There are many academies and numerous youth leagues but the NPL Football Academy is the first to combine both. Welcome The NPL Football Academy in conjunction with the Northern Premier League is the first in the UK to launch an Academy league combining football with further education. An initial pilot programme began in 2014/15 with students aged 16-18 at five chosen clubs, Leek Town, Mickleover Sports, Newcastle Town, Radcliffe Borough and Romulus. The programme included studying for a BTEC Level 2 and BTEC Level 3 in Sport accompanied by a bespoke football programme which involved working with UEFA qualified coaches on a daily basis. The clubs also competed in the NPL Football Academy League and national competitions led by the prestigious and historic FA Youth Cup. The programme based at the football club or associated facilities sees the education delivered on site and runs alongside existing youth set-ups. This enables the best of each year s intake the opportunity to play in the first FA sanctioned league at a level with a fantastic reputation throughout the football world, whilst gaining qualifications which could provide a passport to employment in the sporting industry. The programme will look to expand each year with 10-12 clubs earmarked for the 2015-16 season and 12-18 clubs in 2016/17 across the geography of the senior league. Northern Premier League Chairman Mark Harris said: We are proud to be leading the way again with the backing of the FA and the expertise of Eliteform behind the programme. There are many academies and numerous youth leagues but the NPL Football Academy is the first to combine both. The NPL Football Academy will create a pool of player talent for clubs to draw upon and benefit from directly as well offering young people a fantastic path into the sporting industry through the qualifications and real life work experience our clubs can offer. He further added, Not every student will go on to have a career as a player and together with greater community engagement for the clubs, they ll also be playing a vital role in introducing the next generation of administrators and volunteers into sport and we hope, Non-League football. Activate your ambition... Eliteform director Darren Royle said We are proud to be managing this excellent concept and unique partnership with the Northern Premier League and also to be partnering some of the top colleges and training providers in the country. With the positive feedback already from the football and education world, it seems this programme can only go from strength to strength. It Is an excellent exciting opportunity, the programme attracts students who are keen on both sport, especially football and are drawn by the prospect of excellent coaching and the unique games programme we offer whilst gaining qualifications that will lead them into a brighter future. Inside this brochure we hope to provide all the answers to your questions and information you require.
Our Education Programme We are dedicated to provide the best support for the student Education is the primary endpoint of the programme We will hold parent evenings so progression can be monitored on the education and football
Study The education aspect of the programme is delivered by experienced quality tutors provided by the college / training providers. The difference being instead of the education taking place in a classroom at the college it takes place at the football club or associated facilities providing a different kind of learning environment. Education is the primary endpoint of the programme and as such engagement in the training and playing of the football programme will be prohibited if the education is not up to standard. So what is involved? You will be based at the football club or associated facilities four days a week, where you will study for your chosen qualification in the morning, with training taking place in the afternoons, Wednesday is match day for the students, you will also gain an insight into the sports industry through work experience at the club where you are enrolled, having opportunities to experience such areas as videoing matches, provide analysis, photograph matches, write previews and match reports for the club s website and local press, promote the club on social media, deal with match day administration, be a part of the corporate hospitality and contribute to the community side of the club. Student support We are dedicated to provide the best support for the student and along with the college support team, each club will also have a welfare officer to help and guide any students who require support. The college can also assist in obtaining a bursary for families with low income to help with travel, food and other associated costs required for the course. Throughout the term we will hold parent evenings so progression can be monitored on the education and football aspects of the course. Code of conduct? There is a code of conduct booklet for the educational programme provided by the college / training provider that all students will receive (sign for) and be expected to follow. Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport Awarding Body: EDEXCEL Award: BTEC Diploma in Sport (QCF) Content: Learning about different aspects of the sports industry, including: Anatomy and physiology for sport / Planning and leading sports activities / Outdoor adventurous activities / Leading outdoor adventurous activities / Development of personal fitness / Technical skills and tactical awareness for sport etc Also included is quality football coaching by UEFA football coaches and playing in the NPLFA league the first FA sanctioned league in the UK Entry Requirements: Two GCSE s at C/D grade or above including English or Maths. Course Assessment: You will be assessed in a variety of ways including assignments and practical tasks How long is the Programme: 1 year Pathways and Progression: Level 3 qualification / Apprenticeship / Employment. Level 3 Diploma Certificate in Sport Awarding Body: EDEXCEL Award: BTEC Diploma in Sport (QCF) Content: Learning about different aspects of the sports industry including: Sports development / Sports coaching / Psychology for sports performance / Profiling sports performance / Principles of anatomy and physiology / The physiology of fitness / Practical team sport / Rules, regulations and officiating / Sports nutrition / Sport as a business / Assessing risk in sport / Sports injuries / Leadership in sport / Analysis of sports performance / Preparing to coach a range of sports activities / Organising sports events etc. Also included is quality football coaching by UEFA football coaches and playing in the NPLFA league the first FA sanctioned league in the UK. Entry Requirements: Four GCSE s at C grade or above including English and Maths or a BTEC First Diploma (or equivalent) with a merit grade. Course Assessment: You will be assessed in a variety of ways including assignments and practical tasks How long is the Programme: 2 years Pathways and Progression: The BTEC Extended Diploma is the equivalent to three A levels enabling progression on to a foundation degree level sport or leisure course at university / Employment.
