MIFA Terms and Conditions

 

These terms and conditions cover all courses and provisions offered by Manchester International Football Academy (MIFA.) They cover all individuals which are enrolled, or attend, any provision within the academy. A player’s enrollment, attendance, participation and/or payment will serve as agreement to these terms. 

Key words:

Players- Term used to refer to all individuals participating within MIFA activities, regardless of the specific programme enrolled onto. 

Session- Any timetabled (in writing or verbally arranged) activity which is organised and/ or conducted through MIFA. 

Programme- This prefers all the differing length of courses which MIFA facilitates and an individual has enrolled onto, including taster days.

1. General

1.1 All players must give a minimum of 10 working days notice of arrival into the academy. Failure to notify the academy within this time may result in the academy being unable to source accommodation, book their place and start their programme. 

1.2 Payment has to be made in advance of the player’s arrival and commencement of the programme. Following successful payment received by the academy, whether full or the first instalment agreed, only then can an arrival date be confirmed. 

1.3 All players must arrive at the academy on time and be ready to start all sessions at the time stated on the timetable.

1.4 All players must sign with the office staff, immediately upon entering the MIFA facilities. Players who fail to sign in will miss training for that day.

1.5 Players must greet staff on arrival and at the start of sessions.

1.6 All players must speak English throughout all MIFA timetabled sessions.

1.7 Players are expected to attend 100% of the training schedule. International Students must be aware that if they miss 10 study days consecutively, without contacting MIFA, they will be reported to the UK Border Agency.

1.8 Players who are provided with accommodation by MIFA will follow any code of conduct or in-house guidelines and procedures that are laid down by the accommodation provider and or the Academy, verbally or in writing.

1.9 Should any circumstances change it is the student’s responsibility to keep MIFA informed of all changes, in particular of any changes of home address, emergency contact name/ numbers or of any medical information.

1.10 The player agrees that MIFA keeps their personal records on its computerised and paper based systems. Records will be kept within the data protection act.

1.11 Any recordings (video/photographs/ voice recordings,) made by MIFA staff or invited/ visiting guests or press, taking part within MIFA activities may be used in any and all marketing literature, social media and website. This may also include press releases. Players who would not like to feature or stop being featured, should write to the Academy to express this.

1.12 Player’s ​​understand that MIFA is a football academy and even though we offer accommodation and transfers, this is not our sole business and these cannot be made at short notice.

1.13 Your course starts the day you arrive into academy provision, whether during the week for training or within accommodation. This includes arriving at the weekend.

1.14 If a player takes a day off or does not participate within provision, this is their discretion and cannot be refunded. 

1.15 The academy has a zero tolerance to drugs and alcohol. Any players found, or deemed to be under the influence or in possession, throughout their course, will be asked to leave. No refund will be given. 

1.16 Our motto is ‘moving forwards together’ and we believe all players have the ability to progress. If MIFA Directors believe that a player is not progressing, due to poor attendance and/or attitude and/or in hindering other participants progress- they have the right to ask them to leave the programme immediately, without refund. 

1.17 MIFA accepts players between the ages of 16 - 24. However, at times MIFA will accept players under the age of 16. The players and families understand that this is at their own risk and responsibility. They appreciate that the group will be aged between 16 - 24 and that the player is able to participate in the group. 

2. Football

2.1 Team selections for matches will be made on merit and at the discretion of the Manager and Coaching staff. 

2.2 All players must wear shin pads for training and games. It is the players responsibility to ensure shin pads are worn. If the player does not wear shin pads, this is at their own discretion and they understand the risks involved. 

2.3 Where possible, training sessions and matches may be filmed for analysis purposes. However, we cannot guarantee copies of these clips throughout a player's time at the academy. 

3. Injury 

3.1 If a player obtains an injury on the course, the course is not paused or stopped, nor can be refunded. 

3.2 All injured players must attend the academy, as per their timetable. Staff will try, where possible, to amend the programme to suit their needs and capabilities at this time. Although injuries can be frustrating, attending each day is important and must continue to be adhered to. 

3.3 Players are entirely responsible for organising their own medical insurance. Bearing in mind the possible threat to your professional career if you were to sustain some disabling injury during your time at MIFA. You may wish to consider arranging insurance cover for personal accident or injury.

3.4 Football is a contact sport- please consider injuries may occur. If you get injured, this is not MIFA’s responsibility.

4. Behaviour 

4.1 All players who partake within MIFA’s activities are accountable for their behaviour and conduct. Any abuse, physical or verbal, against members of the public, staff or other players will be treated with zero tolerance and will result in the immediate removal from the academy.

