The bespoke football aspect of the programme is unique to any other football & education programme in the country and a concept no other can provide.

We are the first dedicated football and education academy league linked to a major feeder league in the country, added to that it is the first football and education league to be sanctioned by the Football Association.

The Northern Premier League Football Academy is only similar to programmes that are in operation at colleges, trusts, independently run or at a local hub centre in the sense of the educational national BTEC sports course being delivered, but that is where the similarities ends.

The reason why this concept is vastly different and has caught the imagination of those involved in the professional and semi-professional game and one of the main differences with the NPL Football Academy, is that all the students will be representing their local non-league (semi-professional) football club in the academy league and national cups, in an organisation and management structure respected and known throughout football, the Northern Premier League (Evo-Stik League)

The concept is also different in many other ways a few to mention are:-

• All of our coaches have to be at UEFA A or B status (or on obtaining the position be working towards the award) we also have coaches working at our clubs that are currently working in professional club academies and are fomer and current professional and semi-professional players.

• In relation to squad numbers, group size will only be of 16-22 students who will work together consistently through coaching and education and together represent the football club on and off the pitch for that year intake only. Therefore a team will not be picked from a large group or hub of students differently each week.

• Also as a sanctioned league 85%-90% of games are played at the main stadiums of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League clubs, as opposed to college/park pitches. The Evo-Stik NPL also ensure officials are all of the required standard.

• Our growing reputation has also ensured our enrichment days for students are linked to many renowned football venues such as St George’s Park home of the Football Association and Premier League Clubs.

What competitions will the students play in?

As well as the NPL Football Academy League title to play for, they will also have opportunities to compete in the national FA Youth Cup and local County competitions the club wish to enter.

We will endeavour to ensure we work with students to provide an enrichment of football experiences throughout the year. From expert coaching through to the unique match day experience, we will treat the students with respect and look to provide a platform to allow them to receive the same football education programme as a professional football scholar would at a Football League/Premier League club and in return we will be requesting students to dedicate themselves to the programme.

IMPORTANT:  In order to take part in the football programme students will be expected to be up to date in their education and have no outstanding assignments etc.

Pathways

Where can a student progress to?

By being a part of the Northern Premier League Football Academy and by already being involved in the club, students will have first chance opportunities to be able to progress into their clubs first team as a semi-professional footballer. First team coaching staff informed regularly of a students progression (often watching games) by the academy coach and inviting students to training sessions if progressing well.

Every season there are also opportunities to play in the newly formed ‘Inter-League’ representative side where a nominated selected squad of players from all clubs in the league will compete against professional club academies in a series of games to showcase their talents.