Ocasa partnered with Derby County Football Club to provide quality accommodation for their academy players. With a focus on fostering independence while maintaining a supportive environment, this collaboration marked an innovative approach to player development.

The Challenge 

Traditionally, academy players live with host families, providing a structured home environment. However, Derby County Football Club wanted to trial independent living for a small group of players to see how they would adapt to the change. Finding a suitable location that provided both independence and a sense of community was crucial.

The Solution 

Ocasa Homes provided: 

• Multiple rooms within an HMO unit – Ensuring players could stay together to build relationships and maintain team cohesion. 
• Proximity to town centre – Saxon House was chosen for its accessibility, ensuring players could easily reach key amenities. 
• Tailored service – Ocasa Homes went the extra mile, offering to visit the stadium to meet with the welfare team and ensuring maintenance requests were handled as a priority. 

The Results 

This arrangement provided Derby County’s academy players with: 

• A structured yet independent living environment – Helping them transition into professional life. 
• Reliable support – Maintenance and welfare considerations were given priority to ensure a smooth experience. 

Looking Ahead

This trial has set the foundation for future collaborations, with Derby County exploring the potential for similar arrangements for upcoming academy players. Ocasa Homes remains committed to supporting football clubs in providing flexible, high-quality housing solutions tailored to their specific needs. 

By offering a well-structured and supportive independent living setup, Ocasa Homes helped Derby County Football Club successfully trial a new housing model for their academy players. This partnership highlights how tailored corporate lettings can enhance player development while ensuring comfort and stability off the pitch.