This is a specialist football programme based at Athersley Rec Fc football ground in Barnsley, where players will combine training and games along with a full-time educational programme.
This experience will mirror many aspects of a professional football scholarship to create a unique learning environment for players both on and off the field of play.
This partnership was set-up for, but is not exclusive to, players who were released from a professional club or have played high standard grass roots football.
The Scholarship Coach will be the current First Team manager at Athersley Rec Fc, Jimmy Whitehead, which provides an amazing and realistic opportunity to progress through to the senior Athersley Rec FC teams while gaining academic qualifications in Sport.
Possibility of an overseas football tour. These run every second year, so all Scholarship students get the opportunity to participate. The trip is usually to the USA, to forge links with American Universities wanting to recruit players for Soccer Scholarships. The trip has secured several scholarships over the years.
Dependent on football tour and Awards Night locations.
Players will study a BTEC Sport Extended Diploma course over 2 years which is the equivalent of 3 A-levels. There will also be opportunity to gain further coaching and fitness Qualifications throughout their Scholarship.
Standard college academic criteria plus football trial.
Initial enquiries on 01709 300600. Watch out for separate publicity.
This programme is for students playing at a high standard of football and wish to continue to do so while studying for FE qualifications. Past students have gone on to professional and semi-professional clubs and also into higher education, both in the UK and the USA.
Jamie Vardy is the scheme’s most celebrated product!