaked and his listening ability in school class have improved since practicing with his IQ Ball on a string daily for 5 minutes. Combination of IQ Ball and soccer practice has improved his game and his academic persistence. Thank you Sean and team!

Dashni Naido, IQ Football Academy Parent
Review

Seam and his Team at IQ Football are amazing. It’s a safe space for kids to learn football skills…as well as many mental and emotional lessons taught along the way. Any child will gain from these football lessons, including skills that will stand them in good stead as they get older. I always feel like my son is in the best of care when at IQ Football.

Charmaine du Toit, IQ Football Academy Parent
Review

My son has done 2 soccer clinics and thoroughly enjoyed them, and is now nagging to join the academy. Sean is always around and knows exactly what is happening which I love, and the coaches are friendly, attentive, loving, and full of energy. Not only does IQ Football teach the kiddies soccer/ball skills but also the importance of teamwork and manners. Amazing work IQ Football, we are thrilled to join your academy.

Jamie Snyman, IQ Football Academy Parent
Review

Our boys have been doing soccer with IQ Football for the past five years and it’s been incredible to watch how they have improved over the years thanks to the guidance and excellent coaching of Sean and Essien. Thank you for going beyond just the soccer skills training but also teaching them about important skills such as self-belief, having confidence in themselves, decision making and so much more. Thank you!

Shona Young, IQ Football Academy Parent

    HOW TO BEGIN TRAINING WITH US 

    IQ Steps to Joining 01

    1

    Complete the contact form at the bottom of this page

    IQ Steps to Joining 02

    2

    We’ll be in touch with training times and membership options

    IQ Steps to Joining 03

    3

    Sign the registration form to start brain-centred training

    IQF TOOLS TO SUPERCHARGE YOUR COGNITIVE AND TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT 

    Players who practise at home have more opportunity to increase their ball mastery skills and confidence. Our IQF tools are tailor-made to take a player’s game to the next level. 

    IQF tool 1
    IQF tool 2
    Set up your free trial session
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    We only offer a free trial session to those signing up for our Academy Training.