We are the first dedicated football and education academy league in the country sanctioned by the FA. Our Football Programme Our football aspect of the programme with its unique match day experience is different to other football and education schemes.
Train Play Our games programme is both exciting and provides an experience on a regular basis not provided by any other programme. Being in an FA sanctioned league we will have a full set of officials for each game and the fixtures will be played at the home ground of the club involved. You will represent the club in both league and cup competitions. has been sanctioned is our proposal to play 90% of all fixtures at the clubs main stadia. You will be playing your games in a graded non-league stadium as opposed to college, park pitches. When do the games take place? The majority of games will take place on a Wednesday afternoon; however some games may take place in the evening under floodlights creating a new experience for many of the students. The football aspect of the programme is unique to any other football and education scheme. We are the first dedicated football and academy league in the country, added to that it is the first to be sanctioned by the Football Association. The NPL Football Academy is similar to programmes that are in operation at colleges, independently or at a local-hub centre. However the reason this programme and concept has caught the imagination of those involved in the professional and semi-professional game and a major difference to colleges, hubs etc is that all the students will be in a squad representing their local semi-professional club in the league and national cups. Having an academy linked to the clubs has been seen as the way forward in helping develop both young players and further participation in football at this age range. Our Training We are dedicated to provide the best coaching for the students involved in our football programme. With our links in the football world which are continually growing we are gaining access to some of the best coaching programmes and coaches. Unlike other programmes which may have general sports coaches our coaches will have to be a UEFA qualified football coach. Our coaches will have specialised in house training and be mentored by ex-professionals who have progressed up the coaching ladder to the professional game. Where will you train? Training will take place either at the football club or at a designated venue organised by the club. How many days will you train? You will train for four days a week, usually Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Who will be the coach? The club and the NPLFA will employ a UEFA qualified coach to train and manage the team. What will training involve? Throughout the programme you will work on technical ability, taking part in drills designed to improve your technique. You will also take part in a fitness programme to increase your overall fitness. To prepare for the games programme you will work on team shape and tactics. What kit do I wear? You will be required to wear a personalised training kit, this will be available to purchase similar to other football and education programmes although at a subsidised cost. What happens if I fall behind in my studies? In order to train and be considered for selection, you will be required to keep up to date with your studies. This is a strict policy at the NPL Football Academy. Can I continue to play with the club I am at? Of course you can, we actively encourage you to continue to play for your junior side at the weekend and hopefully by receiving regular coaching it will help you in your performances for the club you are playing for. What competitions will I play in? You will play in the NPL Football Academy league playing league games against other semi-professional club academies. You will play in the NPL Football Academy cup competition. You will also play in the FA Youth Cup, the national cup competition for all under 18s from the Premier League to the Non-League. Where will the games take place? We are proud that the league has been sanctioned by the Football Association. One of the main reasons the league What kit is required? No kit is required. This is provided by the football club. What are the possible pathways? By being involved as part of the club, you will have an advantage over other local players in the area to impress the first team manager of the club you represent and play semi-professional football. Many clubs at this level also have contacts with feeder clubs to help you progress. Code of conduct? There is a code of conduct booklet for the football programme that all students will receive (sign for) and be expected to follow.
