Three tiers. One methodology. The Tech Lab runs Foundation, Performance and Elite sessions for players aged 6 to 16 — all indoors, all year round, in Esher, Surrey.
600+
Ball touches
1:6
Coach ratio
ESA
Training tech
Younger footballers? Check out Mini Ballers
Sessions
Tech Lab
Three tiers. One methodology. The Tech Lab runs Foundation, Performance and Elite sessions for players aged 6 to 16 — all indoors, all year round, in Esher, Surrey.
600+
Ball touches per session
Maximum skill repetition in every 60-minute session.
1:6
Coach-to-player ratio
Small groups, personalised coaching, individual feedback.
ESA
Elite Skills Arena tech
Professional training technology trusted by Barcelona, Arsenal and Monaco.
Younger footballers? Check out Mini Ballers
What is it
Where technique
meets technology
The Tech Lab is The 7 Academy's flagship programme. Every session combines the seven core components of player development — situational awareness, decision-making, technical execution, game intelligence, movement, attitude, and application — with cutting-edge training equipment used by clubs including Barcelona, Manchester City, and Adidas.
Whether you're just starting out or pushing for Elite, every Tech Lab session is run by our UEFA and FA qualified coaches, indoors, all year round.
1:6
Max coach ratio
16
Max players
Choose your level
Three Tiers
Foundation
Tech Lab — Foundation
Weekly sessions
The starting point for every serious player. Foundation Tech Lab introduces the full 7 Academy methodology — situational awareness, decision-making, technical execution and more — in a structured, high-energy indoor environment. The pace is demanding but the environment is supportive.
When
- Introduction to all 7 development components
- Cognitive and reaction drills
- Foundational technical work — touch, passing, finishing
- Small-sided games with coached outcomes
- Up to 16 players · 1:6 coach ratio
Performance
Tech Lab — Performance
Weekly sessions
For the player who has the basics and wants to push further. Performance Tech Lab runs higher-intensity opposed practices, overload scenarios and game intelligence drills. Sessions are built around applying technique under real pressure — the step between learning and competing.
When
- High-intensity opposed and overload practices
- Tactical positioning and game intelligence
- Advanced technical repetition under pressure
- Competitive small-sided games
- Up to 16 players · 1:6 coach ratio
Elite
Tech Lab — Elite
Every Thursday
Invite only. The Elite Tech Lab is for players operating at the highest level who are ready to be pushed beyond the standard session. Individual feedback, elite-level training technology, and a relentless standard across every drill.
When
- Invite-only — contact us to apply
- Elite training technology integrated into every session
- Individual player development feedback
- Cognitive training at the highest level
- Up to 12 players · 1:6 coach ratio
Every session
Sixty minutes.
Six stages.
Every Tech Lab session — across all three tiers — follows the same structured format. The intensity and complexity scales with the tier, but the framework never changes. That consistency is what drives development.
- 01
Warm-Up & Activation
Dynamic movement and mental preparation.
- 02
Reaction & Cognitive Drills
Scanning, recognition, and speed of thought.
- 03
Opposed Practices
1v1s and 2v2s — quality under direct pressure.
- 04
Overload Scenarios
2v1s and 3v2s — reading and exploiting advantages.
- 05
Technical Repetition
Isolated work to lock in execution quality.
- 06
Small-Sided Games
Everything applied. Full intensity. Real decisions.
FAQ
Common Questions
Foundation is designed for players new to the Tech Lab programme — focusing on introducing the 7 development components in a structured way. Performance builds on that with higher-intensity practices for players ready to apply technique under real pressure. Elite is invite-only and is reserved for players operating at the highest level.
Foundation and Performance run for U6–U16 players; Elite (invite only) is U8–U16. We assess each player individually to ensure they are placed in the right tier.
Yes — free trials are available on Foundation and Performance sessions. If you're interested in Elite, please contact us directly as these are invite only.
We keep every session small — up to 16 players, and just 12 in our invite-only Elite sessions — with a 1:6 coach-to-player ratio across every tier for personalised coaching and individual feedback.
Elite places are offered by our coaching team based on observed ability, attitude, and commitment. You can also contact us directly to express interest — we do assess players on request.
Yes — it all happens in our purpose-built indoor facility in Esher, so the weather's rarely something you'll need to think about. And if a session ever does need to change, we'll always give you a good heads-up.
We use specialist, state-of-the-art training equipment — including the Fast Feet Circle Icon, Wireless Circuits and Dribble Gates — which are also used by clubs including FC Barcelona, Manchester City and Adidas. The tech is integrated directly into drills, not used as a gimmick.
Get started
Free Trial
Available on Foundation and Performance sessions. Come and see what a Tech Lab session is really like.