4.2 All players must follow the Code of Conduct displayed within the MIFA facilities.

5. Facilities 

5.1 MIFA takes your security and safety very seriously, ensuring we create the best environment for you to achieve your football and academic goals. MIFA monitors the safety of all players whilst at our training facilities. We cannot ensure the safety outside of these premises, or during free time and players are urged to practice caution and self awareness to keep themselves safe.

5.2 MIFA would like to make it clear that responsibility for student’s personal belongings rests solely with the students themselves, even when those belongings are in MIFA buildings. We suggest that each student has adequate insurance to cover their belongings. If a player leaves their belongings within the academy's possession, whether this is intentional or not, it shall be destroyed after 2 weeks without claim or collection.

 

6. International players

6.1 Players arranging transport to the academy, who have purchased an airport transfer, must make their arrangements known to the Academy Administrator at least 10 working days before the journey departure. Failure to make arrangements within the specified times will result in players forfeiting the transfer. No refund will be issued for missed transfers.

6.2 Airport transfers can be arranged from Manchester Airport or Manchester Train Stations only.

6.3 If a player has purchased accommodation, they need to give the academy administrators at least 10 working days notice of their confirmed travel arrangements. Failure to make arrangements within the specified time, may mean that accommodation cannot be guaranteed for the player's arrival. Accommodation would therefore be organised as quickly as it is available.

6.4  MIFA will source accommodation on behalf of the player- this is organised within a variety of options. Accommodation may be provided within; host family, a private house, hotel, b’n’b, or a private room within an occupied house. The accommodation will be located close to the academy, and if not walking distance, on a public transport route. Manchester is a very popular destination and therefore this affects the available accommodation options at certain times of the year. Therefore, the accommodation option sourced, is due to availability at the time. Food is not included within these costs. This accommodation will include single and shared rooms. 

6.5 If player’s choose to source their own accommodation, not provided or arranged by the academy, they shall be solely responsible for the organisation of their stay. MIFA cannot accept any responsibility for their accommodation throughout their stay. 

6.6 Immigration control in the UK affects everyone who is not a British Citizen. The Home Office is the Government department responsible for determining UK immigration policy. Particular rules apply to students who are EU/EEA and Non EU/EEA nationals. The following link explains this in more detail: Ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

6.7 It is the responsibility of the player to ensure that they have the correct visa to train and/or study in the UK. Upon arrival at the academy, you shall be asked to provide a copy of your visa to the academy administrators for their records.

6.8 If a player does not attend training and/or lessons for 10 consecutive days, without notification, the Academy will report their absence to the UKBA.

6.9 MIFA will provide a letter of invitation to players who have confirmed their places at MIFA. Players will be classed as being a confirmed student once payment for their programme has been completed. MIFA will not, under any circumstances, be involved or accept responsibility for the visa application process, other than the provision of these documents.

6.10 MIFA will never make any assurances to visa acceptance.

6.11 At times players may have their visa applications rejected for a variety of reasons. MIFA can accept no responsibility for this whatsoever.

6.12 If you choose to receive your acceptance letter via courier then you must pay the relevant charges.

6.13 In the event that a visa application is not successful, it is the player's responsibility to notify MIFA immediately. A copy of the official refusal letter must be provided.

6.14 You must pay all bank charges incurred when paying course fees by bank transfer. All academy places and bookings of training/ accommodation/ airport transfer will not be made/ confirmed until the full payment due has been completed.

7. Educational programmes

7.1 Any player who is enrolled onto a government funded educational programme, understands that their attendance at the academy and participation within any MIFA activities is funded through their educational attendance.

7.2 If players do not attend educational classroom activities, they shall be unable to participate within practical football sessions, until this work has been completed.

7.3 If a player fails to complete any outstanding work, by the education programme end date, they shall be required to pay a contribution towards the training football programme which they have received.

7.4 If a player holds any outstanding fees with the academy, they will be unable to receive any educational certificates, until the funds have been recovered.

8. Fees, Payments and Refunds 

We would prefer you not to make payments until you are certain you will be attending, as full fees cannot be returned or refunded.

8.1 The amount of fees, and if applicable due date, will be shown to you as part of the enrolment process whether that be online, over the phone or via email. Tuition fees are payable in full at the start of the course without exception. Players should make arrangements to ensure the prompt payment of fees by the due date.

8.2 Payment can be made via bank transfer, online or debit and credit card (incurs charges.) The payment will be counted as completed once the credit shows in the MIFA account. A bank transfer may take up to, and sometimes more, than one week to reach the Academy’s account. Invitation letters can only be issued after the funds or deposit have been cleared into the academy’s account. Please consider this when booking appointments and travel arrangements. 

8.3 You must pay all bank charges incurred when paying via bank transfer. All academy places and bookings of training/ accommodation/ airport transfers will not be made or confirmed until full payment has been completed.