A typical week with the NPL Football Academy Progression Monday 9am - 12pm 1pm - 3pm coaching Tuesday 9am - 12pm 1pm - 3pm coaching Wednesday 9am - 10am 10am - 11am match preparation Research on progression and career opportunities in the UK demonstrates that BTECs open doors into Higher Education and beyond. Figures based on research revealed in January 2011 by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show that: Thursday 9am - 10am 11am - 12pm 1pm - 3pm coaching / cool down coaching / match analysis Friday 9am - 11am 11am - 12am 1pm - 3pm 2pm kick off catch up coaching - More than 100,000 BTEC students apply to Higher Education and make the university grade. - In 2011, admissions to UK universities for BTEC students had risen 30% year on year. - 95% of Higher Education institutions accept BTEC students, including Russell Experience Group universities. - More than 50% of 20-30-year-olds going on to Higher Education are BTEC students. We understand that 16/17 year olds don t always know what they want to do for a career at that age. By being part of a semi-professional club, all students will have the opportunity to gain experience in different areas of sport. Throughout their time on the programme, they will get opportunities to do the following:- Video games and training. Analyse games and training: Live and on Video. Sports Photography: Taking photos of games, training and behind the scenes. Social Media: Promote the club/academy online, generate interest, update match scores. Journalism: Write match reports, previews, news stories, interviews. Help out on match days: Stadium, Kit, administration, hospitality for first team and academy. Coaching: In schools, soccer schools, the opportunity to coach sessions themselves. Referee local games. Shadow first team staff: Manager, physiotherapist, kit man. By experiencing all these areas, a student may want to expand on an experience they enjoyed for a career/ hobby which we will be able to guide them onto the next step (Higher Education, Employment, Work Experience) Following successful completion of your Level 2 or 3 award, you can either move into a Level 3 BTEC cohort or move onto higher education if you have completed your level three with successful grades. You could go on to study Sport at HNC (1-year course), HND or Foundation degree (2-year course) or Honours Degree Level (3- or 4-year course) dependant on your final grades. Some courses also offer the chance to spend a year in industry (sandwich courses), giving you great hands-on experience and the chance of a job when you graduate. You could take a degree course in Sport, but there are lots more specialist subjects that might interest you also having taken a BTEC in Sport: - Anatomy and Physiology - Adventure and Outdoor Activities Management - Education Studies - Journalism - Leisure Management
Our Supporters Paul Scholes It is an excellent idea to embrace the educational courses with a football programme in a full time capacity. The education courses are such an important part of this package and will enable the students to focus in all areas of sport whilst obtaining qualifications. The level and expertise of the NPL Academy league structure is also very important and the way forward linking football academies with semi-professional football clubs. Manchester United & England Legend. 3Steps to activate your ambition 1 Visit www.nplfa.co.uk Enter your personal details via the registration page on our site. Joe Royle Anything that combines education and sport for young people has to be applauded. Education is more important than ever in the modern world and physical fitness is so important for youngsters health and wellbeing. If, at the end of the course, an individual achieves further qualifications and gets the chance to move up to the first team - and that becomes a launch pad to even better things - then all well and good Former Manchester City, Everton & Oldham Athletic Manager. 2 What happens when I ve applied? Once we have your details on our database we can then invite you to an event at the NPL Football Academy club you registered for, such as an information evening or an open football session. Craig Dawson The NPL was a big factor in helping me achieve my ambitions. Studying for a sports degree while playing at semi-professional level meant I could improve my education while developing as a player and this initiative can have the same impact. West Bromwich Albion & former England U21 Player. 3 What s the next step after the event? You will have decided by then if you wish to further engage with the programme and if you do, we will keep in touch with you via a newsletter and continue to invite you down to the many different events that will be taking place at the club of your choice. Danny Donachie Playing semi-professional football in the NPL gave me the opportunity to develop on and off the field, allowing me to play League football while pursuing academic interests that have lead me to a rewarding job in the Premier League. It is a wonderful opportunity, enabling young players to follow their dreams. Head of Medical at Everton Football Club. Once the GSCE results in August are revealed - subject to the grades you achieve - you will then be asked to come down to an enrolment day with the club and college before confirming your place in the NPL Football Academy.
A FULL TIME EDUCATION AND FOOTBALL PROGRAMME 01457-239-129 info@nplfa.co.uk www.nplfa co.uk NPL Football Academy @NPLFA Pictures in this brochure kindly supplied by PG sports photography.