Football College
Study a recognised sport qualification, train in a professional football environment and build a pathway into university, employment or the sports industry.
Education and football, built around your future.
Accrington Stanley Community Trust has delivered full-time college education programmes since 2012. Students study within the environment of a professional football club while developing the knowledge, qualifications and practical experience needed for a career in sport or further study.
Based at Stanley Sports Hub, the programme combines classroom learning, football development, work-based opportunities and access to additional qualifications.
Study sport. Live sport.
A practical, sport-focused curriculum delivered by experienced tutors, with Level 2 and Level 3 pathways and extensive opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.
Recognised qualifications
Level 3 study is equivalent to three A-Levels and can support progression to university, alongside Level 2 routes for students who need a different entry point.
Real-world learning
Work-based learning, practical projects and access to additional NGB qualifications help students build experience as well as knowledge.
Professional environment
Study at the multi-million-pound Stanley Sports Hub within the setting of Accrington Stanley and its community organisation.
Train, compete and improve.
Football is built into the weekly programme, with structured coaching and competitive fixtures alongside academic study.
5+ hours training
Minimum five hours of football training each week delivered by UEFA-qualified coaches.
Competitive fixtures
Represent Accrington Stanley teams in competitive football, including fixtures against EFL and Premier League club programmes.
Develop the whole player
Technical development sits alongside education, employability and personal development so students have more than one route forward.
Progression beyond college.
The programme is designed to open doors across higher education, football, coaching, fitness and the wider sport and active leisure industry.
University & scholarships
Progress to university, higher education or explore opportunities such as USA scholarships.
Coaching & development
Build towards careers in sports coaching, community sport, football development and PE.
Fitness & employment
Develop skills for roles across fitness, active leisure and the wider sports industry.
Is the Football College right for you?
The programme is aimed at young people aged 16–19 who have completed their GCSEs and have a strong interest in sport or football.
Level 2: normally a minimum of three GCSEs at grade 3 or above.
Your details
Tell us a little about the student and we will pass the enquiry straight to the Education team.
Questions before you register?
Quick answers for students and parents considering the Football College pathway.
Who can apply for Football College?
The programme is aimed at 16–19 learners progressing from school into full-time sport education.
Do I need to be an academy footballer?
No. Football ability and experience can vary. The programme combines education with a structured football environment and is not restricted to academy players.
What qualification will I study?
The programme offers sport qualifications with different entry levels depending on the learner’s GCSE profile and the structure confirmed for the intake.
Can the qualification lead to university?
Yes. The Level 3 pathway is designed as a progression route and can support applications into higher education.
What happens after I register interest?
The Education team will contact the parent or guardian with information about recruitment events, the programme and the next steps. Registering interest is not a formal enrolment application.