This two-year Football Education & Coaching Programme in partnership with West Bromwich Albion Foundation is aimed at talented 16-18-year-olds with a passion for football and an ambition to work in the industry. You must be prepared to work towards an academic qualification in sport and develop your football playing ability. The football programme will be similar to WBA Academy multidisciplinary training structure, to support its player development and recruitment.
You'll need four GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including English and Maths, although lower entry qualifications may be accepted if you do further study alongside the programme. You'll also need to pass assessment at an open football trial.
Our Football Education & Coaching Programme with West Bromwich Albion Foundation will include:
The course combines an academic qualification with football development, involving study for a BTEC in Sport as well as weekly football training and representing West Bromwich Albion in the National Football Youth League (U19) against other professional clubs.
Education takes place in The Hawthorns media suite, overlooking the pitch, with fitness training sessions at Xercise4Less and Central Campus.
The football element is run by The Albion Foundation and is delivered by UEFA B Licence Coaches who have direct links to WBA Academy and Scouts.
You will participate in an average of 14 hours of teaching, 9.5 hours of coaching, 1 fixture per week and 2 hours of volunteering at The Albion Foundation.
WBA training kit will need to be purchased through The Albion Foundation, to be worn during all college activities. WBA match kit will be provided for fixtures in the National Football Youth League.
You will have the opportunity to complete 30 hours of work experience at the Albion Foundation as part of your study programme.
The football academy will visit one Premier League game during the season, visit the WBA Academy and tour the stadium, as well as playing one match on The Hawthorns main pitch during the close season.
You will also have a chance to visit and be coached at the National Football Centre, St George’s Park; tour Wembley Stadium; and play in Europe as part of an end-of-season football tour.
Ongoing assessment is carried out through written assignment work, practical observations and presentations. Each learner will receive an individual player development plan at the end of each academic term. The aim is to create players who are multi-functional, handle high intensity football and who are low maintenance.
Successful completion of this Football Education & Coaching Programme with West Bromwich Albion Foundation gives you the opportunity to progress into Higher Education at Sandwell College or University, and into employment in Sports Coaching and Development. Exceptional players may earn the opportunity to pursue a career as a professional or semi-professional player.
Success Rates on courses for 16-18 year-olds nearly 7% better than national average*
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