Core Principle of the Academy

The fundamental principle of Europa Stars Academy is the seamless integration of sports, education, and independent development of young student-athletes. The Academy follows the golden rule: 51% academics – 49% sports! In case of conflicts between these two areas, academic education is always the top priority.

About Europa Stars Academy

The Europa Stars Hockey and Football Academy was founded in 2014 in Bratislava, Slovakia, and over the years has become a benchmark for training and developing young student-athletes. In just five years, the Academy's coaches have organized hundreds of sports camps in Sweden, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. As innovators in hockey training, the Academy’s coaches and specialists developed a unique holistic training program, forming the foundation of Europa Stars Hockey Academy in Bratislava.

Today, Europa Stars Academy is one of Europe's leading projects in sports education. Graduates of the Academy’s hockey and academic programs consistently earn opportunities to play professionally and study at top universities in Europe and North America.

Hockey Program

The hockey program is the key advantage of Europa Stars Academy. Over 200 athletes aged 10–18 train in teams of different age categories.

Club Structure

• Up to 15 years old – players compete in teams of their respective age groups.
• After 15 years old – players transition to U-16, then U-18, and later U-20 competitions.
• Younger teams (A and AA levels) represent the Academy in HC HOBA, HC Ruzinov, and HC Slovan with the goal of progressing to HC Slovan’s senior team.

Coaching & Development

• Training is led by top coaches from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, all with professional playing experience and highest-level coaching certifications (AA category).
• Senior teams compete in three different championships:
  • U-16 (Senior Pupils AA)
  • U-18 (Dorast)
  • U-20 (Juniors)
• Continuous team rotation fosters sports competition and skill development.
• Players spend over 8 hours on the ice weekly and participate in additional individual training.
• Position-specific training sessions are held regularly.
• Video analysis of games and personal feedback sessions with coaches are conducted after every match.
• Scouts and agents attend all club games, providing players with career advancement opportunities.
• Every year, Academy players receive offers to continue their careers in European leagues and sign their first professional contracts as early as 17 years old.

Academic Program

A student-athlete’s day at Europa Stars Academy starts at 5:00 AM.

Daily Schedule

• The day begins with breakfast, followed by team training.
• Training process includes both physical and tactical preparation (20 hours per week).
• Academic studies account for 40 hours per week, covering:
  • Languages: English, German, French
  • Sciences: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  • Humanities: History, Politics, Religion, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Philosophy
  • Arts & Technology: Music, Art, Computer Science, Theory of Knowledge

International Diplomas & Higher Education

• The academic program is designed for students to complete their secondary education (grades 9–13).
• Students can earn a Slovak Matura diploma after 5 years of study.
• In the final year of the bilingual high school program, students can take the IB diploma exams at the British Consulate, making them eligible for admission to universities worldwide, including the USA and Canada.
• Classes are conducted in English and Slovak, with students required to study at least two additional languages.

Language Support & Academic Standards

• First-year students with limited English proficiency receive an intensive language curriculum.
• All student-athletes must choose a second language to study, and by the final two years, a third language.
• The Academy maintains strict academic standards. Poor academic performance results in suspension from games, regardless of the player’s skill level or the importance of upcoming matches.

Infrastructure

Europa Stars Academy is located in Bratislava, just:

• 60 km from Vienna (Austria’s capital and major international airport).
• 15 minutes from Bratislava Airport.

State-of-the-Art Sports Facilities

• Hockey stadium
• Football stadium
• Indoor & outdoor swimming pools
• Basketball center
• Tennis courts (indoor & outdoor)
• Stretching studio & fitness gym
• Athletics track & open-air swimming pool