Course Overview
Wiltshire College & University Centre has developed its Football Academy to provide its students with a unique opportunity to develop skills and knowledge of the game whilst accessing a programme of study. The full-time football programme will assist players in their development through two training sessions per week, consisting of technical and tactical elements.In addition to this, individuals will access a full strength and conditioning programme using one of the most impressive facilities within Wiltshire at CrossFit Civitas. The programme includes men's and women's teams that will play in the ECFA league on Wednesday afternoons and a men's team that will play in an U21s floodlit development league.Students will be able to reflect on their performance through our video analysis programme that will be used post and pre-match to enhance performance.Our practical lessons take place at a range of top facilities across the county including Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Melksham Town Football Club, Stanley Park Football Club, Springfield, Beversbrook Football Facility and Play Football Indoor Dome Swindon.The programme is open to both male and female footballers, who will primarily study on any sports or public services course at our Trowbridge and Lackham sites. However, if students would like to study in another subject area within the College at any of our sites, they will still be eligible to access the Football Academy on a reduced timetable.This is an exciting opportunity for keen footballers who will be exposed to some of the best facilities within the south of England, creating and replicating a full time, professional programme. Students will be able to gain additional football and sport qualifications in addition to their main qualification, building a football specific element towards their CV.
What will I learn?
During this two-year course, learners will focus on areas including:
• Technical Sessions - This is used to improve the skill, technique and awareness of players and their knowledge of when and where to use these in game situations.
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Tactical Sessions - These sessions are primarily used before games and include phases of play, set pieces and small-sided games to form a team strategy before games.
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Strength and Conditioning Programme - We have joined forces with Wiltshire's premier strength and conditioning providers CrossFit Civitas to provide students with an athletic edge that will assist them in game and training situations.
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Video Analysis - The Academy programme will include analysis sessions that will enable players to highlight strength and areas for improvement within their own individual performance and the team structure. This element of the programme can give students accelerated development within their game understanding.
• Games Programme - The Academy teams will enter the ECFA (English College's Football Association) league and play in the South West Division on Wednesday afternoons. In addition to these teams, students will have the opportunity to play in an U21 development team that will play under floodlights a couple of times a month.
Students will also have the opportunity to access additional qualifications outside of their main study programme. For example, an FA Level One in Coaching and First Aid Course.
You will be allocated a personal Tutor who will work with you throughout your time at the College to help you balance your academic and your football priorities. Your tutor will also help you set targets to achieve the grades you require for university, if you choose to study further, and will also help with things like work experience and looking for employment after College.
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
Student assessments are carried out in a variety of ways, including assignment writing, portfolio building, presentations and practical application. There are no formal exams on the main programme.
In the first year of the programme, you will be required to complete a 50-day work placement with an employer in an industry related to your course of study. This is a compulsory part of your programme and you will be expected to complete your work placement on non-college days.
You will be provided with additional information and guidance at interview, enrolment and during induction. The College will assist you in finding suitable placement opportunities in the industry and will support you throughout.
Entry Requirements
• 4 GCSEs grade 9-4, including English and maths (or equivalent).
• A good reference and a satisfactory interview.
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Football Academy students will be invited to take part in a trial match during pre-season.
Additional Costs and Information
A charge of approximately £200-300 will be required for off-site visits, equipment and kit if you are doing this course. You will be required to purchase your training kit. You can also purchase additional items from the online shop such as kit bags, water bottles and additional clothing, should you so choose. Trips include to the Youth World Cup, Gothia and St. George's Park.
Financial assistance may be available for those students that qualify. Students should contact Customer Services for further information and a bursary application form.
We are a College Grassroots ECFA Football Hub.
For more information, please contact ben.deacon@wiltshire.ac.uk or call 01249 465249.
What Could I Do Next?
You can progress onto further study at college or university level, such as our HND in Sport Coaching and Development. Alternatively, you could progress into a career in sports coaching, personal training, officiating, sports development or as an athlete yourself through our links with local semi and professional clubs and our additional links with Universities with similar football programmes. Students can also receive assistance in applying for scholarship programmes within the USA.