8.4 A student who is in debt to MIFA for any reason, will not be able to participate within MIFA activities and will be charged a late penalty. Penalties are as follows, which apply to all monies owing to the academy, including training fees, accommodation and any other expenses:

- Payment received one week after the due date: £50 charge

- Payment received two weeks after the due date: £100 charge

- Payment received three weeks after the due date: £150 charge with an additional £100 per week here after.

8.5 Any credit card payments which are rejected on processing will incur an additional administration fee of £25.00.

8.6 The booking of a programme and course fees will be held within the player’s name, regardless of who is responsible for payment. 

8.6 Sponsored students who are financially supported by external agents should inform MIFA. MIFA will expect to receive confirmation in writing from the sponsor that they agree to pay MIFA’s fees subject to the terms and conditions. Until this is provided to the administration team, the player shall remain liable for the full fee.

8.7 Students having difficulty, for whatever reason in paying fees of any kind to the academy are strongly advised to discuss their problem with a member of staff. The academy will make every effort to view the situation of individual students sympathetically, but it is bound to collect any income owed.

8.8 Refunds will not be issued to students who decide to withdraw from a course following payment and completion of enrolment. Your booking can be moved to the next available course, with no additional fee or charges, if administrators are notified within good time, provided there are spaces available.

8.9 Players registered will remain on the course until completion; any players wishing to leave during the course will receive no refund of monies paid.

8.10 Players asked to leave the academy will not be entitled to refunds.

8.11 All purchases are made in British Pounds Sterling.

8.12 MIFA will not issue a refund if the academy is forced, requires or chooses to close due to a reason out of MIFA’s control. As an example, Act of God, national holiday, building closure, health and safety reasons, virus or illness infection etc, at the Director’s discretion. MIFA students shall not be liable for a refund in this situation, if the closure prevents the student from attending training for any period of time.

8.13 Upon payment for the programme, we reserve your space within the academy for the coming season. We are flexible with our start dates, but we expect all players to have attended by the end of the season. Seasons run 1st July - 30th June. If by 1st July you have not attended the academy, you should ask in writing for your enrolment to be carried over. This may incur extra costs, due to the annual review of pricing each 30th June. 

8.14 If a player wishes to extend their current programme, this has to be finalised and paid in full (received within the bank) 5 working days before the end of the current programme. If not paid and finalised we cannot extend the course. 

9. Visa Refusals 

If a player receives a visa refusal from the embassy, they may choose to apply for a refund.

9.1 Players understand that they are not automatically entitled to a refund. 

9.2 Players understand that when they make payment for a programme, the academy begins to make provisions for the course and therefore a full refund cannot be made in any circumstance. 

9.3 It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure information is submitted in an appropriate way, when applying for a visa. Failure to do so will result in ineligibility of a refund. This is at the discretion of the academy, considering the information provided to them.

9.4 The visa refusal letter is to be provided to the academy, on request of a refund.

9.5 If the visa has been refused due to lack or incorrect evidence provided by the applicant, a refund shall not be awarded. This includes completing the application
wrong and submitting inaccurate details.

9.6 You have up to one calendar year, from your original payment date (the date in which payment was received into MIFA’s bank account) in order to apply for a refund. Anytime after this, the payment cannot be returned or refunded.

9.7 If you apply for a refund up to 16 weeks after payment was received, a 75% refund can be awarded (following the below refund timings.) If a refund is applied for up to 24 weeks after payment was received, then a 50% refund can be awarded. If a refund is applied for up to one year after payment was received, then a 40% refund can be awarded.

9.8 For a refund to be processed, it must be requested in writing via email to [email protected]. The email should include the player’s full name, programme purchased, amount and date paid and the banking details to return the payment. Following this, providing the information is all correct, you shall receive an email to confirm if you have been added to the refund queue.

9.9 Refund Queue. To ensure refund payments are made in chronological order to which they were requested, each refund shall be put within the queue and worked through one at a time.

9.10 Timings. MIFA cannot give out dates as to when the accounts department shall process the payment. However, MIFA does guarantee that all confirmed and approved refunds, which have been added to the queue, shall be processed by the end of the following season, to which the request was made.

9.11 Refunds will only be issued via the original payment method and only made to the person or organisation from whom the fees were received.

10. Accommodation

10.1 MIFA will source accommodation on behalf of the player- this is organised within a variety of options. Accommodation may be provided within; host family, a private house, hotel, b’n’b, or a private room within an occupied house. The accommodation will be located close to the academy, and if not walking distance, on a public transport route. Manchester is a very popular destination and therefore this affects the available accommodation options at certain times of the year. Therefore, the accommodation option sourced, is due to availability at the time. Food is not included within these costs. Rooms may be shared or single occupancy. 

MIFA retain the right to make alterations to the programme at any time. All players which chose to participate within MIFA activities are agreeing to all the above terms and conditions.